Sunday, June 3, 2012

Accommodations


1)      Do not have unrealistic expectations
2)      Septic systems may not be designed to handle toilet paper: if you notice a waste receptacle next to the toilet, that is generally a clue that toilet paper is meant to be thrown away and not flushed
3)      Spartan but generally clean
4)      Ear plugs may be needed if you live in an urban area
5)      Use insect repellant, especially if not in air-conditioned room
6)      Nights are generally cool (60’s)

Packing Tips


1)      Tag all checked-in luggage with colored ribbon/cloth for easy identification (same color for the group)
2)      If bringing 2 bags (1 personal & 1 for supplies), make 1 a duffel bag that can be stored on your return trip to save on baggage fees
3)      Pack for 1 week but have extra undergarments
4)      Men: collared shirt and long trousers for church
5)      Women: conservative is best
6)      Shoes – comfortable, not new!
7)      Light waterproof jacket for evening (low 60’s) or rain
8)      Swimming/beach wear (sandals or flip-flops)+ towel
9)      Bath towel? If not supplied
10)   Bible, journal
11)   Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant
12)   Toiletries (consider packing this in your carry-on)—deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, comb, contact lens solution, feminine hygiene items, etc
13)   Medications (definitely pack this in your carry-on)
14)   Bring 1 change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or missing
15)   Small bottle of hand sanitizer and wipes
16)   Ear plugs
17)   Empty water bottle (better still: water filter bottle)
18)   Dry snacks
19)   Alarm clock & small flashlight
20)   Passport, cash (for emergencies and to buy souvenirs), credit card (notify bank going overseas), airline ticket, copies of passport, health info – personal travel pack comes in handy
21)   Cell phone if planning to use overseas – notify phone provider
22)   Make sure your luggage is not overweight
23)   Don’t bring anything too valuable: if it cannot be replaced if lost or stolen, best not to bring

Health Tips


1)      Drink bottled or boiled water
2)      Avoid juices or other drinks unless commercially bottled
3)      Avoid uncooked veges, meat or fruit that cannot be peeled
4)      Eat only thoroughly cooked foods
5)      Avoid foods that have been sitting in the open for long periods
6)      Bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer or wipes
7)      Liberally apply sun screen and repellant
8)      Take your malaria prophylaxis
9)      Don’t touch or feed the wild life (dogs included)

Point Person Responsibilities & Communication Chain


1)      Confirm flight reservations & airport transfers/pickups & accommodations at least 24h beforehand
2)      Ensure all team members have passports, tickets, cash
3)      Group check in at airport; money available for tipping luggage handlers; keep luggage claim tickets together
4)      Assign buddy system to keep an eye on each other
5)      Perform head count after going through security and immigration
6)      In emergencies or crisis, TEAM ALWAYS STAYS TOGETHER
7)      Have a point-person in DR and US who can maintain communication with the group, and family members back home; Emergency contacts (embassy, local hospital, travel agent)
8)      Communication is vital among all team members: no side trips allowed by individual members without first consulting team leader
9)      Have male and female leader to address gender-specific issues that may arise
10)   Have a national/local travel with the group whenever possible in the country
11)   Don’t act as tourists: assign one individual to take photographs in public places
12)   If possible, have everyone’s passports stored/locked away in a secure place to avoid having to carry around all the time
13)   Team leader should have a “crisis” file for each person containing (file should also be available at home location):
·         Copy of passport
·         Emergency phone numbers
·         Copy of airline tickets
·         Medical/ insurance info
14)   Daily group devotionals/prayer and debriefings are a must

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Health Tips and Travel Preparation

Health Information for Travelers to Dominican Republic CDC Website

State Department Website for General Travel Info to the DR.


Dominican Republic Cholera Updates from the CDC website.
An outbreak of cholera has been ongoing in the Dominican Republic since November 2010. Cases of cholera have decreased recently (a decline of 60% compared with last year at this time). However, cases may begin to increase again due to the approaching rainy season (from June to October). The provinces with the highest number of cases in March were Santo Domingo, San Juan, and San Cristobal.
Don't forget your Travel Health Kit:

Medicines
  • Prescription medicines you usually take
    • If you have a severe allergy and epinephrine has been prescribed by your doctor, bring your Epinephrine auto-injector (for example, an EpiPen).
Special note about prescription medicines
  • Pack your prescription medications in your carry-on luggage.
  • Pack copies of all prescriptions, including the generic names for medications.
  • Pack a note on letterhead stationery from the prescribing physician for controlled substances and injectable medications.
  • Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative.
  • Special prescriptions for the trip
    • Medicines to prevent malaria, if needed
    • Antibiotic prescribed by your doctor for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea
      (e.g. Cipro)
  • Over-the-counter medicines
    • Antidiarrheal medication (for example, bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide)
    • Antihistamine
    • Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine
    • Anti-motion sickness medication
    • Medicine for pain or fever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
    • Mild laxative
    • Cough suppressant/expectorant
    • Cough drops
    • Antacid
    • Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
    • 1% hydrocortisone cream
    • Allergy eye drops (e.g. Zaditor, Alaway, Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops)
Other important items
  • Supplies to prevent illness or injury 
    • Insect repellent containing DEET (30%-50%) or picaridin (up to 15%)
    • Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater) that has both UVA and UVB protection
    • Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
    • Lubricating eye drops
  • First-aid supplies
    • First aid quick reference card
    • Basic first-aid items (bandages, gauze, ace bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators)
    • Moleskin for blisters
    • Aloe gel for sunburns
    • Digital thermometer
    • Oral rehydration solution packets

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Vacation Bible School

Ruth (aka Bearnice, the CDC director at Mount Zion) is in the process of organizing a vacation Bible school week this summer and asked for our prayers. The event will take place outside of the church and they currently have 67 students signed up. She said she is a bit anxious as this is their first event outside the church, so I told her we would keep them in our prayers. -- Michelle