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Trip Preparations |
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NOTE: Leaders of teams should also read the Tips for Group Leaders! 12-6 MONTHS 1. INITIAL CONTACT Contact the person or organization with whom you are interested in serving. They will want to know: 1) tentative dates you are considering 2) likely size of group 3) type of ministry you desire to experience. 2. AIRLINE SCHEDULES/PRICES Begin to gather information on airline schedules/prices to see what your options are. 3. FUNDRAISING PLANS (if necessary) If you are participating as an individual or small group, or you are a group leader, please visit our Fundraising page. Some fundraising may need to take place early on to pay for plane tickets. 6-2 MONTHS 1. AIRLINE TICKETS Six months (or earlier) prior to departure, final decisions should be made on exactly who will be participating. If possible, plane tickets should be purchased at this point, with the understanding that they are non-refundable. If your group is large enough (10), you may be able to get a group plane with the airline allowing more flexibility with ticketing. Check with the airline for size and weight restrictions for baggage. You should also check to see if cardboard boxes are allowed as check baggage for your flight. 2. SPIRITUAL PREPARATION Whether you realize it or not, the mission field is a spiritual battleground. Anytime you participate in something like this, you must be especially prepared to challenged physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you are part of a local group, your team leader(s) should prepare a series of training/prayer sessions that all are required to attend. If you are participating as an individual or small group, it would be wise to seek counsel from others who have served on the mission field and/or can assist you in this area. 3. PASSPORT Each person will need a valid passport to enter Honduras. Most U.S. Passport Offices are located at your local post office or court house. The application requires a certified birth certificate, 2 passport size photos, the filled out application, and an application fee ($45 if under 18, $65 if 18 or older). Processing may take 6 weeks. 4. INOCULATIONS (Optional) Each person needs to consult with his or her doctor concerning inoculations. You and your physician should give consideration to and make individual decisions on inoculations for Tetanus, Hepatitus A, Hepatitus B, Typhoid, and Malaria. (NOTE: Doctors in Honduras do not recommend taking malaria pills long-term because of potential side effects.) Some of the shots are given over several weeks so consult your doctor as soon as possible to set up a plan for you. More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm. 5. FUND RAISING (if necessary) Any fund raising should be completed by 2 months prior to departure. (You may want to set an earlier target date for this.) 6. PACKING LIST At least 2 months prior to departure your should review each item on the Packing Preparations page. You should have a plan to gather/purchase all items so that you have them by one week before you leave. Some items may take several days or weeks to get, so plan ahead! 1 MONTH-1 WEEK 1. PACKING All items you will need for your trip should be purchased or gathered at least one week prior to your departure. Please visit our Packing Preparations page so you don't forget anything! |