Begging - We have had a hard time with Haitians begging and expecting Americans to give beyond what we were called to do. It is because of all of these problems that these new rules have been formed. Believe us when we say there is a reason for why we do this. If one person decides to break them than the other Haitians will hear about it and they will begin this unhealthy behavior all over again. More rules may be established once you are there!

The only thing that you can carry to a Haitian’s home is God’s Word. Please feel free to collect items to give away while you are in Haiti! We have a new process for doing this. We will collect all items to be given away at the beginning of the trip. Then after you are there for a few days, we will pass out cards to those Haitians who are in great need or friends that you have met. We will have one big Give-a-Way day that you can help with!

Please do not give out money until you have talked with one of the leaders! We will not be paying rent or building houses while we are in Haiti. We do not invite our Haitian friends up on the roof, as this is the missionaries’ living quarters. We have had several things “walk” off the mission. So please help us out! We do not allow for Haitians to be supported outside of our programs. We can’t guarantee that the money you give them is being used correctly. Several Haitians that you meet on the street will ask you to send them to school. Most of these Haitians already have people sending them to school or they may take the money and not go to school at all. There are several children who need support that are in our programs. We can guarantee that all money goes directly to the program.

If a child speaks English than you can assume that several people have already given to these children. You have to imagine that there are several needy children who never get anything because they are shy or don’t speak English. It isn’t fair for only a few to get things from every single group. This is another reason why these rules are being placed. The people in our programs are not allowed to beg. If someone approaches you for something in our programs, please let one of the leaders know.

Clothing - Wear comfortable clothing. Whatever type of footwear you would normally use for hiking or walking long distances is the most appropriate. Rain gear, such as a plastic poncho that folds up compactly, can be a valuable asset.

Customs and Behavior - Haitian customs of dress and social behavior are very important to the Haitian people. For this reason, compliance with the following code is required:

1. Use of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited on all trips.
2. Ladies will need to wear dresses, skirts and blouses, or culottes. Shorts, sun dresses and slacks are permitted only after sundown and are restricted to the compound grounds.
3. Public display of affection between sexes is offensive to Haitians and is not permitted for married or single people.
4. Fellowship between sexes is restricted to public rooms and areas.
5. Ties are required for men taking an active part in a church service. Dress clothes are required for church attendance (no shorts)! Modest swim wear is required of everyone. One-piece bathing suits are required of the ladies.

Devotions and Prayer - We will meet as a group every day for devotions. You can sign up to lead a devotion or give a personal testimony once you are in Haiti! We always need song leaders as well! We hope this will be an opportunity for you to expand the talents that God has blessed you with! We also have a Prayer Tower available for round the clock prayer coverage. Most groups set up various rotations of individual one hour shifts while their team is in Haiti.

Food and Water - While in Haiti it is best to eat only food prepared by our group. When eating in public places, avoid eating salads or fresh fruit, and eat only food that has been thoroughly cooked. Carry a small day pack containing personal items on any expedition that involves you being separated from the primary meal preparation area. It is suggested that you have in your pack such things as granola bars, dried fruit, etc. as emergency rations. Usually picnic meals will be provided for teams away from the main group, but it is always best to be prepared for the unexpected.

Note:  The breakfast meal in Miami may be your last one until you reach the mission campus. We suggest that you bring enough snack food in your carry-on as your evening meal during the bus or plane ride to St, Louis du Nord.

Fill your water container(s) in Miami and make sure you have enough water to get you to the North coast, which is normally an 8 hour bus ride (sometimes longer in the event of a break-down or high water in the rivers). Containers can be refilled at the mission campus in St. Louis du Nord where the water is potable. Do not drink or even brush your teeth with any water elsewhere in Haiti (not even at the hotels)!! Your drinking container should never be shared with anyone. This increases the risk for spreading any illness contracted by one person to another in the group.

Insects - Extra strength insect repellent and insecticide spray are useful for repelling mosquitoes, spraying sleeping quarters and spraying the basket saddles on Haitian horses and donkeys. Mosquito coils can also be used for inside sleeping quarters.

Laundry - Haitian women will provide laundry. This allows them to make a small living helping us out. This service is not included as part of our package. Laundry normally averages from $1-$3 depending on the size of the load.

Money - The amount of money you take will depend on your desire to buy souvenirs. Carry your passport in a money pack or fanny pack. Carry only essentials in your wallet or handbag: Drivers License and Hospital Card. Leave your credit cards at home! Travelers checks may or may not be accepted in parts of Haiti. We recommend bringing $50 - $100 in $1 dollar bills for souvenirs and emergency situations. There is a shortage of small Haitian money so the mission no longer exchanges American money. You will use your $1 bills to pay for everything.

Photography - Haiti and its people are very photogenic. There are countless beautiful scenes to photograph throughout Haiti and interesting shots of people to be taken. There are also opportunities to photograph scenes of poverty and despair but one must be careful. The Haitians are proud people and they are conscious of their living conditions. Often, they don’t want to have their picture taken. Always ask permission when taking pictures of individuals. You defeat your purpose in going to Haiti by making people angry. Let common sense be your guide. Airport x-ray equipment may or may not damage your film. If you have concerns about your film, then have it hand-checked through the security gates, particularly if it is 1000 speed film.

Soft drinks - There is a little store in Port-de-Paix that has a lot of American drinks and food. You will have the opportunity to buy things there. These are not included in the price.

Telephone/E-mail - There is a telephone/e-mail, which can be used only for emergencies. The costs of these items are a lot higher in Haiti than in the states. There are other phones downtown where you can call home collect.

Trip Payment Schedule - The average total trip price is $1,175 to $1,400 which includes everything except personal items. It would be helpful to us if the full amount could be sent with your application. If this is not possible, we need you assist us by following the schedule below:

• A $500 deposit is required with the application to reserve your spot on the team.
• Your trip must be paid for one month before you leave on your trip.