Planning for Haiti

Haiti is a developing country, and travelers can expect to do some adjusting to adapt to living conditions there.  Here are a few pointers that will help visitors to NWHCM:

WATER

You should not drink or brush your teeth with any water in Haiti except for water from the mission’s main campus in St. Louis du Nord, where the water is potable. Fill your water container(s) in Miami and make sure you have enough water to get you to the Northwest, which is normally a six-hour bus ride (sometimes longer) or a 1 hour plane ride. Water bottles can be refilled at the mission.  For bus trips, water or drinks will be provided.

FOOD

While in Haiti, it is best to eat only foods prepared by NWHCM staff.  When eating in public places, avoid eating salads or fresh fruit, and eat only food that has been thoroughly cooked. Carry a backpack containing personal items on any expedition that involves you being separated from the primary meal preparation area.  You might want to pack such things as granola bars and dried fruit as snacks.  You will need to bring enough snack food in your carry-on for the trip from the airport in Port-au-Prince to the mission in St. Louis du Nord.

CLOTHING

We require that girls wear dresses or skirts.  Sleeveless tops or dresses are permitted, but not “tank top” shirts.  Girls are required to wear dresses or shirts with sleeves in church.  In the evening, girls may wear shorts when on campus.  Skirts should be at least knee-length and comfortable – remember, you will be working in these clothes.  You might consider buying a skirt or two at Goodwill or a thrift store.

Guys may wear shorts or long pants/jeans, but must have a nice shirt (and tie if you are preaching) for church. You want to make sure that you bring one or two pairs of comfortable shoes, as you will walk almost everywhere.  Girls may also want to bring a one-piece swimsuit. Rain gear, such as a plastic poncho that folds up compactly, can be a valuable asset.

MONEY AND VALUABLES

The amount of money you take will depend on your desire to buy souvenirs.  When in Haiti, we ask that you keep your passport and any unneeded valuable in NWHCM’s mission safe.  Do not bring travelers checks, as they are nearly impossible to change.  We recommend bringing $50 – $100 in cash for souvenirs and emergency situations.  We recommend that you bring only small bills, preferably $1 bills.  You will not need to bring any Haitian currency with you.

INSECTS

Extra-strength insect repellent are useful for repelling mosquitoes and spraying sleeping quarters.

MEDICAL KIT

Everyone going to Haiti should bring their own mini medical kit in their carry-on.  Items that you should have in this medical kit are chloroquine, any prescription medicines you are taking, Band-Aids, first-aid ointment, diarrhea medication, cold tablets, ibuprofen, insect-bite medication, and a prescription antibiotic such as Cipro, Bactrim, or Flagyl.

LAUNDRY

Haitian women arrive at the mission early in the morning to do your laundry almost every day as an important source of income.  Laundry service is not included as part of your trip cost.  Laundry normally averages from $3 to $6, depending on the load.  You will pay for your laundry when you drop it off in the morning.  Please bring plastic garbage bags or a pillowcase, marked with your name, for laundry.

SOFT DRINKS AND SNACKS

Local stores and a snack bar at the mission’s main campus have food, drinks, and souvenirs for purchase.  These costs are not included in your trip price.