Trip Site Questionnaire
Short Term Mission Trip
Prepared by Rick and Suzanne York, Missionaries to the Dominican Republic
NOTE: All travelers must have a valid US passport to travel to the Dominican Republic. This questionnaire has been very helpful to us over the past several years in our work with short-term mission teams. We have had over 200 teams since 1990! We believe that short-term trips can have an eternal impact on the team members and the national churches that receive the teams as well as the missionaries that work with them. Like anything of value, both the missionary and the team have to be sold on the idea and dedicated to making the short-term trip the very best it can be.
Please feel free to add to or delete and customize this questionnaire to fit your trip or your country of service. Also, please feel free to copy it and pass it along to others. This copy is specifically geared to our work in the Dominican Republic.
LOCATION:
1. What is the population of the country? Of the area where the mission team will be?
The population of the DR is about 8 million people with another 1 million Haitian immigrants. The center for the Eastern Dominican project is in the city of La Romana with about 150,000 population.
2. What is the main language spoken in the country. Is English widely spoken?
The main language is Spanish. In the cities you’ll find a lot of people that speak a little English, some very well. In the country fewer people speak English.
3. What is the political situation in the country?
The country has had free democratic elections since 1965. Both the government and the people are very pro-American.
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Weather:
1. What will the weather be like when the team is there? What’s the average temperature?
Hot and humid is the rule from May-November. It gets hot early in the morning and stays hot most of the day. From November-April it’s ideal weather with highs in the 80’s and lows in the 60’s. Average high in the summer is 93 degrees and about 82 in the winter. 70-75 degrees at night in the summer and 60-70 degrees at night in the winter.
2. What is the elevation of the project area?
The La Romana project is right at sea level.
3. Is sun protection needed? What kind?
High-grade sun block is a must!! Since we are closer to the equator the sun’s rays are more direct and you’ll burn more quickly and more severely in the DR. Fair skinned people can burn badly in less than an hour! Make sure your sun block is a quality brand and that you apply it frequently. Wide brim hats and bandanas are a good idea also. Nothing ruins a good trip faster than a bad sunburn the first day on the job!
4. Are the bugs bad? What’s the best kind of repellent?
We do have mosquitoes, but they are not too bad. They are worse at dawn and dusk and a good quality repellant will keep them away. Deep Woods Off is the best we’ve seen. We do have a small bug called the “No see ums” that bite and itch a lot-their name is appropriate because you don’t see them or feel them until they bite you. You can find repellant that is effective for them and is listed on the label-the Deep Woods Off is good for them. Regular repellant is not. You’ll also see a lot of flies. You can see a tarantula once in a while-they are scary looking but not poisonous!!
5. What type of clothing is best for the work project? For church work and attendance?
There’s a lot more flexibility in dress than there used to be. When you’re working on a work project shorts and t-shirts are fine. If you’re working with concrete or blocks wearing long pants makes sense because you’ll save your legs a lot of scrapes and cuts. Guys need to keep their shirts on at all times. If you’re working at a church activity, VBS, drama, etc. then casual, but neat clothes are fine. Dresses, skirts, slacks, or capris for girls is the norm.
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CHURCH/MISSION BACKGROUND
1. What is the church called in the country?
The church here is known as “La Iglesia Cristiana (Cuerpo de Cristo) –the Christian Church (Body of Christ).
2. What’s the name of the mission organization the short-term team will be working with?
Our stateside mission name is the Eastern Dominican Christian Mission. The mission facilitates the establishment of self-supporting churches in the eastern section of the Dominican Republic, but in no way controls the local churches. We also are in the process of establishing our legal status here in the country
3. How many churches, of this mission, are there on the field?
In the old work we left in 2000 there are 55 congregations as of June 2000, all pastored by national workers. There are 3 Creole speaking congregations among those churches ministering to the Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic. The work in the eastern section is brand new with one new congregation in La Romana and others planned for the eastern section of the country.
4. Give a short history of the mission work.
Missionaries Bill and Ginny Loft began the work in the Dominican Republic in 1976 and his son Billy and his wife Bette joined in the work in 1980 and helped develop the work until 1989. Rick and Suzanne York and their daughters Emily and Laurie joined the work from Puerto Rico in 1990. A strong emphasis has always been placed on developing national leadership and one of the most important steps ever taken in the mission work came in June 2000 when direction and control of the established works was turned over to national leadership. Missionaries will continue to work in cooperation with national leadership in these established works, but not in a supervisory role. The work in the La Romana area is being led by Rick and Suzanne York and a Dominican team of leaders including Victor and Yudermy Jimenez and Alejandra Ortiz.
