Haiti short-term trip preparation

This document is a prep document for those coming down on short-term trips to help the mission here in Haiti. If you are a pastor or elder interested in helping teach our church leaders please contact me. If you are a church group interested in medical or Vacation Bible school help let me know.

How do I prepare for Haiti?

Haiti is a rugged and challenging country! And if that is true of Haiti in general, it is even more so for the island of Lagonav. Travel around the island of Lagonav will include riding on very bumpy, dusty (or muddy), poorly-kept roads over which only a 4-wheel drive vehicle can maneuver. The walking paths are also uneven and rough. Those who sign up for this mission trip need to be in excellent health and of a sturdy constitution, willing to do some personal study on Haiti, be ready to work, and pray regularly for the trip.

Passports

If you do not already have a passport, you will need to apply for one well in advance of the trip. The current waiting period is between 4-6 weeks, so you should apply as soon as you sign up for this mission trip. To obtain a passport for the first time, you may find out more information at: http://travel.state.gov/index.html

When arriving in Haiti you will be asked to fill out a Customs/Immigration form. These will be made available on the Port-au-Prince segment of your flight. It will ask for an address and contact while you are staying in Haiti. Here is the information:

Benjamin Hopp

Kaliko Beach KM 61, Cote Des Arcadins, Carries, Haiti

Phone 3-755-3050

Inoculations

Haiti is a tropical country and therefore has various diseases that we are not familiar with in the United States and Canada. Be sure your normal inoculations are up to date. Especially check your tetanus vaccination. Check with your doctor or local tropical medicine clinic for the vaccinations and medications you will need.

Malaria is endemic to Haiti and a real danger though not life threatening when treated. We recommend you get anti-malaria pills that you will take once a week (1 week before, during the trip and 4 weeks after). Most people have no problem with taking cholorquine and then the chance of getting malaria is zero.

There are several inoculations you will want to consider getting. Typhoid fever is another disease carried by mosquitoes in Haiti. The inoculation is a pill you take several times and guards you against the disease for 5 years. This is highly recommended.

Hepatitis is also a problem. Hep A is a waterborne disease and inoculation is required. Hepatitis B is spread through blood. Contact is less likely, but if you are planning on coming regularly or traveling to third-world countries often it is recommended. The easiest way to ensure you have all the shots is to visit a travel clinic, tell them you are traveling to Haiti and they will let you know what they recommend for your situation.

Since from time to time people experience “extreme intestinal discomfort” we recommend bringing along Imodium and Cipro. You can get Imodium over the counter and Cipro is a prescription you can get from your doctor. Benadryl is also a good idea particularly if you react to insect bites.

Malaria prophylaxis - must have

Hepatitis A - must have

Hepatitis B - recommended

Typhoid - must have

*** One other note. Please do let us know if you have any food allergies or other medical issues so we can plan appropriately.

Money

The official currency is Haiti is the gourde. US dollars can also be used to purchase gift items on the street. If you want to purchase thing to bring home be sure to bring cash in small denominations. All other items requiring payment will be taken care of. Credit cards and other methods of payment cannot be used in most places.

Electronic Devices

While you might want to consider leaving behind you electronic devices because we don’t always have power to charge them, you can bring them. Many people have found their US cell phones work for emergency use. We do have internet service at the house in Kaliko and may have ability to check e-mail on the island for a nominal cost. You will be able to make a couple brief calls home during your stay here. If people want to contact you in an emergency they can call us at 215-780-1697 or try my cell phone in Haiti at 011-509-3-755-3050.

Clothing

Light, comfortable, summer cotton-clothing is best. Modest dress is preferred in the general Haitian culture, but this is especially true among Haitian Christians. Ladies: Women must wear dresses or skirts over the knee during the day for ministries or when going out to the local villages. Only one dressy outfit is needed for Sunday and church meetings (we'll actually be going to church several times - though guys only need a sport shirt and slacks unless preaching)—sleeveless dresses are not appropriate for church. Long shorts are allowed on the mission campus after working hours. Please, no short-shorts, mini skirts or skimpy tops. Men: Men are asked to wear long pants for church services or during ministry times. Conservative shorts may be worn for workdays. We ask that men wear a shirt at all times. All team members are expected to willingly and joyfully adapt to these Haitian cultural standards of modesty so that we do not cause offense to the Haitian people. Please do not bring or wear expensive watches or jewelry during your stay.

Here are some details on types of clothing to bring. Remember that it will be hot and humid during the day and cool off only slightly at night. No sweaters or jackets required!

Men

pairs of light-weight or cotton casual pants

grubby pairs of pants/work shorts

nice T-shirts or light sport shirts

grubby T-shirts for working

one dress shirt for church (a polo-style shirt is okay)

pairs of nice shorts

swimsuit

Women

light-weight dresses or blouse/skirt combination

pairs of modest shorts to wear in the evening

several T-shirts or light blouses

swimsuit

All

Bedding including sheets & pillow

underclothes for each day - plus a couple extra just in case!

sturdy shoes and socks for walking

sandals (for the shower) and relaxing around the dormitory

sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

work gloves

Cipro and Imodium for intestinal issues

towel

personal hygiene needs (soap, deodorant, etc.—mini-sizes) now they must be in a quart ziploc

small flashlight/headlamp, extra batteries

PASSPORT!

small Bible, pen

anti-Malaria pills (chloroquine)

dramamine for the boat ride if you suffer from motion sickness

bug repellent (we use Sawyer which is great and long lasting)

one roll of toilet paper

camera

souvenir money (best to bring small denomination US$)

personal water bottle (we will drink treated water)

hand sanitizer (wash hands frequently)

ear plugs (these REALLY help to sleep through the nights which can be noisy!)

small backpack for carrying items on out trips

a willing spirit and an ability to be flexible!

*** thanks to Eric Hausler for the general outline of this document