Alison Weinstock and Lisa Shunk spoke to our team concerning cultural issues in Haiti. Alison has extensive experience on WW teams. Lisa spent her high school years in Haiti as an MK.
Alison spoke for about 20 minutes on basic concepts of being a WW team and Lisa gave some issues, facts and figures about Haiti that were informational.
Ray Mattix talked about the construction side of things from the perspective of one that has already been there.
All three entertained questions and answers.
Thank you Alison, Lisa and Ray for your contribution to our Haiti trip.
HAITI Q & A
Q. What are the dates of our Work & Witness trip?
A. July 27 to August 3, 2010. Our plan is to leave KCI at 6:30 a.m. via Chicago, arrive in Miami at 2:05, then on to Port-a-Prince.
Q. What are luggage restrictions?
A. Nothing over 50 pounds per bag,limit 2 bags.
Q. What about passports?
A. You must have one that's dated to expire no earlier valid through than February 3, 2011.
Q. How many members will be on the College Church Work & Witness team?
A. We have set the number at 20.
Q. When will the selection be made?
A. In the next two or three weeks.
Q. Where will the team be staying while in Haiti?
A. We anticipate that we will still be doing projects in and around Port-a-Prince when our team arrives. If that is the case we will be in the Work & Witness guesthouse, which is very nice. If we accomplish more, we will possibly start going out a bit further from Port-a-Prince and that could mean air mattresses inside a church or school we're rebuilding / repairing.
For a resource on Haiti click Nazarenes Help Haiti
Q. What about the cooking facilities. What are they?
A. If at the Work & Witness guesthouse, the kitchen is U.S. standard with oven, stove, microwave, two fridges, all utensils, etc. If we are out in the province, we will be on two four-burner propane stoves and take all the pots and pans and utensils that we need with us. Our people on the ground have this down to a science and hardly ever go without!
Q. Since we will bring all of our food needs, is there refrigeration available?
A. They have fridges at the guest house and if out in the province there is a system of organizing meals by day in coolers that we can keep things cold as ice for up to seven days, which is longer than we're normally out.
Q. Can you elaborate on the nature of the work we would be doing?
A. The majority of the work will be concrete and concrete block.
Q. Will hand tools be provided?
A. Yes, but if you have a favorite hammer, or trowel, pack it.
Q. Some concern has been expressed about mosquitoes. What are your suggestions in that regard? Mosquito nets?
A. Most of the groups don't bring nets, and many of those that do end up not using them. I wouldn't want to tell you not to bring them because they don't take up that much space and if it makes someone feel more secure I'm all for it. You should, however, bring repellant.
Q. What will the cost for this trip be for each member?
A. The total cost should be around $1000 each. Once the team is selected there will be a schedule for payment established so that all money is received well in advance of the trip. The region also requires that each member bring $30 per person per day, which covers fuel and water expenses. That amount is included in the $1000 above mentioned. All food will be provided by College Church as well as the project cost, which normally runs about $20,000.
Click this U Tube Video of the Pont Rouge Church of the Nazarene.
Click this Google Map of the Pont Rogue Nazarene Church
Q. What about medical release forms?
A. They will be forthcoming.
Q. What transportation provisions will be available in Haiti?
A. We have several Work & Witness vehicles, including a school bus, two flat bed trucks with cages, and 4x4 pickups, and are exploring the possibility of purchasing a few more to handle our new construction demands.
Q. What about apparel?
A. Bring sturdy footwear, gloves and straw hats for sun protection. Jeans and Tee shirts are best dress. It would be wise to bring sun-screen as well.
Q. What are the areas of medical service that you expect any of our medical team members to perform?
A. By August I suspect that the medical portion of the team will be doing wound care and addressing many of the chronic health maladies found in Haiti malnutrition, diarrhea, skin diseases, pediatric issues, worms, parasites, broken bones, you name it and they could see it!
Q. How many church services do you expect our team to be involved in?
A. We could be in as many as four in a week's time.
Q. Should we get vaccinations/inoculations for this trip?
A. Yes. Tetanus within 10 years, Hepatitis A & B as soon as possible, and all childhood inoculations brought up to date, Malaria prescription preventative also.
Q. What will the climate be like in July?
A. Hot and humid!
Q. Who do I contact for more information?
A. Contact Rev. Jim Means, the Work & Witness coordinator for College Church. Click Email Jim or call at Home: 913-254-1567 or, Cell: 913-624-4893.
Click this site for the Nazarene Caribbean Region: Haiti
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