Frequently Asked Questions
We get questions all the time from team leaders and team members. It is a new experience and we want you to be well informed. Here is a list of questions that you may want to know the answers to. Please read through them carefully. If you have any other questions just let us know. We are here and ready to make sure your trip is smooth as it can be in Honduras!
What are the housing arrangements like?
We have a mission house that sleeps 42 people. There are bathrooms and showers that sometimes have hot water. There are men and women dorm rooms that have bunk beds with all bedding (sheets, blankets, and pillows) and towels needed for the week. You will be given one towel and wash cloth. If you feel like you would need more than one, please bring your own extras. There are dining and living room spaces to hangout and to eat, as well as a pavilion to host devotions and for larger groups to hold group time.
Is there clean water?
Yes, we have purified water for drinking and for brushing your teeth. The tap water is safe to use for washing your hands and showering, but not for human intake.
Do we need shots?
Your doctor will say yes. We say, if you want to you can, but you don’t have to get them. We haven’t had a case a malaria in the city or in the south. Our US missionaries have never had shots and never had a problem. This is just one of those topics that the decision is up to you. If you feel more comfortable having them or sending loved ones with up to date shots, please do so for your peace of mind. If you are still unsure, so what your doctor says.
How will we travel to and from places?
We have a school bus and a van that we use for transportation.
Who will be picking us up form the airport?
You will be picked up in true Honduran style by one of our staff members of Mision Caribe. We will be ready and waiting for you as you come out of customs. Note: There are men that work for the airport who will offer to help you with your luggage, but simply decline there services. We will have plenty of help to assist you when you arrive. If you use their services there is a $10 minimum per person that you have assist you.
What is the exchange rate?
The rate is 19 lempiras to 1 US dollar.
Are there any specific tools or supplies that we need to bring for projects?
• We have all tools, but if there was a special tool that you prefer to use as far as your own, then you could bring those. Each construction project is different and if there are specific needs we will include those in your itinerary.
• Note: If you wanted to send the Room and Board money early as well you can. ($35 a night per person- includes 3 meals a day, place to stay, and transportation).
Will there be a national leader there to supervise the work projects since we have limited building experience?
• Yes, there is always a Honduran around. Where ever you go you will have a translator or someone who can help you communicate whether at a project or a nursing home, we are here to help.
Is the only money that we need to carry with us in cash for: meals while travelling to and from Honduras, exit fee, donation for cooks and translators, and souvenirs?
• Yes, everything from housing to your transportation will be covered in your upfront cost. You would just need to bring with you what was listed: meals while travelling to and from Honduras, exit fee, any donations you would like to make and souvenirs. We now have a snack bar here that is open when teams come to help us raise money for our house fund. We generally say to bring $100-$150 in extra spending money. That should cover all extra expenses.
Is there any place to draw money from a debit or credit card if additional funds are needed?
• The Airport and gas station has ATM machines, so if someone needed too we could go there to get extras funds. We prefer that you bring any extra money beforehand because it takes time out of our schedule to make extra trips. If an emergency comes there are options. (ATM cards need to be American Express, Visa, or Master Card in order to work.)
For the morning devotions, is that something we do as a group, individually, or with others at the mission?
• We do devotions as a group with your group and the staff here as well. If your group is in charge of devotion, responsibilities for that is to have one person in the group give a 10 minute devotion (note: if you plan on about 8 minutes that would be long enough because of time for translation). Pick out 4 or 5 songs that you want to share throughout the week. We welcome all instruments! Bring a guitar if you can play! We usually sing, share things we are thankful for, have devotion, and pray. Remember though, you guys are in charge of devotion time, so if you wanted to do something different, just let us know.
Will the services be translated into English or will there be someone sitting amongst our group to explain what is happening and the jest of the conversation?
• Everything can and will be translated in the English for you. Some groups like to have one church service or time where they just want to experience something without translation, but translation will be available. It is up to you.
For the preacher, what is the regular preaching time with translation? 20, 40, or 60 minutes.
• I would suggest planning on 20-25 minutes of speaking on your part.
Any suggestions for the one preaching?
• Nope. 
Just pray about what God wants you to share. Honduras is a country that has many needs. All biblical teachings can and will apply!
Will other team members be requested to share in the services – testimonies, special music, etc.?
• If there is someone or a group that would like to share a special music, then they can do so. Silent skits, dramas or choreographies are always special. It is up to your group. As always, groups are welcome to just worship alongside the Hondurans.
Do we need to bring sports equipment i.e. soccer balls, ping-pong paddles, etc.?
• It depends. Bringing a deflated soccer ball is NEVER a bad idea! We can always pump it up here and have soccer games with kids. If you plan any activities with sports, please bring the equipment you will need.
What do we need to prepare for house calling, visiting schools, and feeding program?
• House Calling- would be good to have favorite or encouraging scriptures to share and just be ready to pray for that household when asked.
• Feeding Program- if you want you could bring candy or small toys, etc. There are 50 Kids in the feeding program.
• Visiting School- Each group needs to come up with a 20 minute program for a class of children that are elementary age. Each group will attend several classrooms, but if you wanted too you could do the same children’s program or Bible lesson in each because there will be a different children in each class. You could play a game, teach a bible lesson, teach a short English phase (For Example: “God Loves You”), bring coloring sheets, do a craft, etc.
What is El Pichacho? Is that an activity?
• This is the National Park that we have. It has concession stands, replica of myian ruins, Chinese garden, recreational area (Basketball court, soccer area), museum, small souvenir shop, huge statue of Jesus, outlook areas that overlook the entire city, etc. Mostly known for Statue of Jesus and overlook of entire city. Tourist area for you guys to walk through, take pictures, and enjoy. This is a good place to go for more of a cultural experience. We would spend a couple hours here.
What is the emergency contact number and email address that we should leave with the church and family in the event of an emergency?
• You (as the group leader) would be able to check your e-mail on a daily basis, so if you left your e-mail address that would be fine or you can leave the mission one: mail.caribbeanoutreach.net this will be checked every day as well.
Emergency contact numbers:
Office: 011(504) 233-3091
Melissa’s Number: 011(504) 32.56.90.88
What type of souvenirs are unique and traditional to Honduras?
• Wooden carving (Boxes, napkin holders, picture frames, etc.), paintings, hammocks, jewelry, etc. There are several things you will have to come and see for yourself.
Is electricity accessible and affordable for use with electric razors, curling irons, hair dryers, etc.?
• Yes, it is low voltage though.
If we have a movie night planned, are there any new release movies that you would like us to bring?
• Any children’s movies are good. I do not know any new release movies, but kids here would like any movies that are shown to kids in the states. Please get movies in Spanish and if you can’t, at least get one with Spanish Subtitles.
Any supplies that we can pack in our luggage that are useful for the mission or for giving to the people?
• Spanish Bibles, Spanish books, Powdered Gatorade, any medicines (Tylenol, Advil, Vitamins, etc…), or peanut butter are things that we can always use. Depending on your projects we may ask you to bring other specific things. If you want to bring any special present for someone who makes an impact in your life while here you can so that as well.
Do you recommend people to bring their cell phones? Is ATT and Verizon reception available? What is the cost?
• We do not recommend this. We have a telephone here at the mission that can be used if needed. It is cheaper and cost 2 limperas per minute (Example: if you called the states and spoke for 10 minutes, it would be 20 limperas ($1.06). If you as the leader wanted to bring your cell phone to use while traveling and give people updates about making it to Houston and back to the states, then you can. This issue is up to you as the leader, but we would not recommend that everyone in the group bring cell phones.
