Cloverdale



Cloverdale

Youth & Family Ministry

Summer Mission Service Trip

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

20??

Team

Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passport 2

Visa and Taxes 2

Other Documents 3

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICATION

Vaccinations 4

Tetanus Booster 4

Hepatitis A Vaccine 4

Typhoid 4

Malaria 4

MMR / OPV 5

Hepatitis B Vaccine 5

Diarrhea Prophylaxis 5

General Precautions 6

Food and Water Precautions 7

WHAT TO BRING / DO NOT BRING

Clothing 8

Men 8

Women 9

Shoes 9

Sleeping 9

Money 10

General Guidelines 10

Packing List 11

PREPARATION 12

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING? 13

GENERAL INFORMATION

DR at a Glance 14 & 15

Bobita / Manna Camp 16

Special Notice 17

Leaders Contact Information 17

DR Map 18

NOTES 19

ADDENDUM: ....……………………………………………………… 20

INTRODUCTION

We are grateful that you have chosen to be a part of the DR Team.. Be prepared to be challenged in the next weeks and months as together we prepare for the trip and especially during our time in the DR. We are confident that this will be a mission trip that you will never forget.

Our primary focus will be to help the people of the Dominican Republic come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and to enable them to draw closer to God and to see His vision for their lives. While there, we want to be an encouragement to the Church, its members and its young people. We will be participating in community projects, conducting VBS and evangelistic services, along with the many other opportunities that the Lord will open to us.

Some years our trip is unique compared to “traditional” mission trips. Rather than setting up clinics and having hundreds of people come to us, we will go into the villages, schools, and homes of the Dominican people. We will spend time with families, listen to their concerns, conducting clinics, and providing veterinary services, and try to give them some information that can help them live healthier lives. Most importantly, this gives us a great opportunity to discuss matters of spiritual health as well and tell them about God’s love for them.

The following information is given in the hope and prayer it will help prepare you for your trip to the Dominican Republic. This information has come from a number of sources and is the result of years of experience in the DR..

Please know we are thankful for your commitment to work and give your time and effort to serving the Dominican people in the name of Jesus Christ. There is no greater act to be done on this earth than to serve Him. We will all be blessed by this effort. You will truly receive more than you give.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passport

You MUST have a valid PASSPORT.

Obtain an application and fill it out. Sign the application in the presence of the county clerk at the Circuit Clerk's Office (279-6203) in the White County Court House downtown Searcy.

You will need at least two official passport pictures. These are available on the Harding campus through the Missions Center (located in the McInteer Center) or available from local photographers.

When applying for your initial passport, you will need an official copy of your birth certificate (it must have the raised seal) or your old expired passport if renewing. You will need to pay the county clerk the current fee, but it will need to be in two different checks. This can be paid from the funds you raise. Fill out the application completely and carefully, but again do not sign the application until you are in the county clerk's office. Apply early to avoid problems.

Deadline to have passport in hand is two (2) months prior to the trip.

Visa and Taxes

You will fill out visa forms en route to the DR. It is very important that you keep the copy given to you by Dominican customs officials. No pictures are required.

A $30.00 (usually is actually $10.00) per person Entrance Visa must be paid in US cash upon arrival. Exit fees will be paid upon departure or may be included as a part of our ticketing fees. These fees are included in the cost per person expenses and covered through monies raised.

Other Documents

An ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE, AND POWER OF ATTORNEY form will be provided for you to sign and have notarized by a Notary Public. This document gives the group leaders the ability to act on your behalf to obtain medical treatment in the event that you are injured and incapacitated.

A Health History Form will also be provided for you to complete. On this form, list any health history or health condition information which the group leader should be aware of for your safe treatment should it become necessary. List medications you are taking, allergies, and blood type. In addition, a copy of your current health insurance card should be attached to your Health History Form.

Both the Power of Attorney and the Health History form are to be turned in prior to leaving on the trip. If the group leaders do not have your forms, you will not be allowed to depart on the trip.

During the flight to the DR you will be given a Medical Evacuation / Insurance Card. This is a medical evacuation insurance policy that will cover the cost of emergency evacuation for you in the event of injury, or serious illness. You will be covered from the time we leave the USA until we return. This coverage is paid from money raised. Keep this card with you at all times.

