PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP TO HAITI

LIFE IN HAITI

How to Dress: Lightweight, cotton clothing will be most comfortable for you. It is best to leave any expensive jewelry or watches at home. Do bring an inexpensive watch to wear while in Haiti.

Women should wear skirts or dresses. The only exceptions would be an evening at home or a day at the beach, at which time shorts would be fine (not too short, though). Clothing worn to church services should not be sleeveless. Everyone is asked to dress moderately, showing consideration for others.

Men may wear shorts during the day, but long pants should be worn to church services. Everyone should wear a shirt at all times (except when swimming).

We recommend that you not walk outside barefoot. Close-toed shoes are best for walking in the villages or in Port-Au-Prince. Sandals are fine for home and the beach.

Money: The exchange rate for American money changes on a daily basis in Haiti.  We can exchange the money for you at the Mission. We STRONGLY recommend that you do not purchase anything in Haiti with American Money. At your group's orientation you will be informed which missionary to see if you need to exchange money.

Work: Everyone comes to Haiti with expertise in certain areas. Some of the capacities that short-term missionaries will serve in include: construction, office work, feeding program, church ministry, village ministry, clinic, distribution of goods, visiting children and writing to sponsors.
 

Visiting Sponsored Children: If you sponsor a child through Mission of Hope, we encourage you to visit that child while staying at the Mission. Please let us know ahead of time so that we may make arrangements for your sponsored child to share a meal with you. If you have friends who sponsor children with us, ask them to write down their information for you and we can set up a time for you to visit and take photos with them. For those who would like to send a gift for their sponsored child, we recommend something small (won't take up too much room in your suitcase). Some favorites include: soccer ball, jax, marbles, dolls, trucks, watches, sunglasses, and hats.
 

Missionary Housing: Please be considerate of others while staying at the mission. ~Keep noise levels to a minimum after 9pm so those in need of sleep can find some.
~Be on time for meals. Breakfast is at 7am, lunch at noon and dinner is at 6pm. Snacks (such as fresh fruit) will be made available in between meals. Water and Kool-Aid will be available at all times.
~Please do not invite anyone into the house. If you'd like to visit, please do so on the porch or other appointed area.
~You should only leave the house with a missionary or with special permission.
~Never leave the house by yourself. Always go out with at least one other person.
~Nothing should be left out in the yard at night that would encourage thievery.
~Use insect repellent, especially in the evening and while you sleep. Please note: mosquitoes spread malaria.

Church Services: Whenever attending church services, be prepared to share a greeting, word of encouragement or praise report with the church. It is customary for visitors to do this in Haitian churches. A missionary will be available to translate for you so that the Haitians will understand.

When participating in the church offerings, we recommend that you not put any American money or a large bill in the offering plate. Usually coins, a $1 or $5 Haitian bill is acceptable. We will have an English speaking service for the missionaries at which time you will have the opportunity to give an offering towards a mission project. American money may be used in this offering as well as Haitian money.

Health Issues: When visiting a foreign country you need to pay close attention to what you do to avoid illness.
~Drink water provided by the Mission ONLY! Outside the Mission drink only pre-packaged or bottled drinks such as Coca Cola. Do not purchase homemade juices outside the Mission or stop to drink at a well. Do not eat ice outside of the Mission.
~Do not drink water that comes out of the tap … this is for bathing.
~Eat foods prepared at the Mission only. If you must eat outside the Mission, always confer with a missionary first.
~Eat well. Sleep well. Pray without ceasing. This will help to keep your resistance to illness level high.
~Do not stay in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Apply and reapply sun block regularly to avoid sunburn and skin damage.
~Use your sunglasses.
~Do not walk around barefoot. Wear shoes, sneakers or sandals at all times.
~Avoid touching bleeding cuts or open sores on children.
~Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes pass malaria from person to person, so it is wise to take precautions against being bit.

Phone home…NOT: Do not make any promises to call someone when you arrive in Haiti. There are telephones available, however it is not uncommon for them to not be working properly.

Security: It is STRONGLY recommended that you give the Mission your passport, yellow immigration card, airline ticket, and exit tax of $31 US money plus $2 Haitian money (subject to change) to lock up until you are ready to leave the country.

When traveling through or in Port-Au-Prince … we recommend that men put their wallets in their front pants pocket rather than the back or in their sock. We suggest women use a fanny pack rather than a pocketbook. Never leave anything in a vehicle unattended. Always travel with at least one other person.

Daily Schedule: We will be planning your schedule while in Haiti based on your application/information sheet. If there is anything that you cannot do or must do, please let us know in advance so that we can incorporate that into the schedule. That way we can make the most of your time at the Mission.

Finally: If you have any questions that have not been answered yet, please do not hesitate to call our US office at (978) 630-1914.

We believe that you will have a positive and uplifting experience at Mission of Hope. We are excited at the prospect of working together with you and getting to know you better. May God bless you as you prepare to visit Haiti.