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INFORMATION
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GOALS FOR MISSION TRIPS
* To fulfill the Great Commission.
* To promote HRC Ministries among the supporters and their
churches as visitors to the field return to their home congregations.
* To grant first hand mission experience.
* To encourage the national in his or her ministry by working
along side them as a visitor.
* To help the visitor have a greater understanding of the
National and Missionary partnership.
* To promote a greater awareness of cultural dynamics and
God moving in them.
MISSION TRIP PREPARATIONS
“
Things To Do ”
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| Mission trips are out
of our comfort Zone. |
1.. VISA- Some countries require a visa. Call
information in the area code of Washington DC (202) and ask
for the number
of the Embassy of the country you are interested in. As for
Zimbabwe you
buy it as you enter the country.
Right now they are $30 US for a single entry and $40 double
entry and $55 US for a multi-entry one. They do not make
change so carry the right bills in order to make the amount
without needing
any
change back. 2.. SHOTS- Call your local health department
or ask for the
Embassy of the country you plan to visit. For Zimbabwe, Hepatitis
A & B are
commended as well as Typhoid and Tetanus. You should also
have a TB test done so you have results showing you don’t
have it. 3.. PASSPORTS- All US citizens going abroad must
have a passport. Costs
of passports are $100. Adults good for 10 years, children
5 years. Infants can be on a mother’s passport. Check with
your local Post Office for information about applications.
4.. We would
recommend
that you fly with a well- established airline like British
Air, South African
Airways, and Lufthansa... You will find all announcements
in English on British Air. Some
Air Lines get upset having to repeat all announcements for
you. 5.. If
you travel through England you will find all signs in English.
We found
Paris
and Rome difficult. All depends on how adventuresome you
are. 6.. You can change your American money in any airport
so you don’t have to buy money in the States. Most banks
don’t
carry any anyway. 7.. You are allowed 2 suitcases at 70lbs
each per passport
on some airlines but most have changed this to 50lbs. Be
sure and ask about the weight and size restrictions when
you book your ticket. Carry-on luggage is usually 1 each
plus a purse
or briefcase,
small
enough to fit under your seat. When circumstances require,
you may
be asked to book your carryon as a suitcase, so make sure
it can be
locked
if need be. 8.. If traveling as a couple pack each suitcase
with clothes for
each person. Not all of yours in one and all of someone else
is in another.
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| Together we can make
a deference. |
Sometimes cases get lost and may or may not arrive later.
Also pack tightly so things don’t shift. You may find yourself
trading clothes for souvenirs especially in African countries.
9.. There
are hair driers that are made especially for 110 and 220
electricity (they
are available at Wal-Mart). Those for 110 will not work in
foreign countries unless you have a transformer.
We have transformers but you should check this with whomever
you are going to stay with.
Transformers are available at places like Radio Shack and
Circuit City. 10.. It is usually wise to have one change
of clothes per person in your carry-on bag. You may have
an accident on the plane and wish
you could change. We carry all our toiletries with us so
in each airport we can freshen up. 11.. Smoking is no longer
allowed anywhere
in the plane. 12.. It is good to carry chewing gum for ear
popping and Dramamine for air-sickness. Even something for
diarrhea and headache. 13.. If you are flying directly to
your
destination
without staying
days anywhere to break the trip, book your suitcases straight
through. You will not have to collect them anywhere until
you reach the end of your trip. If staying over, book only
to that destination
so you can get your suitcases there. Watch your carry-on
carefully in airports.
People will grab them and run. If we sleep in the lounge
while waiting
for our flight we loop our arms and legs through the handles.
14.. When
packing, Sunday wear for women is usually dresses (below
the knees if going to Africa). Men usually wear trousers,
shirt and tie. Jacket if preaching. Remember the differences
in seasons. Africa is different to the States. In July you
may want slacks and
jackets because it is winter.
Dress comfortably for the plane
but remember they are air-conditioned. They also have a blanket
and a pillow for each passenger. Also
footies and blinders and small toothbrushes. 15.. DON`T FORGET
TO RE-CONFIRM YOUR FLIGHT. 3 days before you fly you must
call your airline and confirm your flight. If you don’t your seat
may be given to someone else. You may also request your seating
at that time. 16.. When you receive your tickets check the dates
and see that they are correct. The ticket should reflect the time
changes between countries. Also check and make sure your name has
been spelled exactly as it appears in your passport. 17.. If you
take any medication regularly, be sure you have it with you!! 18..
Malaria is a big problem in most African countries. Have a doctor
prescribe for you and your children. Doses and kinds available
will differ in African countries as compared to the States. 19..
