Team Info
The following information is provided to help those who are traveling to Haiti to minister to be better informed and prepared.
1. All teams from Assembly of God churches must have an ‘invitation’ to the field and then contact the Personnel office for processing.
2. All travelers must have a valid passport. Airport exit fees are $35US but are included in the price of the ticket with American Airlines. Spirit Airlines has started service to Port-au-Prince from Ft. Lauderdale and offers some good deals.
The immigration form provided on the flight into Haiti requires an address where you will be staying. That information will be provided upon request or as the time of arrival approaches. Be sure and keep your small green card that the immigration officer will place in your passport. That is your ‘ticket’ out of the country.
3. Housing: Guesthouses provide clean, inexpensive housing with dorm-style sleeping arrangements (several people to a room). The current cost is $40US per night per person and includes breakfast and dinner. Food will be American-style and very tasty.
The guesthouse will have a generator and inverter system so you will generally have lights and fans all night. There is no air-conditioning nor hot water. Cool showers will feel good in the heat of Haiti.
Guesthouses generally provide airport pick-up and drop-off for a fee.
4. Dress: Due to the heat and humidity, cotton apparel is recommended.
Guys: jeans or modest shorts on construction sites; t-shirts
Ladies: jeans or capris on construction sites; short-sleeve tops; no shorts. For church services, a dress or skirt & blouse is expected.
Church services are dressy. The Sunday morning speaker usually wears a tie & jacket. Get ready to sweat.
5. Haiti does not have the chloroquine resistant malaria found in many other parts of the world. You may want to check with your doctor to discuss taking a malaria prophylactic.
6. Cameras: Many people do not want their photo taken for spiritual or personal reasons. Be discreet in taking photos and be respectful of people’s wishes. Inside churches, there is no problem with taking photos or video.
7. Drink! Due to the high heat and humidity, you can become dehydrated quickly. Drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated.
8. Items you may want to pack:
flashlight
hat
comfortable shoes
hand sanitizer
small first aid kit
Immodium
Pepto Bismo
snacks
attitude of patience and flexibility