Copies of ALL travel related documents (i.e., passport, health cards, etc.) will be made. One set will remain at Cloverdale on file and one set will be carried separately along with the DR Team. These will be available should any documents be lost.

VACCINATIONS / IMMUNIZATIONS

AND MEDICATION

REQUIRED Vaccinations:

1. Tetanus Booster - if you have not had one in the last eight (8) years.

2. Hepatitis A Vaccine - recommended for protection against virus spread by fecal contaminated food and drinking water. If you follow the precautions we set for you and only eat and drink the things approved, then your chances of contacting Hepatitis A is reduced. The vaccine is expensive and does require two shots approximately 6-12 months apart.

You may need to raise extra money to cover the cost of this vaccine. However, an Immune Globulin shot the week before you leave will boost your immune system for two to three months to help fight off hepatitis A if you are exposed. But Immune Globulin is not always available now that Hepatitis A vaccine is available.

3. Typhoid - Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection usually obtained from contaminated water or food. Therefore, again abiding by the precautions we give you concerning eating and drinking is very important. (This vaccine is also available as a series of tablets taken over a week period. These would have to be special ordered, if desired.)

4. Malaria – We have found that anti-malarial drugs are not a necessity for travel to the DR. However, the following is included for your information and consideration: Falciparum malaria is found in the DR. Therefore, you should start any anti-malaria prophylaxis two weeks prior to leaving. Medication should be continued while on the trip and 4 weeks after your return home. Medication will consist of two (2) Chloroquine 250mg. tabs taken once weekly. Take it on Sunday to help you remember. This medication will be supplied to you by the leader of the trip if you desire. Alternate medication is available for those that may have allergic reactions to Chloroquine. Like all medications, there may be adverse reactions.

UP-TO-DATE: (see also page 6)

5. MMR - vaccination for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. If in school this should be current.

6. OPV - oral polio vaccine.

7. Hepatitis B Vaccine - strongly recommended for health workers. It is expensive and takes about 6 months to complete the blood testing and series of three (3) vaccination shots. Therefore, you would need to start early to complete the series. If you follow the precautions we set for you, your chances of contracting hepatitis are small. Remember, hepatitis B is spread mainly through blood contact and we will use the same precautions we would use in the USA to protect ourselves against hepatitis and other infectious diseases. Gloves will be used. You will need to raise extra money to pay for this vaccine. This vaccine is available through Searcy Medical Center, but you will need to ask for the pre-screening to determine if you are already protected and post-screening test to determine if the vaccine has been effective.

8. Diarrhea Prophylaxis (E. coli.) - Pepto-Bismol - two tabs four times daily is effective in 65% of travelers (turns your tongue and stool black; can cause mild tinnitus - ringing in the ears.) You need to bring your own supply if you desire to take this - not routinely recommended. Vibramycin or Bactrim DS - is not routinely recommended. We will have this medication with us in case it is needed.

General Precautions

Be sure all your other childhood vaccinations / immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, and polio are up-to-date. Any needed vaccines can be obtained at the White County Health Department at a per vaccine cost. NOTE: do not tell them that this is for a mission trip. However, let them know that you are updating your immunizations.

Take any personal medications you are required to take with you. You MUST inform group leaders of any health condition you have and any medication you will be taking while on the trip. Put the information on the Health History Form.

If you wear contacts, you need to take an extra pair (if they are disposable) in case one gets damaged. Also, take a pair of eye glasses in case your eyes get irritated by the dust and smoke or you were to get an eye infection and you can no longer wear your contacts. A pair of sunglasses is recommended due to the bright, direct sun. We will be a lot closer to the equator.

All vaccines can be received at the Searcy Medical Center for a fee plus the cost of the vaccine. Hepatitis A & B vaccines can be obtained as noted above and does require extra money being raised above the goal.

NOTE: Vaccinations are available at cost to mission teams through the Searcy Medical Center or may also be available through your personal doctor and the White County Health Department. A team member list will be on file at the Searcy Medical Center.

