EMERGENCY CONTACT DURING THE TRIP

During the trip there will be a liaison person here at home, as well as the church office, who can be contacted if there is need to get in touch with the mission trip staff who will be carrying cell phones. This would be for emergencies and not for any other reason.  Calling just to talk to Johnny can be very disruptive to our busy schedule.  All contact is to go through the staff member, thank you.  We report in when we have arrived and a student team will post regular web updates.  The site address (URL) will be provided before we leave.

 

KITCHEN DUTY

Although the hospital provides the cooking staff, with our size group, much time and effort will go into meals. Everyone’s help is essential. All team members are required to assist with serving, cleanup, dishwashing and trash removal.

 

 

MUSIC

Please DO NOT bring ipods, CD orMP3 players on the trip.  This is a time to clear your mind and open it to new sights and sounds.  If you bring them we will assume you mean them as gifts for local people and we will gladly take them from you and deliver them as we see fit.   In other words, any contraband will be confiscated and may not make the return flight.

 

NOTEBOOKS

It is wise to bring a spiral or similar type notebook. You may want to keep a daily journal of your activities and experiences.

 

RULES OF CONDUCT

Conduct is to be that of a Christian person: willing to give, to take and to maintain the spirit of unity and harmony of the group, and to extend politeness and courtesy to those with whom we come in contact, both nationals and team members.  There will be no displays of affection.  The local culture is quite conservative and our goal is not to offend.  Even while traveling and away from our hosts, couples are not to embrace, kiss or engage is other affectionate contact. 

 

QUIET PLEASE!

We will be staying at La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital.  Jesus was very sensitive to the suffering of those in pain and we should too.  Noise levels, loud talking and laughter are a problem and are more so after sunset. Also, some medical staff lives at the hospital and they sleep at “odd” times.   Please walk and talk softly in AND around the hospital. 

 

WORSHIP SERVICES

Each weekend we will attend worship services with the local people. Team members are required to attend services and you may be asked to participant in the services. Times for daily devotions are built into the schedule and on-time attendance is mandatory.

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEES?

There are some extra expenses not included in the team project costs. They are:

·        Personal items

·        Spending money (approximately $60-70)

·        Souvenirs

·        Snacks along the way

·        Meals while traveling, 3 meals are eaten in airports

·        Cold drinks from the small market next to the hospital

·        Offering for Sabbath School and Church, please be prepared to give an offering, but large offerings may be seen as insulting.

·        Pre-Trip Immunizations (as per your parents choice - none are required.)

·        A passport/Visa (Visas are not required of US Citizens. If you are a not a US citizen, be sure to check with the consulate of your country as the Belize government may require you to have a visa.)

·        Early return home due to disciplinary action. 

 

 

EARLY RETURN HOME

In the event a team member has to return home due to disciplinary action, it will be at the parent’s or individual’s extra expense. This expense includes the cost of a staff member’s round trip ticket to accompany them.  If a team member must return home due to illness, it will be covered by insurance.

 

                                           MEDICAL

 

HEALTH STATUS FORM

It is very important to list on the health form any special medical or emotional problem that we need to know about such as: diabetes, recent surgery or x-rays, allergies to medicine or particular foods, and any treatment for a medical problem. In the past this has never hindered anyone from being on the team. If any of these items were left off the application, please send us details immediately. A minor item in the US maybe major in a different environment. Problems not disclosed by the parents or team members might be cause to send a team member home.

 

INSURANCE

We provide travel insurance as part of the Mission Team fees.  It covers you if your regular health insurance does not and in the event of an emergency medical evacuation back to the USA, during travel and work on projects.

 

IMPORTANT: MEDICAL INFORMATION

Doctors and hospitals are available in Belize. Your parents or guardians are responsible for doctor and hospital bills. Qualified medical care will usually be available traveling with us as part of the team on the trip. The application includes a medical treatment release form, which must be signed by a parent or guardian and notarized for all team members under age 18.  If you have any special needs, you must note this on the medical for and we recommend you speak with the trip medical director, Joel Stoia, PA.  If you need insulin and allergy shots, come prepared with all the medication needed for the duration of the trip.

 

IMPORTANT: MEDICAL INFORMATION – ALLERGIC REACTIONS

If you have a history of allergies, you may want to see your doctor to get any needed prescription in case you come in contact with something you are allergic to. The same is true for any other allergies or conditions that may require medication, such as asthma. Even if you don’t think you will need it, it’s best to have it handy.  What is minor in the US can be major when traveling internationally.  The most frequent medical problem is reactions to things.  Please make sure you note any “sensitivities” on your medical form. (If you need special food, it is your responsibility to provide for that special diet.)

 

PRESCRIPTION MEDS

Don’t forget them and they must be given to the trip medical director for dispensing, safekeeping and to avoid any questions of the students.

                                      WHAT TO BRING

LUGGAGE

Pack light – bring everything you need & need everything you bring. Your packing is limited to one piece of luggage (50 lb max.) to check and one to carry on.  You will also be carrying a team supplies suitcase. We will be packing the team supply bags at our last meeting. You will be informed of its’ contents as you may need to inform airline personnel.   Suggested luggage is one duffel bag or soft side suitcase for checked bag and a small backpack for carry-on.   You are responsible for all your items; if they get lost or stolen you can only blame yourself

 

NEW TSA RULES FOR LIQUIDS IN CARRY-ONS

All of liquids, gels or aerosols are carried on:

1.          Must be in containers label 3 ounces or less (More than 3 ounces permitted in checked baggage.)

2.         Place those containers in a 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

3.         Remove zip-top from your carry-on and put it in the security bin for screening.

4.         Only 1 bag per person.   If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

 

Prescription medications are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. The medical director will collect and declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

 

 

CLOTHING

Before packing, make sure you’re not bringing something you won’t be allowed to wear. Lightweight clothes dry faster after laundering; but light colored clothing will be hard to keep clean.  It will be hot but you may want your skin covered due to sun/bugs.  Students can arrange to have laundry done for a fee (approx $3).

