Lesson 2 Trip Logistics Logistics issues

Lesson 2 Trip Logistics

Logistics issues • Documentation • Travel arrangements – Air travel to and from – Transportation within host country – Luggage • Legal/insurance • Financial responsibilities

Legal/Insurance Issues • • Valid passports—plan well ahead Will visas be necessary? Review immigration and customs process Consider trip insurance to cover any cancellations • Overseas medical insurance? • Permission slips from parents when minors are leaving the country • Signed liability releases with local church

Scheduling and Transportation • Use a reliable travel agency that has experience with international travel to the Majority World • Inquire with air carrier about any special items being shipped—medical supplies, equipment, etc • Rely on the advice of host receiver with regard to travel planning

On-field logistics • Your host receiver will generally be responsible for arranging in-country transportation and lodging • Having someone on-site is invaluable for ensuring necessary arrangements • Project site logistics will typically be arranged by the host receiver

On-Field Project considerations • Consider how to involve local people in the project—broad-based participation • Focus on felt needs of the receiving community • Respect the wisdom of the receiving community • Always buy any supplies locally to help economy • Goal is not to displace local workers who need jobs and income • Working with locals can be a very effective way to build relationships and lay foundation for long -term partnerships

Building for Eternity: Some Thoughts on Construction • Must recognize the differences in cultures – Materials sometimes not available – Materials do not arrive on time or at all – Materials not of the quality you want • Must keep the focus on the purpose and the people and not the project itself • Must understand the local customs, methods • Must respect the local wisdom • It is critical to BE FLEXIBLE

Being Flexible • Allow for changes in your plan • Uncertainties: – Weather – May not be able to transport materials – Materials may not be available that day – Electricity may not be on that day – There may be no water • Go with the flow

Key Principle: Construction Projects Do not be too prepared!

Key Requirements • Need to have someone on the ground in whom you have confidence and already there before the arrival of the team • Need to try to have the materials on-site before team arrival if possible • Will likely need to get money to someone beforehand • Gather as much information as possible—what kinds of tools are already available, how many tools will you need, etc.

Key Requirements (cont) • Ideal is to have a national foreman on-site • Engage as many local people as possible in the project—ownership • Team should consider not trying to finish every little thing—allow the local people to finish the job • Be prepared to be patient—the project will typically take more time than you imagine • Sometimes, need to send a couple of people to the project site beforehand

Medical Missions • The doctor who goes may be the only doctor people will ever see • Great opportunity to address the physical and spiritual needs of the whole person • Majority of people have generic problems— infections, bronchitis, pain • Many people come out of curiosity—great opportunity to witness • Not always easy for doctors to practice in another country—but can advise, coach

What makes a successful medical missions trip • Many opportunities for virtually anyone —do not necessarily need medical skills • Only need a heart to serve • Nurses bring a wide array of gifts • Integrate prayer into the outreach—be holistic

What makes a successful medical missions trip • Teams can be structured depending on skills— education, personal hygiene, veterinarian, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, etc. • Being flexible is critical—space, water, electricity, light, communication • Can leave behind supplies and equipment • Coordinate with the local church—needs, follow up • Present the gospel after actually seeing patients

Dangers in Medical Missions • Actually misdiagnosing a problem—e. g. lack of familiarity with tropical diseases • Actually harming someone • Can reflect badly on the ministry of the local missionary • Can cause problems for access by future teams • Patients do not understand—communication issues • Reality: cannot meet all the physical needs, cannot see all those who want to be seen

Practical Travel Tips • Plan to use only cash but inquire about credit cards (and take only one? ). Take only what you need. • Use a money belt or something similar • Team leader should collect all passports & individuals should carry a copy with them always • Take and be willing to share photos of your family with the receiving people • Take prescription medicines in original containers

Practical Travel Tips (cont) • Someone on the team should take a small sewing kit • Pack some snack food • Do not take electronic gadgets—displaying your wealth to those who have much less • In packing, take only what you need • Pack lightly—take minimum luggage and clothing necessary (but appropriate) with space to bring back any gifts and souvenirs

Practical Travel Tips (cont) • Pack some re-sealable plastic bags—different sizes • Take a musical instrument if possible • Inquire if your host would like you to bring anything from the U. S. • Remember that voltage may be different and also the possible need for adaptors • Take soap, a washcloth, and alarm clock • Have all travelers use a brightly colored yarn on their luggage

Vacation time? ? ? • Consider the cultural value of taking some time to see and experience the country • Best at the end of the trip • Good time to relax and de-brief • Can enrich the overall STM experience