Things You Should Know

In a couple of months we are going to be in the final preperation stages of our mission and I am hoping that everything will be in place, all the bills paid, and all the planning done. I've done this for several years so, I am not too confident that this year will be any less hectic than all the others.
Oh well! I do know that every year that I have taken a group to serve God and the people of Honduras is better than the year before. It is always hard to believe that it can get better, but it does.
I do have some info that you need to have so you won't be surprised.

• The first news is that the airlines have changed the checked luggage rule to a maximum of 50 pounds per checked bag. There is a 2 bag per person limit too. You can still take a carry-on and I strongly recommend that you make that a back pack.
• Other airline news - the airlines have implemented a rule that requires that your passport is valid for more than 90 days whenever you board the flight to Honduras. I'd recommend that you get your passport renewed if it is due to expire this year.
• In some years we have been able to pay your exit tax out of the registration fee. Our budget this year is very tight (airfares are higher and bus fuel will be more expensive) and you will need to bring $30 to pay your departure tax. We will collect this whenever you open your bank account.
• When you bring cash, please remember that our bankers will be selling limpera in packets that are worth $20. That means that big bills are very difficult to work with. Please bring your cash in $10 or $20 denominations.

I am also getting request from many of you asking "what should I bring?". Well, now you have the answer. Here is your list of TORCH 2005 supplies.

List of Stuff

July 23 – August 6, 2004

Following are a few of the things that everyone needs to bring.

• MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT! We will check everyone before we leave. (Do not pack your passport in luggage to be checked)
  
• Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original.
• Bring a minimum of $150 to $200. Also, you’ll need to budget $30 for departure tax from Honduras.
  BRING YOUR MONEY IN $20 INCREMENTS!
• Church clothes - guys need slacks and a collared shirt, gals need a dress.
• Work gloves, hammer, hat(s), sunscreen, & shoes or boots for work.
• Snacks for lunches. Peanut butter, granola bars, & power bars all work well. Think portable & think about sharing.
• Be sure to bring your Bible & a notebook to keep a daily journal
• Canteen, backpack, and knee length shorts, (no tank tops)
• Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Imedoium, & small first aid kit. Insect repellant , & (personal hygiene – ladies)
• Pillow, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, & toiletries.
• Bags of hard candy to give to kids
• Camera & Film – digital is at your own risk!
• Maximum of 2 checked bags (50 pounds each) and 1 carry-on.
• NO WALKMAN/ CD PLAYERS / MP3/ I-Pod/ etc.
• No expensive jewelry & no hoop earrings.