HONDURAS MINISTRY TRIP
ONLINE TRIP MANUAL
Tegucigalpa
July 12 - 19, 2008
ITINERARY - 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
Mission Code: HO08-07IDV
Total Cost: $2,350.00 (including International and Domestic Airfare)
Land cost is all-inclusive: all meals, lodging, in-country transportation, insurance, interpreters, bottled water, sightseeing, etc.
TRIP LEADERS
Bob Beams
Volunteer Mission Trip Leader
Maureen Hodge
Orphan Outreach Honduras In-Country Coordinator
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Orphan Outreach Missions Office
972-726-6200   
Orphan Outreach USA Emergency Contact
Emergency Only (any hour)
214-597-6655 [mobile]
Trip details are still pending and will be available soon.
Continue to check back to the trip manual
for upcoming details about your trip.

DEADLINES
June 7 Mission Trip Applications due online
$250 non-refundable deposit due
June 20 Balance Due  (including airfare)
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Details to come...
HONDURAS COUNTRY and CULTURE
Honduran society is rife with economic inequality. Malnutrition, poor housing and infant diseases are widespread.

The country has a youthful population; 50% of Hondurans are under the age of 19. But endemic poverty, chronic unemployment and the prospects offered by drug trafficking have contributed to a virulent crime wave conducted mainly by youth gangs known as "maras".

The maras are said to have tens of thousands of members and use threats and violence to control poorer districts in towns and cities.

Meanwhile, police officers have been implicated in high-profile crimes, and the police are thought to have been involved in the murders by death squads of youths and street children.

Honduras was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. At least 5,000 people were killed and 70% of the country's crops were destroyed. The damage was estimated at $3bn, setting development back by decades.

Thousands of Hondurans leave the country each year, most of them for the US. The money sent home by the overseas workers is an important source of income for many families.

Capital:
• Tegucigalpa
Size/Area:
• 43,433 sq miles
Population
• 7.1 million (UN, 2007)
Language(s)
• Spanish, indigenous languages, English
Religion
• Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%
Currency
• Lempira (HNL)
Government
• democratic constitutional republic
Current Leader
• Manuel Zelaya Rosales
Literacy
• 80%
Ethnic Group:
• mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%,
• Amerindian 7%,
• black 2%,
• white 1%
Economy
• bananas, coffee, citrus; beef; timber; shrimp
Main Exports
• Coffee, bananas, shellfish, meat, timber, gold and other minerals
Life Expectancy
• 67 years (men),
• 74 years (women)
Customs
• Hondurans are often referred to as Catracho or Catracha (fem) in Spanish
• Give a firm handshake when greeting a man and less firm when greeting a woman. Establishing eye contact in an inviting way is important.
• Be aware that the acceptable distance for Hondurans is closer than that of most North Americans.
• One of the wonderful characteristics of Hondurans is their warmth.

Culture
Food:
Honduran cuisine makes extensive use of coconut, in both sweet and savory foods, and even in soups.

Sports:
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Honduras.

Arts:
Honduras is influential in Central American music, having the first music academy in the Americas: Victoriano López. In San Pedro Sula we can find the José Francisco Saybe theater, home of Círculo Teatral Sampedrano (Theatrical Circle of San Pedro Sula). Theater which is also the biggest one in Central America.

TRIP ITINERARY
Details to come...
TRAVEL WARNINGS
For up-to-date travel warnings, please click here to visit the U.S. Department of State website.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Some immunizations may be required. We recommend that you call your personal doctor and let him or her know the dates and regions of your travel. He or she will be able to give you the needed immunizations based on your personal medical history and your travel itinerary. You can also consult the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for additional information regarding travelers’ health. If you need to paste the link into your web browser, the link is: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationIndia.aspx

Your local “County Health and Human Services” department may also have the necessary immunizations, or you can research to see if your community has a medical clinic geared towards traveler’s health.