This information will be further discussed in DR Team meetings.

Food and Water Precautions

AVOID -

Un-cooked foods, unwashed salads, fruit that has not been peeled, un-boiled or untreated water, untreated ice, milk or ice cream, etc.

Drink only bottled water which we will be provided at the Manna compound or water which has been chemically treated and filtered.

Be careful to avoid brushing your teeth with tap water. Use only bottled water to brush your teeth. Also, as a precaution, avoid showering with your mouth and eyes open.

Soft drinks will also be safe and available to drink for an additional charge. NOTE: this amount will be your personal responsibility. If in doubt about whether something is safe to eat or drink, ASK BEFORE CONSUMING.

Take any breakfast food and personal snacks which you desire i.e. pop tarts, granola bars, peanuts, cheese crackers, etc. Foods high in carbohydrates are recommended to give and maintain energy. Remember, it is hot in the Dominican Republic and chocolate does melt easily.

All meals will be eaten where we stay or where those cooking know how to prepare foods safely for non-nationals. We will take some food with us for breakfast and lunch and will purchase other foods locally as needed. Food expenses are paid from funds raised.

WHAT TO BRING

Clothing:

We are judged to some degree by the Dominican people and especially the Dominican Christians, by the way we act, present ourselves, and by the way we dress. It is absolutely necessary for us to dress in a way that they perceive as "modest." As ambassadors of the Lord's church, we do not want to distract by our actions, appearance, or speech. We'll make some cultural mistakes no matter how careful we are. We just do not want to overdo our "quota".

Take 4 - 5 changes of clothes. Plan to wear an outfit more than one day. If the weather cooperates we can get some washing done. Take one outfit to wear home and pack it separately in Ziplocks. Also remember that the airplane may be cool, so carry a light sweater, sweat shirt, long-sleeve t-shirt, or light jacket.

You need to pack your carry-on bag with anything you will need for any night while at staying at a hotel in route. All suitcases and totes will be shipped ahead for the next day's trip. You may not have access to your suitcase while traveling.

For Medical trip, please remember, we will not need scrubs to wear outside of the Manna /DR compound. However, these are great for sleeping and lounging.

Men - Men are expected to dress neatly for all public activities. Short sleeve shirts and slacks/jeans made of cotton are recommended. People doing manual work may wear tee-shirts and jeans. Leisure wear in the evenings is the same as for both men and women. Bring a modest bathing suit.

Men do not need to bring a coat or tie for Sunday, but a collared shirt and slacks makes nice Sunday attire and may be required when teaching. Few Dominican preachers wear ties and suits no matter how hot the temperature. NOTE: we have found that a tie is not essential.

Women - Dresses are considered the proper attire for women in the DR and will need to be worn for all public activities. Around the Manna / DR compound, modest shorts or slacks/jeans may be worn for leisure and comfort. Dresses with big pockets are nice for carrying keys, money, etc. and make practical attire when doing community visits.

Bring a modest bathing suit (no two piece suits) for the beach.

Remember the temperatures will be hot in the DR, so cottons are much more comfortable than polyester blends. For worship services, dresses with sleeves (short or long, but not sleeveless) are considered modest. Sleeveless dresses are appropriate only with a shirt worn underneath. Remember, many places where we will be in the DR are rural and dusty. Brown and khaki colors are practical. White pants and skirts show dirt easily. Long sleeves and long pants/jeans/scrub suit pants are good for the evening to protect your body from mosquitoes.

** CULTURAL CLOTHING NOTES: 1) Ladies should bring a handkerchief or bandanna to be worn as a head covering at worship service if needed. Many Dominican ladies still wear a head covering during worship. 2) Neither men nor women should bring sleeveless tops or dresses, tank tops, “wife-beater” t’s, shirts with gaping arm holes, or t-shirts with questionable logos, etc.

** WORK CLOTHING NOTE: Sleeveless t-shirts with a finished sleeve are acceptable for work days. Work length shorts are also permissible on work days. Work gloves are highly recommended.

Shoes

You will be doing a lot of standing, working, and walking. Be sure to make comfort a main consideration when choosing footwear and socks. Tennis shoes, sandals and light weight hikers are recommended.

