Saint Basil The Great - Honduras Mission

HONDURAS MISSION - TRAVELING TO HONDURAS

AIRLINE TICKETS

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. The cost of airfare varies for each mission trip based on the time of year. The average airfare cost for a volunteer is between $500.00-$800.00. It is best to book tickets months in advance of the trip to lock in the best airfare.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

You are required to have the following pieces of personal identification:

Passport: Applications can be made at the Post Office. Cost is approximately $100 and takes about six weeks. NOTE: Passport must not expire within six months of the return date of the trip.
Required back-up ID: You should make four copies of the inside of your passport which includes your picture and personal information. One copy should be carried separately from your passport, on your person; a copy to be given to the designated team leader; a copy to be held at the rectory and a copy kept on file at home.
Immigration form: This will be given to you by the airline during the flight.
Departure Tax: There is a $35 (US dollars) departure tax plus an additional $2 (US dollars) tax per person that is paid at the Honduras Airport. Cash is necessary for this departure tax.

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Center for Disease Control recommends the following:

Malaria preventative
Tetanus. Should be updated every ten years.
Typhoid
Hepatitis Type A

Arrangements for the above immunizations can be made through Marymount Travel Clinic by calling 216-518-3655 or University Hospital by calling 216-844-8500 (the recording indicates you have reached the medicine scheduling office; stay on the line for an operator and ask for the travelers clinic office). If possible, immunizations should be done at least 60 days in advance of departure date.

HEALTH HISTORY

Each participating trip member will be asked to complete a "Health History" form. This way we are better able to be sensitive to your medical needs, and be aware of any dietary restrictions. This history will be treated confidentially.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Because our American health insurance doesn't cover our medical needs in overseas mission travel, we will contract with a company that will provide basic and emergency health insurance while in Honduras. For a 10 day trip the cost is approximately $30 per person.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Sanitary conditions throughout Honduras are poor. Parasites and microorganisms cause many health problems for the Honduran people. These can cause intestinal disorders, such as diarrhea, in foreigners. To remain healthy, carefully observe the directions below.

Water: Drink only bottled water. Tap water is unsafe to drink. DO NOT EVEN USE IT TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH. Ice made from tap water is also unsafe. Lettuce and non-peeled fruit (a banana would be okay, an apple would not be) could also be contaminated.
Wash-N-Drys: These and/or hand antiseptic sanitize gel are great. They are convenient to use when water is not readily available.
Toilet tissue: Is not flushed down the commode, rather it is deposited in a container next to the commode. Also, please bring several paper lunch bags for disposing of toilet tissue. Please bring a four pack of toilet tissue with you (it is recommended you keep one roll on you at all times; even areas such as the airport lack toilet tissue).

LIVING CONDITIONS

Housing: During your stay in Honduras, your Home Base will be comfortable. Beds are available, however you need to bring linens (for twin beds) and pillows. Showers are with cold water and you need to bring your own towel, washcloth and soap. You can leave your linens and towels for others who also visit the Hogar.
Food: Two meals a day are prepared by a Honduran cook. Normally, breakfast is on our own and we do the shopping. If you would like to bring items from home make sure they are non-perishable (crackers, granola bars, tuna makers, peanut butter, boboli pizza shells, soup, microwave popcorn, bisquick). Hondurans show their love and affection for others through their cooking. They appreciate hearing that you enjoyed your meal. Do not buy food from street vendors. The kitchen is equipped with pots-n-pans, microwave, small stove, refrigerator. You will be asked for a $50 donation towards groceries for the week.
Weather: The temperature is likely to reach 98 degrees in the heat of the day. Dehydration can easily occur under these conditions. Drinking plenty of bottled water (which will be supplied) is a must. A water bottle is required, so individuals can obtain clean water from the Home Base. Sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, is recommended along with lip protection. Aloe Vera is helpful with sunburn. Bring a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt if you burn easily. A hat for all missionaries is necessary. Groups traveling in winter and spring should be prepared for cool evenings and bring sweatshirt or lightweight jacket.

CLOTHING

It is important, out of respect for the Hondurans, that we comply with their clothing standards. Please use discretion and common sense. Keep modesty in mind. Wearing clothes that are tattered is a sign of disrespect. Cool, comfortable clothing is recommended. Cotton clothing is most appropriate.

Male attire. Lightweight work pants, slacks and jeans are appropriate. Shorts may only be worn at the Home Base, not the work area. Short-sleeve shirts, t-shirts or tank tops may be worn, however they must not contain any questionable logos, such as beer, cigarettes, or rock groups. For church, a collared shirt and casual pants are recommended. Tennis shoes and boots are the recommended foot attire. Sandals/flip-flops can be used at the Home Base and are excellent for showering.
Female attire. Jeans, slacks and appropriate shorts may be worn. No mini-skirts, tank tops or skin revealing attire should be worn outside the Hogar del Nino. No open toed shoes can be worn to the work area. Tennis shoes and boots are excellent choices.
Jewelry. No jewelry, just an inexpensive watch.