If you live in the Dallas area, a good resource is the North Texas Travel Medicine Center. You can reach them by phone at 214-247-4444. If you need to paste the link into your web browser, the link is: http://www.tripvac.com
RAISING SUPPORT
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
• People who make financial contributions for volunteers traveling on a mission trip will receive a receipt for their donation. As a volunteer who is paying your own way on a mission trip, a significant portion of your cost may be tax-deductible. Please consult your personal tax advisor with respect to tax deductions.
• Keep track of your donations for your personal records: list the donor name, mailing address and amount received. Our Missions office will also keep an account of your donations so that we can double-check records, in case anyone mails a donation directly to us on your behalf, or if you have any questions, etc.
• Remember to send each donor a personal thank-you note and trip update upon return
• We accept trip payments in the form of credit cards and checks.

Checks
Checks should be made payable to “Orphan Outreach”

If you receive a check payable in your name, you must sign the check over to Orphan Outreach by signing your name AND writing, “For deposit only to Orphan Outreach.”
This allows us to send a tax receipt to your trip supporter.

Mail the collected checks in an envelope with a note that states your name and mission trip code.
Mail the checks to:
Orphan Outreach
ATTN: MISSIONS
7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 560
Dallas, TX 75251

Credit Cards
You can make a payment towards your trip ONLINE. Simply click here to go to our “Make a Donation” page and click the link to make a trip payment.

If one of your trip sponsor’s wants to use a credit card to make a donation towards your trip, simply direct them to the “Make A Donation” page on the Orphan Outreach website and they can select the button to sponsor a trip participant ONLINE.

** Please Note: Orphan Outreach is charged a 3% fee on all credit card donations. A 3% convenience charge will be added to all credit card payments.

Cash
DO NOT send cash through the mail. Instead, send a money order for the total cash amount that you have received. Include an itemized list of each donor name, mailing address and amount given so that tax deductible receipts may be issued. If you write a personal check on behalf of donors that send cash, you will receive a receipt but we will not be able to send a receipt to your donors.

Fundraising Ideas:
• Tell everyone you know what you are doing and how they can help
• Write personal support letters explaining your mission and fundraising goal
• Speak to your church, businesses or groups that may have a special interest in your trip
• Offer to do yard work, housework, errands or other chores for donations
• Host a craft sale or bake sale
• Start a money jar
• Host a garage sale for your neighborhood or church with donated items
• Host a fundraising dinner for friends and share about the needs of the orphan children
• Host a dinner at your church and charge admission. Share about the needs of the orphan children and culture in which you will be serving.
• Work at a sporting event concession
PACKING INFORMATION
• Passport
• Paper ticket or E-ticket
• Bible and devotional reading
• Money for souvenirs (please take clean, new large-faced bills)
• Money belt (money and a photocopy of your passport will be kept on you at all times) Note: Passports will be collected and locked up by your trip leader
• Phone numbers, addresses, email addresses of family and friends
• Camera, film, batteries, chargers
• Small packets of tissue
• Antibacterial hand cleanser and wipes
• Travel alarm clock
• Sunscreen and hat
• Prescription drugs for entire length of trip (place in carry-on luggage)
• Over the counter medicine (cold & cough, upset stomach, pain relief, Tylenol PM)
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush & paste, personal hygiene items)
• Everyday clothing
• Comfortable pair of shoes
• Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses (with extras for emergency)
• Snacks that withstand travel and heat
• Small flashlight with batteries
• Currency Converter cheat sheet (www.oanda.com)
• Safety pens/travel sewing kit for emergencies
• Book/magazines for airplane
• Locks for luggage (at the hotel); luggage cannot be locked through airport security
NOTE: no adapter/converter is needed as Honduras uses the same voltage and outlet plugs as USA
Everyday clothing:
• khakis, jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts are fine for the orphanages
• No shorts at any time.
• Men and boys cannot wear flip flops or open toed shoes
• Not much jewelry and no necklaces with crosses
• Layering clothing is best
• Pack one change of clothing in carry-on luggage

Humanitarian Aid Items to Collect and Pack:
• Backpacks
• Candy to pass out to the children
• Small toys for the children