5. Will there be a team of national workers on site?
There will always be a team of Dominican Christians working along side the US team. The fellowship is great and several on the Dominican team speak some English. One of the greatest benefits of short-term trips is getting to know and understand the culture of the country you go to work in. The valuable lessons learned are as important as the work that the team does on its short-term trip.
6. What financial resources are used for the short-term projects?
The mission in the Dominican Republic depends on the funds that the short-term team is able to bring when they come to work. Sometimes it is necessary that some funds be sent before the work team comes in order to secure materials beforehand. The Lord has blessed the work in the DR immensely through the generosity of the many US work teams that have visited.
7. What are some of the major needs for the mission right now?
We are working on a long-range plan for the development of the Centro Mutualista in La Romana. That will involve such the following:
Offices and dormitory space for work teams
A community center/gymnasium for activities and outreach
Vocational school programs
Remodeling patient rooms for the medical clinic
Develop a day care center, especially for single parents
A specialized area to deal with HIV issues and patients
All of the outreach programs will be specifically designed for church growth. The outreach ministry areas main purpose is to see people won to Christ and actively involved in the local church.
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Ministry Opportunities
1. What type of ministry opportunities will there be for our team to interact and minister while there?
There are a variety of different opportunities for ministry while you’re in the Dominican Republic. Many teams bring VBS materials to present in the various churches and as evangelistic tools. Many help with the medical evangelism program, preach on the radio, teach leadership classes, and work in construction projects and a wide number of other opportunities. We’re very flexible with teams and can work in a lot of different areas. Medical and dental outreaches are available and very effective.
2. What job skills could be used on the project?
Block masons, electricians, plumbers, concrete workers, ditch diggers, carpenters, cooks, just about any or no skill level can be used. In La Romana we are concentrating on projects that will help us reach people with the gospel. The Centro Mutualista, where the church meets, needs a lot of help in a lot of areas. We can use plumbers, electricians, masons, almost any kind of skilled labor. Also a lot of unskilled labor will be used to revitalize that area.
3. What type of tools can or should be brought?
Levels, trowels, gloves, electric saws and drills are really needed. If you want it back please mark it with your name.
4. Is there a problem getting tools through customs at the airports?
When groups come in we hardly ever have a problem getting through the customs area. Be sure and gather all luggage and stick together as a group. When you travel it’s a good idea to wear a t-shirt that identifies the team. After you have gathered all the luggage, proceed out the customs area-rarely is the team stopped or asked to open luggage. BE SURE NOT TO PACK ANYTHING IN BOXES. BOXES ARE ALWAYS STOPPED AND OPENED AND YOU’LL DELAY YOUR EXIT FROM CUSTOMS AND POSSIBLY HAVE ITEMS HELD.
5. What is the voltage in the country? Are adapters needed for electrical appliances like razors, radios, etc?
The voltage is the same as in the US and the outlets are the same. Remember, the DR is still a 3rd world country and the lights go out daily.
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Transportation
1. Where is the best place to fly into the country?
There are three major airports in the eastern section of the country, Santo Domingo, La Romana, and Punta Cana. The airport at Santo Domingo has the most flights. American Airlines flies there from New York, Miami, Puerto Rico, Boston, and now from Ft. Lauderdale. US Air flies in from Philadelphia and soon from Charlotte. Continental flies there from Newark. Usually flights are somewhat cheaper flying into Santo Domingo. La Romana has flights from Miami, New York and Puerto Rico on American. Other airlines and some charter airlines like Fun Jet are starting to fly in also. Punta Cana has flights from Miami and Puerto Rico on American and charters from Fun Jet via Chicago and several other cities. The charter flights usually come once a week so a mission trip is either a week or two weeks long- not much flexibility but good prices! The best thing about flying into La Romana is the logistics- the airport is only five minutes from town!
2. Who will be there to meet the team?
We’ll be there along with our Dominican team there to meet you. We haven’t missed a team yet!!
3. Do the customs people speak English?
You can always find one of the customs people that speak English. A smile and a friendly expression go a long way in non-verbal communication!
4. How will we get from the airport to the job site? Who pays for the gas/oil or the bus?
The mission owns a 15 passenger van and a pickup truck. We can rent other vehicles depending on the group size. Work team funds are set aside to pay for transportation costs.
5. How far is the trip from the airport to the job site?
Santo Domingo-La Romana about 1 ½ hours
Punta Cana-La Romana about 1 ½ hours
6. Is there an economical hotel available close to the airport where we can stay the night before we leave? What’s the cost?
Whether or not to spend the last night at the resort is up to the group- with our proximity to the airports it’s not a big issue. If you leave on an early morning flight in Santo Domingo (7:00AM for example) staying at Juan Dolio is nice because you’re only 10 minutes from the airport. There are hotels in Juan Dolio- about 20 minutes from the airport, for around $60 per person with 3 meals included.
