A. We have been averaging three trips per year. Trips have been scheduled in January, June/July and November. Each trip is approximately 10 days in length including two full days for travel.

A. St. Basil arranges for airline tickets through a travel agency, which specializes in mission travel. By doing so, we can achieve significantly lower group rates. We ask that travelers if possible, contribute to the full cost of the airfare. If this is not possible we ask travelers to contribute $500 towards the cost of the airfare. We have found Continental Airlines to be the best choice based on its fares and flight choices. We typically book flights on Continental which connect in Houston and fly to Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras. We arrange in advance with the Diocese based in Juticalpa for a bus to pick us up at the airport for the four hour trip to San Francisco de la Paz.

A. Travelers to Honduras need to make arrangements in advance to obtain a passport and immunizations. Applications can be made at the Post Office for anyone not holding a current passport. Processing takes about ten weeks. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following immunizations: Malaria preventative, Tetanus (should be updated every ten years), Typhoid and Hepatitis Type A. Arrangements for these immunizations can by be made through Marymount Travel Clinic or University Hospitals.

A. No. Although very few of the Hondurans who we encounter on our mission speak English, we have not experienced a problem with communication. Fr. Celio Mencias is fluent in Spanish and we try to have one or two people on each of the trips that are fluent in Spanish and help with translation.

A. The total cost for the initial trip will average about $900-$1,000. This includes airfare; $150 for immunizations; $100 for a passport if you don’t currently have one; $30 for health insurance, $50 for food during the stay in Honduras; $65 for accommodations and meals at the Marriott Hotel the night before departure to return home; and $35 departure tax plus an additional $2 tax per person that is paid at the Honduras Airport (Cash is necessary). Travelers are encouraged to use frequent flier miles to defray the cost of the airfare. All expenses related to the mission are tax deductible. In addition, it is our hope that you will see these expenses as an investment in your personal growth, and as a contribution of service to the people of Honduras.

A. During your stay in Honduras, you will be staying at the Hogar del Nino. Originally constructed as a children’s medical hospital, the facility is secure with a gate that is locked 24 hours a day to keep visitors from wandering in and out. Sleeping arrangements are in dormitory-style rooms with shared restroom and shower facilities. Beds are provided, however you need to bring linens (for twin beds) and pillows. Showers are with cold water and you will need to bring your own towel, washcloth and soap. Two meals a day will be prepared by a Honduran cook. The members of the mission team share the responsibility for preparing the meal which wasn't prepared for us; and that varies between breakfast and dinner.

A. There is plenty of work to do in Honduras. Typically, we have at least one person who is skilled in construction and can lead teams involved in various projects. Our teams have worked on a variety of projects including construction of small churches and houses, drilling water wells, framing and painting dormitory rooms, constructing a garage and various other odd jobs to improve the living accommodations at the Hogar del Nino. Some of the upcoming mission trips will involve doing needs assessments in some of the surrounding villages.