Ticket prices do change from time to time. Once you reserve your
tickets the price will not change. 20.. The first thing you will
need at the airport is your passport and ticket. Head for the counter
that is for “Visitors”. 21.. Traveler’s checks
are not advisable. I have seen them denied because the traveler
was not carrying the original paper work with them when they purchased
the checks. Visa and Master card are good. 22.. As you come through
the Harare airport you will see us watching you through the glass
windows at the top of the room. We will be in the café waiting
until you come through then we come down stairs and meet you as
you come through the glass doors. 23.. When arriving at the airport,
go through the line for “Visitors”. Get a trolley,
find your luggage as it comes through on the belt and proceed through
the green area for “Nothing To Declare”. If asked any
questions like, “are you bringing anything you plan to leave
in Zim?” answer Yes but not more than $200 US worth. It is
usually best not to make eye contact with any officials when pushing
your luggage through. If an attendant offers to help, wearing neon
colored vest, they will usually walk you right through, just keep
making conversation. 24.. Do not tip in US dollars. Let us do the
tipping after you come
through to us …….
Traveling Information
The amount we request from each guest is $150. per week per person. This to help
cover food and fuel. We get a better exchange rate on cash so we would rather
each person bring us the cash If you fail to bring enough to cover what you
want to spend personally you will be able to use your credit card.
As of recently the government of Zimbabwe now allows Americans to carry as much
US money as they want. However I would not claim over $500 when entering the
country.
A shot record or immunization record from either the Health Department or Dr.'s
office should be carried by each showing what shots were received.
If you get the tine test please have the record show it was a TB test and include
the results on that record. We'll just pray they don't ask for x-rays. We can
always offer to get one here if they do, not that we will find a machine that
works. Make sure tetanus is in included........
(Shots are not put in passports).
Traveling Overseas
Flights all over the world require that you check in 2 hours before your flight.
Your tickets must match your passport in spelling. Have everyone check for
type-o's on their tickets. Most overseas airlines will allow 2 suitcases per
person with NO MORE than 70 lbs in each some airlines have gone to 50lbs per
case. Your carry on should fit under your seat and not weigh more than 10 – 12
pounds (lots of people use bookbags or backpacks these days). Women are allowed
a carry-on and a purse. You can phone the airline ahead of time and get this
info. If bringing a laptop, carry it in your carry-on and you will be instructed
to take it out of the bag when sending the bag through the security scanner.
We also had to take off our shoes and put them through the scanner. We saw
this in Atlanta. |
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| Step out and make a deference,
for the only thing that counts is your faith expressing
it's self in love. |
In your carry-on
you should have a complete change of clothes. Someone might
spill something on you on the plane or if you end up staying
the night someplace
you did not count on it is nice to have a change of clothes. So all necessary
toiletries should be in your carry-on. You might want chewing gum for making
your ears open up. I take Dramamine so I can sleep on the plane. Sometimes
we don't know we get air sick until it happens the first time. Dramamine is
for that as well. Carry something for a headache. Head colds will be very painful
on the plane Contacts dry out on the plane. Your feet will swell during the
flight too. You can take off your shoes but make sure you will be able to get
them back on. Ladies sometimes fly in dress shoes, take them off, their feet
swell and then they can hardly walk off the plane. Don't wear clothes that
advertise America on them. Shirts or hats with the American flag on them may
make you a target for trouble. Christian clothing is not bad if you are not
traveling through Arab nations.
Each flight usually has announcements of CNN news, movies and give explanations
as to what to do when landing on the screen. Each flight offers pillows and
blankets and headsets which are not for you to keep but to use.
Each meal usually has a choice of 2 main courses. You can have drinks when
needed. There will be lights that show when the bathroom is vacant or occupied.
Flights use to require paperwork filled out before landing in the foreign country.
If so, you will be given the paperwork on the plane. Some do not....
In each airport you will follow the directions to the Visitors line for your
passport to be stamped. If you do not leave the airport you will not clear
customs and you proceed to the visitors lounge our departure lounge.
If you do leave the airport then you
will have to claim your luggage and there are directions
to follow to do that. At least
in London they speak English. Just ask questions of people
from British Airways when you arrive When you reach your
destination Harare you will see us watching you through the
glass windows
in the cafe. You will go through the line to your right as
you
enter the arrival area and after getting your visa stamped
in your passport you will get a cart and collect your suitcases
as they come around. After collecting all the suitcases you
proceed to the Green Line which reads "Nothing to Declare".
