Final Pre-Trip Entry

I just wanted to say to all of the folks at THE ORCHARD a huge THANK YOU for your support, your donations, etc. We are leaving with a bunch of "goodies" to share! We asked for toothbrushes, and we got, like, a thousand! We have a generous supply of warm coats for the kids to protect them against the chilly and somewhat rainy season. And, we have some black shoes that they will be able to wear with their school uniforms.
Thanks for looking and please check back on a daily basis. We will begin posting Monday night. I'm sure the team would appreciate your comments and encouragements! (Especially those who have never been this far away from home!)
Stephanie

Checklist

Just be sure....
1. to be at the Orchard by 7.30am on Sunday. We'll pack and leave by 8am.
2. to pack your personal bag around 40lbs to leave room for any purchases you make in country
3. to have your passport easy-to-get-to at the airport (always know where it is!)
4. to make three copies of your passport
5. to come by the church and pack your second bag
6. to pack clothes you can get dirty
7. to pack at least one fleece or sweater for the nights
8. to bring enough money for suverniers and calling home
9. to bring your own toiletries
10. to bring a bible, pen and journal
11. to journal everyday - even your basic thoughts
12. to participate in every team time
13. to encourage each other - even when you're down
14. to be flexible, flexible, flexible
15. to have a blast and love people!

FLIGHT INFO

you should be able to click on the itenerary and print it off! Let me know if you have problems!

Save the date!

Our last team meeting has been moved to MONDAY, MAY 26! It will be at Stephanie and Juan Carlos' House, 912 George Ave at 5:30 pm. We will have a little cook-out and end the evening with a time of prayer for each other and the trip. This is our last opportunity to get together before we leave, so please make it top priority. OH! And bring a lawn chair if you have one!

VACCINATIONS ECUADOR

Here is what the CDC is recommending as far as vaccinations go - see the below or you can check out their website http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEcuador.aspx#vaccines.

I found that the best place to go for these shots is the Health Department. Some of the shots are pricey - last time I checked these were the prices: HEP A (series of 2 shots) - $30, HEP B (series of 3 shots) - $41.00, TYPHOID - $55.00, YELLOW FEVER - $80, RABIES (series of 3 shots)- $157.00 (yikes!!) - then you would have to pay a $15 administering fee . Your doctor can prescribe the doxycycline to prevent Malaria, which is $6 at Wal-Mart.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Vaccination or Disease
Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Routine
Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination requirement for travelers to Ecuador:
If traveling from an endemic zone and >1 year of ageCDC recommendation:
For all travelers >9 months of age who are traveling to the following provinces in the Amazon Basin: Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe, and all other areas in the eastern part of the Andes Mountains, NOT including the cities of Quito and Guayaquil or the Galápagos Islands (see Updated yellow fever risk map for Ecuador). Updated May 5, 2008Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Typhoid
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Tropical South America, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Rabies
Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites.

Malaria
Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs)
If you will be visiting a malaria risk area in Ecuador, you will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing).
Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Ecuador and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.Malaria risk area in Ecuador:
Risk in all areas at altitudes below 1,500 m (<4,921 ft). No risk in the cities of Guayaquil and Quito, the central highland tourist areas, and the Galápagos Islands.

Thank You,
Margot

Spiritual Preparation

I want to bring to mind a few things that might help you  prepare spiritually for the trip, so that you make the most of the time. I encourage everyone to take time to prepare.  You wouldn't rush down to the airport at the last minute just in time to make your flight, leaving your suitcase and all other things you need for the trip. There is a lot of time and thought put into deciding what to take, what to leave, how much spending money, etc. etc. 

Well, this trip is not just another week of your life. You will face challenges, strange food, discomfort, and maybe even some disappointments. In a place where you can barely say "Hello, how are you?" in the local language, it will be vital that you are able to communicate Christ's love in a different way to people who desperately need it.

So. Here's an assignment for you this week. Begin to take pre-field preparation seriously. Begin to ask the Lord, "What would you have me to do or change in order to best represent YOU on this mission trip?" And allow Him to reveal anything in your heart that needs attention before you set foot on foreign soil. 

If you are serious, God will begin to give you new perspectives, purposes, and a deeper understanding of God's heart for the lost and hurting people of the world. 

PLEASE LOG-INTO THE BLOG AND LET ME KNOW THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS. LEAVE SOME FEEDBACK AS WELL!

TEAM MEETINGS SCHEDULED

The mandatory team times have been scheduled. Mark your calendars!

1. May 4 at 7 p.m. at The Orchard

2. May 18 at 5 p.m. at The Orchard

3. May 29 at 6 p.m. at Stephanie Rhea Photography, 212 W. Main St.