As you prepare to devote large amounts of resources both in terms of time and money to serve in Haiti, it’s important to respect that investment by making the necessary preparations. Doing so will help you to have a trip that is both productive for you and the areas that you are trying to serve. Before you come to Haiti, you should have a well-organized plan of what you will be doing and how you will do it. Your team should also come prepared to experience diffiicult travel, living conditions, and working conditions during your stay. Understanding these two things will prepare you for a successful trip. Also, it is important to understand that plans change here all the time, so having a great deal of flexibility is another key to having a fruitful visit.
The sections below contain some very important information that you should be familiar with before you make your trip.
Online Orientation
The Online Orientation is a short informational section that provides almost all of the little details that are important to know about your trip to Haiti. It covers everything from cultural norms to basic safety and health issues. The information is split into each section some questions at the end of each section to let you test knowledge. It is recommend that everyone coming to Haiti complete this short Online Orientation class.
Take advantage of the accumulated knowledge and experience of others that have made the trip to Haiti by using this online travel checklist. This check list will let you set your mind at ease by providing an easy to follow checklist of things that you need to do and pack for your trip.
Different teams come down to Haiti with very different missions. Depending on what your ministry in plans for Haiti your day to day experience can vary greatly. Take some time to read over a short description of what kind of experience you can expect from the type of team you are traveling on.
When you’re not working there are several actives available to your team. On La Gonave, these different activities include tours of the different ministries in the area and excursions to locations outside of and around town such as the market, the local orphanage, and the sand bar. These different activities are great ways to experience the vibrant Haitian culture and its beautiful country side.
Port Au Prince activities may include eating a meal at a local restaurant, a trip to the post office to buy souvenires, or attending Sunday morning worship at a Haitian Church. Availability of these activities depends greatly on transportation and missionaries’ schedules. However, your hosts will do their best to provide you oportunities to connect with and understand the local culture.