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Housing
1. Where will we stay at the job site?
In the La Romana project area you’ll stay in homes with Dominican families or with the missionaries.
2.Will beds be available?
Depending on the number of people in you group. There are foam mattresses for sleeping on the floor if you are with a large group. Smaller groups have a better chance of getting a bed.
2. Do we need sleeping bags? Sheets and pillows? Mosquito netting?
Bring a sleeping bag if you’d like but they are sometimes too hot-bring your own sheets and a pillow if you want one. Mosquito nets are a good idea, but they do get a little hot.
3. Is the cost of housing include in the per person cost?
Yes, everything but the last night’s stay at the hotel.
4. How far from the job site will we be staying?
Probably not more than 10 minutes.
5. Can we make arrangements for spouses to stay together?
In the La Romana project we’ll try to make those arrangements, but that’s not a guarantee!
6. Do we need our own towels and washcloths?
Yes
7. Will there be showers available daily. Hot water? Indoor toilets?
You will have showers available every day-Hot water??? What’s that? Seriously, many people do have hot water heaters, but you’ll probably enjoy the cool shower after a long, hot day of work! Most homes have indoor plumbing , but you may be staying in a home that does not.
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FOOD
1. What kind of food will we be eating? What’s a typical lunch? Who will be doing the cooking?
We take extra care with our food and preparation. The teams really enjoy the Dominican food-lots of rice and beans, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and plenty of clean, purified water. A typical lunch is rice and beans, salad, chicken, fresh fruit like pineapple and bananas or mangos in season. We’ll have a team of Dominican cooks that will work along with us in La Romana.
2. Do we need to bring food from the US for the team to eat?
Not really. It weighs a lot and is not nearly as good as the Dominican food.
3. Are restaurants easily available for the team? Are there American style fast food places available?
There are nice restaurants in town and one Burger King.
4. Can we bring snack stuff?
That’s fine but make sure your team members eat regular food also! There are plenty of stores that sell junk food, US style, so don’t panic!
5. What does a typical meal cost in a moderately priced restaurant?
$6-8 US
6. Are pure water and ice available?
We have plenty of coolers with clean, purified water and purified ice always available at the job sites.
7. Can we drink the tap water? Cokes, etc.?
DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER OR ANY WATER YOU’RE NOT SURE OF! Cokes and other bottled soft drinks are fine.
8. Do we need to bring our own utensils for cooking and eating?
No-we have plenty.
9. Will we be able to wash clothes if needed?
Yes, it should not be a problem.
10. What will be charged per person, per day, for food and transportation? Are restaurant meals included in the price?
We are asking each group to count on $20 per person, per day for food and transportation, which is a lot cheaper than most mission groups charge in the Dominican Republic. Your beach trip meal at noon is included in that, but other fast food stops are not.
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Communication/Safety
1. What are the phone numbers to contact for the trip?
Rick and Suzanne York Cell Phone in DR 809/458-6840
Rick and Suzanne York Home Phone in DR 809/550-9695
Victor Jimenez Cell Phone 809/878-3941
E-mail address for York’s ryork@verizon.net.do
2. Are there phones available? What does a call cost to the US per minute?
Yes, good phone service is available throughout the country. You cannot use US phone cards, no matter what the phone card says!! Many cards claim service here when you buy them in the US, but the do not work. We can make sure you get to the local phone company office to make calls as a team or use one of our phones-the cost is about $.50 per minute to the USA.
3. Is there FEDEX or other express service available?
FedEx, UPS and DHL are all available. Western Union is available also for wiring or receiving money in an emergency.
4. Can I use my cellular phone in the DR?
Yes, if you have a roaming plan- it is expensive, however- around $3 US per minute, I believe.
5. What’s the closest medical facilities?
La Romana has several private clinics that are nice-good equipment and good doctors. Only about 5 minutes away.
6.Are US health insurance plans accepted?
No, you’ll be expected to pay cash before the patient leaves the hospital. You can take the receipt and be credited with your plan back in the US.
To give you an example, we had a lady from Seymour, IN break her ankle in the summer of 1999 and was in the hospital for 3-4 days. She had surgery to place a pin and screw to knit the bones together and the total bill was $24,000 pesos-about $1450 US. Her doctor in the US told her he could not have done a better job on the surgery. That’s the most serious accident or illness we’ve had in 10 years of teams. Praise the Lord!
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Entering and Leaving the Country
1. Is a passport needed to travel to the Dominican Republic?
A passport is not absolutely necessary but we strongly recommend that every team member have his or her own passport. You can enter with a certified birth certificate-not a copy! We had a team member not allowed on the plane in Chicago in August of 1998 because he had a copy of his birth certificate. It’s usually easier for the team leader to make a passport a requirement. If you do come with a certified birth certificate you also have to have a photo ID.