IMPORTANT:
• We need large quantities of the same item so all the children receive something the same (ex. 50 small race cars, 50 bottles of nail polish, 50 yo-yos, etc)
• Please bag items in zip lock bags and mark the bag with the quantity (ex 100 pencils)
Baggage Allowance
Each person is allowed 2 checked bags (not exceeding 50 lbs); please use 1 bag for personal luggage and the other bag for humanitarian aid
You are allowed 1 piece of carry-on luggage and 1 personal item (such as a small purse, camera bag or laptop bag)

INSURANCE
Orphan Outreach purchases secondary insurance for each trip participant traveling with us on a mission trip. The cost of the secondary insurance is included in your land cost. Information completed in your application (such as listing your designated beneficiary) is used by our missions office to purchase the insurance. Your trip leader is trained to know what to do in case of emergency and will carry the needed documents during your trip.

Adams & Associates International has developed a plan for volunteers on an international short-term mission trip while on active service with Orphan Outreach. The insurance purchased for the short-term mission trip is a secondary insurance that, for example, covers lost or stolen baggage all the way to emergency medical evacuation. In case of an incident, the trip participant will need to pay charges then get reimbursed through Adams & Associates after filling out the proper claim form after the mission trip.

Please see below for a brief summary of the coverage which outlines some of the features of the policy.

INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR Orphan Outreach
A&AI Travel InsuranceAmerican International Group, in cooperation with Adams & Associates International® (A&AI), has developed a package of benefits for you while you are overseas and while in route to and from your assignment. (The Property Insurance is underwritten by Chubb).The coverage provides a basic level of Personal Accident Protection, Permanent Total Disability and Property Insurance and is not intended to replace any personal insurance that you may currently have.

SUMMARY OF COVERAGES - PERSONS AGES 13 TO AGE 69
Accidental Death and Dismemberment — Principal Sum: $100,000
Disability Income, per month for 1st through 100th months, Accident: $1,000
per month for 101st through 200th months, Accident: $500
per month for 4th through 54th months, Sickness: $250

Medical Expense, $100 deductible
Note: $2500 of this benefit can be used to meet eligible medical expense incurred in the US.

Medical, Legal, Passport and Baggage Assistance see AIG International Services Summary (formerly AIG Assist)
Emergency Medical Transportation $75,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains $7,500
Family Coordination $15,000
Property & Baggage Insurance, $100 deductible, per family unit (Chubb) $2,500

SUMMARY OF COVERAGES - PERSONS AGE 70 & OVER, AND, CHILDREN
Accidental Death and Dismemberment — Principal Sum: $10,000

Medical Expense
$10,000
Note: $2500 of this benefit can be used to meet eligible medical expense incurred in the US.

Medical, Legal, Passport and Baggage Assistance see AIG International Services Summary (formerly AIG Assist)
Emergency Medical Transportation $75,000
Repatriation of Mortal Remains $7,500
Family Coordination $15,000
Property & Baggage Insurance, $100 deductible, per family unit (Chubb)
The Property Benefit does not apply to children. $2,500

* In case of emergency, obtain required documentation of the incident during your trip.
* Note the two emergency numbers (your trip leader will carry these numbers with him or her and will follow the emergency policies and procedures):
1-800-626-2427
(Call collect outside of the U.S.) 713-267-2525
PASSPORTS [Copies of Passports due to Orphan Outreach by May 16, 2008]
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

For more information on getting a new passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website or visit the link "How to get a passport".

Renewal of a U.S. Passport
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading at the U.S. Department of State website.

If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.

For more information on how to renew a passport, please visit How to renew a passport page.
MISSIONS BOOKS AND DEVOTIONALS
Transforming Ventures: A Spiritual Guide for Volunteers in Mission [Ives, Jane.]
Let the Nations Be Glad [Piper, John]
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Weather
Visit www.weather.com for the weather conditions while you are in Honduras.

Currency Exchange Rate
Visit www.oanda.com for the latest currency exchange rate in Honduras.

Bible Verses translations
Visit www.unbound.biola.edu for Bible Verse translations.

Country, Culture, History and Language
Visit the following links for more information about Honduras:
www.latinworld.com
www.studyspanish.com
www.languagehelpers.com
www.worldfactbook.com/country/Honduras/2007
www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/central-america/honduras
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honduras

Orphan Outreach is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
Donations and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.