Sleeping / Bathing

You will be sleeping under mosquito nets to protect you from mosquito, spiders, and “critters” and to decrease the risk of you getting malaria and / or bites. It is suggested that you bring a light-weight cover or blanket for night time sleeping. Sometimes when it is raining a lot it gets cool and damp at night. Each person will need to bring one (1) flat twin sheet. Bring your own towels (2) and wash cloths.

All linens may be left with the Manna / DR team for usage among the missionaries, local Christians, children's homes, and those in the area.

Money

All money for trip expenses will be handled and paid by the group leaders.

You may want to bring some personal money for personal gift items or individual cokes etc. while traveling or shopping in the DR. $50.00-$75.00 is usually more than enough unless you really like to shop and plan to do a lot of expensive buying. Remember, what you buy has to be small enough to come back on the airplane. Bring your money in small bills ($1, $5, $10, ) and we will assist you in getting it exchanged into Dominican pesos.

Due to security concerns, souvenir machetes may not be allowed on any flights.

General Guidelines

Remember to pack light!! Do not take a lot of things you will not need. Each person may be needed to take a few items in their bag. Remember also, you will be carrying your own bag and they do get heavy. You will be limited to one (1) suitcase and one (1) team supply trunk / tote weighing no more than ____ pounds* per person for checked baggage. You will be allowed one (1) carry-on bag and a purse / camera bag onto the flight. *This varies with airlines and weight restrictions will be confirmed by the team leader prior to departure.

Each person needs to pack in a regular size suitcase or duffel bag. You may have one small carry-on bag and / or back-pack to keep with you at all times. *These regulations will also be checked prior to departure.

Remember to pack emergency rations of underwear, toothbrush, clothes, etc. in your carry-on, for a night's hotel stay and / or just in case suitcases arrive late in the DR..

PACKING LIST

* Bible, pen, notebook or journal

* Clothes (enough for a week - label w/ your name)

* Teaching materials

* Personal care items (toothbrush, soap, contact stuff, etc.)

* Personal medications

* Watch

* Flashlight or book light

* Camera / disposable cameras / film / flash cards

NOTE: If in doubt about whether to take a picture, ask.

* Zip-lock bags (keeps ants and moisture away from film, food, camera, clothes, etc.)

* Extra batteries for flashlight, camera, flash, etc.

* Goodies (candy, gum, balloons, toys, etc. for self and to share with the children. Before giving anything away check with the local missionaries to know what is best to do. We do not want to cause problems for the missionary families nor make a wrong impression with the Dominican people. Also, you can cause a samll riot, if not careful.)

* Suntan lotion with good SPF

* Sunglasses

* Hat

* Fanny pack to carry money and other small items

* Poncho / Rain-gear (heavy duty)

* 1 liter water bottles (2)

* Insect repellent with Deet

* Small mirror (optional)

* Small pillow

* Towels (2) / wash cloths (2)

* Sheets (twin size)

* Light weight blanket or cover (it can be cool during the night)

* Shower thongs or sandals

* Hiking boots or other heavy-duty shoes with good support

* Handy wipes and/or water-less disinfectant hand cleaner

* DO NOT plan to take any electrical appliance (i.e. hair dryer, curling iron, etc.).

PREPARATION

Spiritual preparation is very important as you begin thinking about our trip. Do not forget to include it in your daily prayers. Specifically,

Pray daily about:

1. Safety;

2. Political stability in the Dominican Republic;

3. Promotion of goodwill with brethren and potential brethren in a culture quite different from ours;

4. Personal spiritual growth;

5. Encouragement for the Dominican brethren who are also fighting Satan and sometimes people hostile to the Gospel;

6. Effectiveness in sharing the "Good News of Jesus" and healing wounds and giving love and care;

7. Those that have willing contributed to those on the team;

8. Our team and other DR teams;

9. The DR missionaries and interns.

Because of the nature of our work in the DR, lesson preparation will be very important. Each person will be required to prepare and present at least three lessons related to the trip. (i.e., health care topics, biblical skits, basic life lessons with an appropriate spiritual application before leaving for the trip.) (NOTE: much of this will be discussed, prepared, and rehearsed at the Team Retreat). In addition, we will be learning basic conversational Spanish and songs as well as learning about the culture and history of the Dominican Republic.