Keep your passport in your hand so they can see you are a
visitor. If there are people wearing vests with NEON stripes
on them
offering to push your cart for you that is fine. Let them
push you through and just keep walking. If anyone asks you
if you
brought anything you plan to leave behind just answer simply
and let them know it is not worth more than $200. (like candy
or small gifts). You are allowed to leave that much without
us paying duty. We will tip those who push for you when they
have brought you through to us.
I meant to add that if anyone has a head cold the flight will
be very painful when landing. A nose spray would be very helpful.
Like Afrin or something .
A chest x-ray with a letter from the doctor saying you do
not have TB was required for traveling here some time back but
they have never asked to see ours. Having the TB test is fine
and can also be stated in the letter. If they decide to find
an excuse to not let someone into the country they can ask for
one and if you don't have it they can refuse to let you into
the country which means you buy a ticket back home for that
same day and never leave the airport.
The visa must be the correct amount because they don't make
change. They don't have the US money to give you change and
will just keep the extra. Your shopping money can be any size.
You cannot carry a nail file in your purse or a small knife
of any kind. The men won't be allowed one in their pockets either.
Bring your drivers license as a form of picture ID.
If coming May to Aug. it will be our winter time. I will start
my
mornings in sweats and by lunch be back in t-shirts. Then by dark I'll be back
in sweats. This is normal for me for our winter here because we have become
acclimatized. You may only want a light jacket. Don't bring Indiana type winter
clothes or you will burn up. Our coldest temps are 40' at night and up to the
70's during the day. But a dry cold, it does not rain in our winter season.
1. I have a Maytag washer and dryer so
laundry will be no problem. You can wear the same dress
each Sunday because you will be
in a different church each Sunday. Dresses should be below
the knees. Shorts can be wore at our place if they are
as longer
than the length of your arms hanging down your side, capris
are even better . T-shirts or blouses only not spaghetti
straps, NO cleavage and no belly showing. Jeans or slacks
but not skin
tight, no underwear showing. Basically modest wear. Your
underwear is your business but it must not be seen…..
Tennis shoes, sandals, dress shoes can be worn. I only
ever wear hose in the
winter and that is on Sundays. When I teach the scripture
classes I wear either a dress or dress slacks. When we
do a week of
camp I wear long shorts, t-shirts or jeans. You may even
want your swim suit but NO 2 pieces or French cut.
2. We bring our OFF spray with us from the States. So whether you use OFF
or Skin So Soft from Avon you should bring it with you.
3. You will have access to email through us. Bring a phone card for calling
the States. The charge is cheaper if paid on the US side.
4. Travelers checks don't always work. To use them here you have to have all
the paperwork with you showing where you bought them. Our money is Zimbabwe
dollars. You can get it here when you come. Just bring $5's, $10's, $20's,
$50's and $100's. You cannot use anything less than a $5.
Bring an assortment because when you do use US no one can give you change you
will need the exact amount. Such as the VISA you will buy as you come through
the airport upon your arrival and then any departure tax if they charge it
when you leave. Carry your cash hidden on you and have $500. on your purse
to claim.
5. As for what shots are required, you will need to contact your local Health
Department. When we came both the A & B were required and the Typhoid and
Tetanus. It is advisable for you to carry a chest x-ray in your carry-on with
a letter from your doctor that you are TB free.
6. You can take part in every ministry we have going. You can teach in the
scripture classes with me Grades 0-5. You can share at the CYC (Chinhoyi Youth
Club) meetings which are Grade 8 - 12. You can go to the rural schools and
see our guys teaching the morals and ethics classes in the scholarship program.
You can meet the students on our Student Support Program. You will rotate to
each of the churches on Sunday mornings, (Grace, Miyinga, Biri and Zurungowe).
You can sing each Sunday if you are so inclined. We will have camp while you
are here so you can be involved in all that goes on during a camp setting.
We have a Bible Study here in our home Tues-Friday mornings, you will be expected
to attend. You can go to the grocery store with me (that will be an eye opener).
If your group comes with plans to build something at the camp you will be included.
You will however be staying in my home and I do the cooking so you are safe
in that way. Except for our camp session.
7. I don't know of any problem with you bringing a subscription drug with you.
Just have it in the original bottle with your name on it and the doctors name
and maybe you would feel better if you have a letter from you doctor stating
that you do take this daily and what it is for.
8. Malaria comes from mosquito bites, you should be on an anti-malaria drug
before coming and during your stay here and complete that course when you return
to the States. We use borehole water at the camp and we also have it here in
our house so the water is only a problem if you drink when we are someplace
else. Cokes are a good choice at restaurants. Bug bites, snake bites, thieves.
I'm sure you know anything can happen so you should know why you are coming
and that your safety rests in God's hands.
Refer further questions to Michael Boschert.
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