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2010 HONDURAS MISSION TRIP INFORMATION
March 6, 2009 through March 14, 2009
Honduras Political Situation: It is felt by some that the political unrest will end after the Hondurans elect their new President on November 29, 2009. The US Department of State issued the following on July 24, 2009 –
“The Department of State alerts American citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on October 20, 2009.”
After the first of the year the situation will be evaluated and a decision will be made as to the advisability of going there. Until then please keep the Honduran people in our prayers. We must continue to do the necessary plans for a successful trip.
Can you be a team member and not travel? Yes - there are several opportunities other than actually going to Honduras such as prayer partner coordination, donations coordinator, prescription eye glass inventory data entry, etc.
Accommodations: Monte Carmelo Retreat Center —
Distance from worksite—about a 20 min. drive.
Setting—secluded, wooded area in hills outside the city.
Rooms—dorm style. Bunk beds.
Showers—many; hot water showerheads
Toilets—many
Bedding and towels—available
Phone—none available, cellular in emergencies only
Electricity—yes
For more information go to: http://www.ccdhonduras.org/english/programs/montecarmelo/montecarmelo.php
Cost of trip: Mission Trips total cost run in the neighborhood of $1,300 to $1,500 per person. Each team member is required to pay $550 with the balance paid by fund raisers like the annual Missions Rummage Sale and Golf Tournament. The total cost includes travel, lodging, all food (with a couple of exceptions), supplies, insurance, translators, etc.
Will the whole $550 be required in one payment?: NO if you sign up early. A $100 deposit is required when the Volunteer Mission Application, International Missioner Profile and Release of Claim Form is turned in to team leader. This should be done at the September meeting. To help spread your cost over time, payments of $100 ($150 last payment) will be collected at monthly team meetings.
Other forms that will be required later: Medical Information and Release and Notification of Death Forms. At the end of the trip a UMVIM Team Member Evaluation Form will be given out to be completed before leaving our lodging on Sunday morning.
Sponsor Letters: Team members are encouraged to contact friends and families and ask them to support the team through their prayers and other assistance.
Team Members are required to: Attend all team meetings, unless excused by team leader, and participate in at least 80% of Missions extra activities/fund risers. This is so all team members can get to know each other by working together before the trip. As previously noted the fundraisers pay more than half of the cost for each team member.
Will I get a refund if an unforeseen problem requires me to cancel? YES
Full refunds will be given if cancellation occurs prior to plane tickets being purchased. Plane tickets are usually purchased 2 to 3 months prior to trip in order to get a favorable rate. After that the ticket cancelation fee may be deducted from the refund.
What will we be doing: Show our love for God and our neighbors by providing a Vision Clinic, Bible School, Health screening, and doing light maintenance/construction at the church. Team members may choose where they want to work and change work area with team leader approval. Some areas, such as the vision clinic, require a minimum staff to function effectively.
Day Off: Saturday March 13, 2010 we will leave the Monte Carmelo Retreat Center in the morning and travel to lodging in Tegucigalpa. After settling in we will probably travel to a town named Valley of the Angles. This is where you will have an opportunity to buy souvenirs, art work, etc. Any question about the shopping there should be directed to Jean Howell. It is said by many that she has a PHD degree in shopping!
How much spending money do I need to take? About $100.00 is what most people take.
Passport: If you do not have a Passport or the one you have has expired you will need to apply for one. Your Team Leader will need a copy of the photo page. For information concerning United States Passports go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Shots: If you are concerned about the vaccinations that you may need for Honduras contact the Pinellas County Health Department in Clearwater. Vaccinations can be obtained there as well, though there is a charge for the service. Please be aware that Pasco County does not provide this service. The address of the Clearwater Health Dept. is 310 North Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755, Phone: (727) 469-5800.
Shirts: Why do we have special shirts? There are two main reasons. The first is for those traveling out of the country. Having everyone in the same shirt, greatly speeds up the customs process, it also makes Hope’s Missions Ministry more visible during our local activities. The cost of the shirt is $25. Since sizes vary among manufacturers it is strongly suggested that you try someone’s on prior to ordering.
Meetings: August 30, 2009 – Information Meeting
September TBA – Turn in your initial paperwork and
deposit if you have not already done so.
October TBA – Update and Q&A
November TBA - Update and Q&A
December 2009 – no meeting
January 2010 TBA – Orientation and Training
February TBA – Training
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