Attendance at the weekly meetings is crucial to the success of the trip. Not only will it give us opportunities to learn about the DR and prepare for the trip, it is an important time for us to grow together as a team. You should make every effort to attend each meeting. Any team member what is absent for more than 20% of the DR team meetings without an excuse (illness, death, etc.), takes the chance of forfeiting their place, any designated group fees, and / or ticketing charges for the trip.

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?

Each day the team will have the opportunity to share Jesus Christ with the people in the DR and around the Caraqueno / Bobita area. We will have the opportunity to conduct several VBS’s and evangelistic meetings, do community work / service project, teach basic health-care, and many other opportunities that the Lord will open to us.

For Health-Care Related Trips: As mentioned earlier, this is not the traditional “field clinic” mission trip. From a healthcare standpoint, the focus of the trip will be health teaching. You will find that this teaching will take place in a wide variety of locations. There is no lack of opportunity for us to share our information with the people of the Dominican Republic. Our goal is to spend quality time with the people we visit with. Ask questions of them and encourage them to ask questions of you. Our ultimate goal is to let them know that God loves them and if we can do just a little to help them improve their physical situation, we have been successful … and it becomes a natural flow to go from the health lesson to a Bible lesson.

Men should be prepared to present some Biblical thoughts or lessons to the church congregation if asked to do so on the spur of the moment. Remember a 10 minute lesson is 20 minutes with a translator.

Also, be prepared to share Bible lessons with adults and children while out in the community doing home visits. Learn to connect these lessons to what we have taught during the week.

All should be ready to share devotional thoughts, feelings, impressions, failures, victories at our nightly devotional and sharing times. One of the great blessings of the trip is to get away from America and our many distractions and experience a true dependency upon God. This experience is for serving God by serving the Dominican people and also for our drawing closer to God and each other.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dominican Republic at a Glance:

The Dominican Republic lies approximately 700 miles southeast of Florida on the island of Hispanola, which it shares with the country of Haiti.

Heat and humidity are constant companions in the DR. The temperature remains high year round, varying between 80 and 95 in the summer, and between 70 and 90 in the winter. The average rainfall is between 30 and 70 inches per year. Because of the large amounts of rain, many parts of the DR are covered with heavy vegetation.

The official language of the country is Spanish. Dominican Spanish is somewhat different from the classical Spanish taught in U.S. schools, so be ready to listen and learn during both our team meetings and your time in the DR.

The typical upper class Dominican lives in similar houses to ours in the U.S. with many of the luxuries that we enjoy. Generally, the middle class Dominicans live in a cement house and have electricity and in-door plumbing. The typical urban Dominican (lower class) live in a cement block structure, or a shack of cardboard and wood, with only 2 or 3 small rooms, and a tin roof. The floors are cement or dirt, and there are no kitchens or plumbing. There are often 5 or more people living in each dwelling. The typical rural Dominican (lower class) live in thatched houses or mud huts with only 1 or 2 rooms on a small plot of land.

Economic opportunities are limited in the rural areas of the DR. The average annual income in the DR is much less than what is considered an average monthly income here in the U.S. Farming is the main source of income in the rural areas. Farmers raise corn, sugar cane, beans, bananas, mangos, manioc, coffee, rice, avocados, citrus fruits, etc. They may also keep a chicken, pig, cow, or goat.

Since most Dominican families struggle to raise the foods needed to feed their entire family, malnutrition is an ongoing problem.

The Family:

Extended families households are very common in the DR. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins often reside in the same house. The father is regarded as the head of the household, but the mother has the most responsibility and influence in everyday family life. The family unit is a very important part of Dominican life.

Diet:

The most common meal in this country is rice, beans, and chicken. Other food items that are common include: plantain, bananas, pineapple, coconut, oranges, grapefruit, mango, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Coffee is usually served after a meal or when guests come to visit.

