Hey DR Team!
Here are a couple of updates…
1. Thanks for checking the blog for updates and new info. Tell your friends and family that they can check this site while we are in DR for updates and photos of the team.
2. At one point I had discussed with some of you the possibility of not having a resort night before we leave DR. After reviewing our flight schedule, our hosts in DR have decided it is in everyone’s best interest to stay at a resort in
3. In a previous post I mentioned mosquito nets. If you are thinking about purchasing a mosquito net I wanted to offer some suggestions. First, get something simple, not a big complex setup that won’t fit in your suitcase. Second, look for permethrin treated products or some do-it-yourself permethrin. That is the chemical that is most effective in warding off the “bugs”. Third, consider ordering with a friend to save shipping costs if you are buying online. Lastly, I have provided a few links below to help you get started shopping around if you are looking for a net.
Permethrin Products: REI, Campmor,
Pretreated Net: Travel Health Help
4. Here is a tid-bit of knowledge to store in a handy place in your carry on (along with a pen). The address for your visa forms (that you fill out on the airplane) is:
Juventude con Una Mision
KM 4, Entrada del Salto Jimenoa
Piedra Blanca, Jarabacoa
5. Many of you have asked for a “What To Bring” list… so here you go: (this is also available on our blog site)
CLOTHING
Dress on the base and in Jarabacoa is fairly casual. Most people wear jeans, shorts and t-shirts on the base. You should also bring a light jacket and an umbrella.
Bring a mixture of clothing that will allow you enough variety, but won't weigh your bags down too much. We suggest bringing at least 2 pairs of jeans, along with light cotton trousers or sweatpants, shorts if you wear them, and several t-shirts. You should also bring one set of old clothes that can be used for construction work and one set of nicer clothes to wear to church or to a restaurant. You will also need at least one pair of walking shoes/sneakers, and a pair of sandals to wear inside the house.
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
The base will provide pillows and blankets, but you should bring you own sheets, pillow cases, and towels. A mosquito net is optional, if you want to be extra cautious, feel free to bring one.
Other household items you may want to bring include a hair-dryer, an alarm clock, and a flashlight. Consider sharing a hairdryer among friends, to cut down on space needed in your luggage. Voltage is the same as in the
Don’t forget to bring a camera if you have one and a generous amount of film (or memory for your digital camera) since film is expensive here.
It will be helpful if you bring a small backpack. The backpack may also be useful for day trips or for other projects in the city or nearby towns.
STUDY ITEMS
Bring a pen, a notebook and don’t forget your Bible!
COSMETICS/TOILETRIES
Come prepared with your own bug spray, anti-itch medicine (for bug bites), shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc ... sunscreen is recommended. Our team will have a small first-aid kit with things like aspirin, band-aids, Imodium (just in case), antiseptic cream to cover most situations. Remember to pack all these liquids in your checked baggage and not in your carry on!
HEALTH
Most people ask about Malaria risk in DR but Typhoid is actually more common than Malaria in the area we will be traveling to. No specific immunizations are required before traveling to DR, but we advise you to check with your doctor on any suggestions he has for any kind of vaccinations for your time in DR. If you are taking any specific medication we advise you to get enough of it to last you during your time there, as it may be impossible to get your medication there. The pharmacies do sell a variety of medications, but might not sell the one you need.
MISCELLANEOUS
Please be aware that you'll be sharing a dormitory-style room with several others, and there won't be too much room for personal belongings. Consider the fact that Mother Teresa and her sisters “traveled only with such personal luggage as could be contained in a bucket or a cardboard box”.
Here are a few miscellaneous things to have in your bucket…
· refillable water bottle. (this should be empty and packed in your checked luggage)
· personal bottle of hand sanitizer. (sometimes it's good to have this when adequate hand washing facilities are not readily available.)
· work gloves
· batteries for your camera
· charger for your camera (or rechargeable batteries)
· a basketball or other sporting equipment (consider donating it at the end of the week)
· insect repellant (don’t let me emphasize this too much!)
6. Finally, I am still working on a date for one more team meeting before we leave. You wouldn’t believe how crazy the school calendar is these days (or maybe you would as most of you are involved in all those sports!). I will keep you posted. But for now… maybe all this info will keep you happy for a few days.
Email me with any specific questions you have! And keep praying!
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