As you 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 difficult travel, living, 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.
Team Checklist
Right now we are working on a checklist that team leaders will be able to use to set their minds at ease when bringing a team. This list will provide team leaders with everything that they need to do before they touch down on the field. In the mean time we do have a checklist available for individuals to use when preparing to travel to Haiti. Please make sure that everyone on your team receives this list.
Online Orientation
The online orientation is designed to be a fun interactive way for you and your team members to learn the things that you need to know before coming. The information provided covers basic culture, procedural, and safety information. The orientation is broken down into sections with questions at the end of each section. Every team member should complete the online orientation prior to coming to the country.
This section is to provide information on the different types of teams that benefit Haiti by serving through the Wesleyan Mission. We have a variety of ministries in Haiti that provide several types of projects your team can undertake. As a team leader it is your responsibility and yours alone to know which type of team you will be bringing, to coordinate with the proper missionaries on the field, and to make arrangements for your transportation and supplies.
Proper and thorough planning is what will make or break the huge investment your team is putting into coming. Your team has worked hard to get to Haiti. Make sure that energy is well spent. A well-organized team can offer tremendous and long-lasting benefit to the projects taking place in Haiti and the people they affect.
When you’re not working there are several activities available to your team. 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 countryside. You may want to discuss some of these options during team meetings prior to your trip to find out which are most interesting to your group.