Recreation:

Baseball is the national sport of the DR. Young people play the game almost anytime, anywhere, and with almost anything – oranges, balls of rags, medicine bottles, home-made bats, etc. There are many regional and local games that draw large crowds of spectators as well as players. Free time is often spent visiting friends and making new friends, dancing and listening to music. Soccer has also become very popular, especially with the large Haitian influx into the DR.

Education:

Opportunities for education in the DR are very limited. There are a number of small private and government schools, but the cost of tuition, uniforms, travel expenses, and books is more than most families can afford. Adult literacy is moderate with only about 70% of the adult population being able to read.

CARAQUENO / BOBITA:

Bobita is a small village located about 15 miles from the small coastal town of Rio San Juan. Caraqueno is the village across the river from Bobita where the Manna / DR Camp is located. It is a little over a 2-hour drive from the airport in Puerto Plata. The population of the village area is estimated at a little over 100 persons. The main source of income to the village is through farming.

In Bobita, the largest buildings are the elementary school and the Catholic church.

The Manna / DR Camp:

We will stay at the Manna / DR Camp in Caraqueno. The facilities include dormitories, toilets, showers, kitchen, depot, missionary housing, a meeting / eating area, and an orphanage. The dorm can house 10 on each side (10 male / 10 female). There is enough electricity to provide lights to the dorms and power to the kitchen refrigerator, BUT not enough to supply power to hair dryers, etc.

All meals will be prepared in the Manna / DR kitchen. Bottled water will also be provided at the camp for drinking and brushing teeth.

The Church:

There have been struggles within the local church in recent years. Our Christian brothers and sisters continue to work toward reconciliation and united fellowship. We will be working closely with our brothers and sisters of the Church in the DR as they reach out to their neighbors and surrounding communities.

Special Note:

It is important to remember that this work in the Dominican Republic was started by the church of Christ and is a part of our Christian witness in the DR. We believe man is created in the image of God and has a special purpose on this earth. Since God made us, He knows what is best for our human body and soul. The Bible is our only source of authority for how we should live and conduct our lives. Therefore, God tells us how to conduct ourselves in sexual relations and in other personal habits. It is expected that all persons working with this group will conduct themselves according to God's sacred revealed will and refrain from public displays of affection, non-marital relationships, or homosexuality. One should refrain from the use of alcoholic drinks, drugs, tobacco, profanity or any other activity which would damage your individual or our group's witness for Jesus Christ. Your agreeing to go on this trip indicates your willingness to abide by the above principles and agree to follow the instructions and directions of the leaders of the group. And, as always …

“Remember who you are and WHOSE you are!”

Leader Contact Information

Tom Martin

Youth & Family Minister

Cloverdale Church of Christ

3000 E Park Avenue

Searcy, AR 72143

Phone: 501-268-4553 (Home: 501-268-1951)

FAX #: 501-268-8584

e-mail: ThomasRMartin@

If you or your parents have any questions or would like more information at any time during our preparation, feel free to contact me.

The Dominican Republic

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TEAM NOTES:

ADDENDUM

(Updated January 1, 2005):

All leaders and team members are asked to note this addition.

CD Players, iPods, Personal Electronics, etc.:

The Manna / DR Staff is requesting that personal electronics of the types noted NOT BE INCLUDED as a part of daily team members items while off of the Manna / DR ground in the DR. The reasons are two-fold: 1): Personal electronics of any type as noted above, tend to present the wrong image, and isolate the individual from interaction among both fellow team members and those Dominicans with whom team members may come in contact; and, 2): some music / games that have been a part of personal collections have, at best, been questionable and does not set a proper example of what followers of Jesus Christ should be listening to / playing, therefore negating possible positive influences that may be made.

We realize that these items make travel easier and therefore, may be utilized during these times of travel to / from the DR. However, once in the DR and while not on the Manna / DR property, it is expected that the above guidelines be followed unless verbally communicated by the Wallace's or Manna / DR Staff.

Leaders may desire to develop their own policy regarding these items as for travel purposes.

The Manna / DR team of staff and interns ask the cooperation of all team leaders and members in keeping with this request.

Please note: This request does not apply to personal electronic language translators.

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