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Your mid-section stomach is to be covered at all times.  Low cut pants and short shirts would be considered offensive to our hosts.

 

TRAVELING ATTIRE

For the flight over and back we will wear our mission trip shirts with nice jeans or pants.  

 

CASUAL ATTIRE

Casual attire is needed for evening meetings, Vacation Bible School, village visits, excursions, etc. Your clothes should be neat, modest, and durable. Since we represent the King of Kings we are to look like His children! Casual clothes would include slacks, modest shorts, attractive shirts and tops (not sleeveless), and durable shoes.  T-shirts should have no “statements” and nothing anyone would consider questionable on them.  You may want to pack older clothes you give-away when we leave.

 

DRESS ATTIRE (dress cool but formally and not revealing)

Your dress outfit will be worn for church service on the Sabbaths we are on the trip.  No sleeveless shirts or dresses and no sandals for church.

          For the guys:

Nice slacks (not shorts), button up dress shirt (short sleeves recommended) no suit or sport coat necessary.  A tie is not required but would be a nice touch.

          For the girls:

                   Nice dress or skirt and blouse. Flat shoes are recommended.

 

CONSTRUCTION ATTIRE

Please bring clothes you won’t mind getting dirty and possibly ruined. This includes: jeans or used slacks and t-shirts (make sure any logos or words on them are appropriate) or work shirts and close-toed shoes. For safety reasons long pants will be required on many types of jobs and are always recommended.

 

ACCESSORIES

No jewelry or expensive watches; nothing to draw attention to yourself.  The local culture is conservative and they have much less than you, we do not want to risk offending them.

 

 

TREATING ITEMS WITH PERMETHRIN

Permethrin is an insecticide that is used to treat clothing and bedding before you pack.  It lasts two – three weeks and helps keeps insects off of items you’ve treated.  This is optional, you should follow all labeling instructions and you should not treat your pillow.  Sunny’s or REI are common places to purchase this.

 

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST:

‘                           Medications

         

‘                           Plenty of at least SPF15 sunscreen* and Chapstick

 

‘                           Mosquito repellent (30% Deet or 20% controlled release)

         

‘                           Anti-bacterial wipes and several bottles of pocket size hand sanitizer*

                                               

‘                           Passport and shot record (Will be collected by staff on arrival.)

* Please read the new TSA rules for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-ons.

 

 

NOTE: If clothing does not meet the standards, you will not be allowed to wear it. Please read the rules on the preceding pages.

 

‘          Visitation outfits – No t-shirts (other than the mission Ts) when we visit schools, villages or do programs.

 

‘                           Casual outfits, modest shorts permitted on leisure activities.

                  

‘                           Work outfits, including close-toed shoes & long pants as needed (see not above)

 

‘        Lightweight pants – jeans may be too hot.  Zip-off leg pants are great but not required.  (Nylon seems to be the coolest.)

 

‘            2 dress outfits for church or 1 worn twice

                  

‘                           Underclothing, Socks & Belt

 

‘        Shoes – 1 pr for working plus shoes for general walking & church.  Water or beach shoes are a good idea too Insect bites on the feet are a problem.  When walking around we recommend your feet be covered so sandals should be worn with socks.  If you choose to risk it definitely use lots of repellant.

                                     

‘        Modest bathing suit – 1 piece for girls – not tankinis.  If you have nothing else, you must wear a non-white T-shirt that is NEVER removed.

         

‘        Hat or cap to wear on the job site (the sun is very intense) better if it covers back of neck.

 

‘                           1 light jacket and/or rain gear

         

‘                           A Bible (bring along a Zip Loc bag or case to keep it in)

 

‘        Blanket and/or bedroll (example at meeting) mattresses & sheet provided by hospital

           

‘                           1 camping pillow, No full size ones

 

‘                           Camera, film, extra batteries: (disposables are good)

 

‘

* Please read the new TSA rules for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-ons.

                           Suitcase, soft bag, or duffel bag (Less than 50lbs, not larger than 60 linear inches)

‘                           Wash Cloth & 1 bath towel (quick dry camping towel or chamois helpful)

                  

‘                           Sleepwear

                  

‘                           Laundry bag

 

‘                           Optional laundry detergent (if you want to wash out something)*

 

‘                           Flashlight & extra batteries and bulb (AA Maglite is perfect size)

 

‘                           Spiral or other notebook and pens (for journaling etc.)

 

‘                           Personal Items – partial list (in Ziplocs to avoid leaking on you clothes)

 

‘toothbrush and paste*

‘soap, shampoo and lotion*

‘razor and shave items

‘deodorant*

‘ nail clippers and files (do not pack in your carry-on bag)

‘ comb, brush

‘(Leave your hair dryer and curling iron at home.)

 

‘                           Kleenex and/or Toilet paper (Carry some with you at all times.)

 

‘                           Small alarm clock (optional – we WILL wake you up)

 

‘                           Quart size insulated squeeze bottle for drinking water*

 

‘                           An extra change of clothing, and toiletries in your carry-on luggage*

 

‘        Money belt that can be attached to the front of your body (Target, travel section) or under clothes—please NO purses.  Maybe a small, thin fanny pack.

                            

‘        Spending money approximately $60-70.  No need to exchange money – US Dollars gladly accepted.

 

‘                           Glasses - If you wear contacts, your backup glass might come in handy. 

 

‘

* Please read the new TSA rules for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-ons.

                                A positive “roughing-it” attitude