2. What about a visa?
Every American coming into the country has to have a travel visa-it costs $10 US and is available at the International desk of American Airlines in Miami-there’s usually a sign at one of the counters or you can ask any of the ticket agents. Get your visa there and then you can fill it out while you wait or on the plane. Have it filled out when you get to the DR and you’ll save time standing in line to buy it there. On the line where it asks your address while in the DR- put Calle Agua Marina #6, La Romana.
3. What vaccinations are required to enter the country?
None are required. Malaria is not a problem in the DR, so we question the value of taking malaria pills. Most illnesses are caused by dirty drinking water and we take extra care to make sure you always have clean water and ice available.
4. Is there an exit fee to leave the country?
There is a $10 fee but it usually included in the price of your plane ticket.
5. Will our luggage be inspected when we enter the DR?
Probably not, especially if there are no boxes.
6. Is the luggage safe as it goes through customs or do we need to keep a close eye on it?
Keep an eye on it. We’ve had hundreds of team members and I don’t know how many bags and have never lost a bag! Be sure you have your bag locked, however and never put cameras, videos, or money in your bag that is checked at the airport.
7. Are there other forms we have to fill out?
Only the US customs form when you go back. You’ll get one per family when you are on the plane back to the US to declare your purchases while in the DR.
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FINANCES
1. What is the local currency?
The Dominican peso. The exchange rate as of 4/05 was 28 pesos per dollar, making each peso worth about $.03
2. How should we bring money?
The team can bring a church or personal check for the team expenses and project money. Individual team members can bring cash or traveler’s checks, although cashing traveler’s checks is not always easy.
3. Can we cash personal checks there?
Yes, no problem.
4. Can we use credit cards there?
Credit cards are accepted at more and more places all the time. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted. American Express at a lot of places. Discover is not seen much in the DR.
5. Are there ATM machines available?
ATM’s are very prevalent and almost every little town has one and the big cities they’re everywhere.
6. Can we exchange our pesos back into dollars before we leave?
No you can’t so be careful not to change too much at once. You’ll have 4-5 opportunities to change money while you’re there.
7. How much project money is needed?
Many of our projects are on-going and very expensive so we simply ask our teams to raise as much money as possible for the work project. Many set a goal of $200 or $300 per person for project money and that is such a blessing for the work and the churches in the Dominican Republic.
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Clothing
1. What should we wear at: the work site? Sightseeing? In church or at church activities?
Work site: old work clothes. Shorts are fine as long as they are modest. No tank tops for females please. Guys-keep your shirts on.
Sightseeing: modest shorts are OK.
Church: nice casual, but not too casual. Ties are nice for the guys but not required. Skirts or dresses for the women.
Dominican Christians are fairly conservative in their dress so be sensitive to that.
2. Can we bring used clothing to give away?
Please do-we’ll have the church leaders distribute it in the churches. Shoes are needed too.
3. How should we pass out the clothes?
Let us organize that, otherwise it can get a little chaotic!
4. What kinds of bathing suits are appropriate?
One piece suits for women and no Speedos for the guys, please!
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SIGHTSEEING
1. What are some areas of interest in the Dominican Republic?
Historical areas in Santo Domingo. Include the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Beautiful beaches surround the island. In La Romana, Altos de Chavon is an interesting place and great the views are great. Bring your cameras!
2. What’s an average admission fee for museums, parks, etc?
Usually less than $1.50 US-very economical.
3. How far will we have to travel to sightsee?
Most of the sightseeing will be on the beach day or the day before you leave-usually an hour or more.
4. What are some local souvenirs that are affordable?
Pottery, t-shirts, jewelry, spices, etc.
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MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
1. What can we bring for the ministry in the Dominican Republic?
We always need: plastic communion cups, puppets, old communion sets, used or new sound equipment, accordions, guitars, almost any musical instrument.
2. Do you need Bibles and tracts?
We can always use Bibles and tracts in both Spanish and Creole.
3. Is film readily available?
Film is easy to find and so is videotape, but it is more expensive than in the US.
4. Are feminine hygiene products available?
Sanitary napkins are readily available tampons are not as easy to find.
5. What should our team not bring?
Don’t bring expensive watches or jewelry. I don’t recommend allowing team members to bring Walkman type CD/tape players-they tend to isolate the team member from the rest of the group.
6. How can we best pray for the trip?
Pray for a great spirit of unity among the team, a sense of purpose in coming. Ask the Lord to prepare each of your hearts and the hearts of those that you are going to be ministering to. Pray that you’ll be open to the Dominican people and that God will put a love in your heart for them and see them as your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that friendships will be formed with the Dominican people that will last a lifetime and an eternity!!
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