PACKING

Pack lightly. Do not take anything you can't afford to lose. Rolling clothes takes less space. Avoid glass containers (as of 4/1/08). The airline permits one check-in bag (50 pound limit per bag) and one carry-on per person. It will now be an extra $25.00 for the second bag packed with needed supplies. You may bring a purse or small camera bag in addition to your carry-on. It is suggested that your carry-on be a backpack or fanny pack. Nametags need to be on all baggage. One bag should contain your personal items, while the second one is used to pack supplies and gifts. Always be mindful of where your passport is; and always wear it when traveling to and from the airport.

CURRENCY

DO NOT BRING TRAVELER'S CHECKS. We can exchange U.S. currency for limpera after we are settled at the Hogar. One limpera is worth about five cents. Most individuals spend less than $100 dollars. Credit cards are accepted at some shops in Tegucigalpa and at some gas stations in Juticalpa. No credit cards accepted in San Francisco de la Paz or the villages.

COMMUNICATION

Good communication is essential for preventing and solving problems. If you have any problems or health concerns, please talk to your team leader. The team meets each evening to review the day’s activities and pray together.

WORKING WITH TRANSLATORS

The interpreters are vital to the organization. Be sure to go out of your way to treat these individuals as part of your team. We encourage you to get to know them personally. Do not invite any Honduran to the United States.

GIVING TO THE POOR

Refrain from giving to beggars, particularly at the airport, many of whom are professionals.

GIFT GIVING

Never arbitrarily give items away to Hondurans. If you want to leave some of your personal belongings (clothing), check with your team leader first. Giving things away, even candy, can create chaos. It is very important not to add to the disempowerment of the people by creating a begging mentality. The gifts that the team brings down will be distributed by the members.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Payment for airline, food, Limpera and insurance are normally due at the Rectory 6-8 weeks prior to departure. Checks should be made to St. Basil Honduras Mission.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact Dr. Rich or Carol Pine at 440-838-4496 Fr. Walt at 440-526-1686

CARRY - ON BAGGAGE

The dimensional limit cannot exceed a total of 45 inches. Maximum height is 15 inches, width is 20 inches and depth is 10 inches. Be sure to pack any item you do not want to lose in this bag. Make sure all your bags have identification tags with your name on them, including your carry on.

Passport
Credit Card
$37 for departure tax from Honduras, this is separate from the $100
Change of clothes in case your baggage is lost
Camera and film
Snacks in case of delay
Water bottle
Toilet paper (2 rolls)
Hand sanitize gel
Medications to include the following:

All personal medications.
Pepto Bismol or Imodium AD and Correctol.
Dramamine is recommended, if you are prone to motion sickness.
Ibuprofen is also recommended.
Acidophilus pills—good bacteria!

Health insurance card
Reading materials

CHECK-IN BAGGAGE

(limit two, not to exceed 70 pounds per bag; duffle bags may be used)

Clothing
Towels and washcloth
Bed linens (twin bed)/pillow. lightweight blanket
Soap/antibacterial lotion
Toilet paper/paper lunch bags for tissue use
Sunglasses
Contact lenses/solution (bring an extra pair). Glasses are preferred at construction sites.
Shoes/work shoes and shower clogs
Light rain jacket
Electric hairdryers and shavers
Earplugs (for noise reduction while sleeping)
Snacks (granola bars, crackers, hard candy, no chocolate, tuna makers)
Flashlight
A few zip lock bags
Work gloves
Sun block, lip balm, insect repellant
Prayer book
Journal
Ladies note: Come prepared with feminine hygiene products. You are able to purchase some products but not all (tampons are not available) in Honduras.

INFORMATION TO LEAVE AT HOME

There are no landline telephones. A satellite phone is possibly available for emergency use only. Cellular phones* do not work in Honduras. If a member of your family needs to reach you for any emergency, they can try the following numbers:

Fr. Celio Mencias - 011 504 791 6113

Bishop Maurus Muldoon - 011.504.785.2011
Fax - 011.504.785.2787

The town you will be staying in is also the name of the parish

San Francisco De La Paz
Department (State) of Oloncho, Honduras, C.A.

* You might want to check with your cell phone provider to find out if you can rent a satellite phone for the trip. There is an internet café in San Francisco and several in Juticalpa.

The evening before departing Honduras, groups stay at the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa. The team leader is usually able to negotiate a special rate per room. The cost per room has been approximately $65 (US dollars) and includes breakfast and transportation to the airport. Phone for the hotel: 504-232-0033, fax 504-235-7700 (need to dial 011 first for international calls).

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate are located at:

Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Fax: 011-504-238-4357
Web site: http://www.usmission.hn/
Telephone: 011-504-236-9320 or 011-504-238-5114
For information on services for U.S. citizens, please ask for ext. 4400