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THINGS TO PACK FOR MEXICO: An itemized list of food items and tools customized for your group will be sent to you 4 – 5 weeks before you arrive. CLOTHES 2+ sets of work clothes (jeans and work shirts) 3 sets of nice casual clothes Nice shirts for men / modest skirts or dresses for women (sleeveless is fine) Work shoes (plan on ruining one pair) Wide brim hat Clothes to sleep in Lightweight jacket Small, discrete jewelry MEDICAL First-Aid kit (one per team) Hand wipes and hand purifying gel Imodium, Antacid, Tylenol, Dramamine Good sunscreen OTHER ITEMS Camping pad / Sheets Small pillow Flashlight Camera Bible Spanish / English Dictionary Towel Toiletries Fanny Pack Ear plugs (for sleeping) Family pictures to share about your life Small gifts for children / new friends: candy, hats, T-shirts w/ American slogans, Hot Wheels, Hair bows & barrettes EXPENSESYou will need to send $175.00 per person in the group ($200.00 per person in the group if flying in to Mexico City) to go towards expenses while in Mexico. It also includes a one night stay at a hotel in Veracruz (if you arrive in Veracruz) the night before you leave. This includes money for building materials or ministry materials for the church you are working with. This cost applies to evangelism and ministry teams as well as construction teams. So that you will not have to carry a lot of money in to Mexico, we have an account in the USA that you can send your money to 3 weeks before you arrive. This will allow us to purchase food and materials so that we are ready for you when you arrive. Note on your check “For (Group Name)”. Please send one check for your group to: Bethel Chapel C/O Pastor Jim and Mrs Pat Mandeville 605 Toronado Dr La Porte, IN 46350 Spending Money - $50.00 - 100.00 for souvenirs, restaurants, free-day in Veracruz expenses (breakfast and / or lunch and dinner). Most teams eat in a restaurant once or twice a week. This money will be exchanged for you after you arrive. All bills should be in good condition with no tears and no writing or markings on them as the bank will not exchange bills in this condition. Examine all your money carefully! Do not bring Traveler’s Checks. In lieu of carrying cash you can also bring an ATM card which can be used at any bank in Mexico. Using your ATM card will guarantee that you receive the best exchange rate possible. Any leftover money will be used to help churches which are unable to receive groups. IDENTIFICATION The United States government has made it mandatory that all US citizens leaving the United States must have a valid passport to re-enter the USA. This means everyone in your group must have a valid US passport! Everyone in your group must bring a Medical Release Form to Mexico. If you are under 18 years of age you must have a Parental Release form in addition to a Medical Release form signed by both parents. If you are under 18 years of age you must have a Parental Release / Medical Release form signed by both parents. (Obtain this form from your leader) (Obtain this form from your leader) Married women: if your name is different than what appears on you ID you should have a copy of your marriage certificate to verify your name change. On your flight to Mexico you will be given a Tourist Paper. It is very important that you do not lose your tourist paper. You will need it to leave the country. Keep it with you at all times. Make sure your plane ticket, ID, and passport are in a safe place. Also make sure you know where your camera and other valuables are at all times. OTHER INFORMATION Please check with your family doctor on recommendations for vaccines. It would be wise to have a tetanus shot updated if you have not done so in the last 10 years. Please check with your insurance agent to see if you are covered while in Mexico. Packing: Think small and light; you’re carrying it! Pack in soft luggage if possible. Limit yourself to one large check-through bag and a carry-on bag. Check with you airline for baggage restrictions. Put an address label inside and outside your bag. The septic system in Mexico becomes clogged if you flush your toilet paper down the drain. Therefore, all toilet paper is to be placed in the waste basket next to the toilet. Drink lots of purified water. Only drink purified water or drinks made with such. Brush your teeth and clean your contacts with purified water too. Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables unless they have been chlorinated. If you can peel it, you can eat it (a banana). Always wash your hands before eating! If you feel sick or light-headed - stop, rest, get out of the sun, and ask for prayer.
TEAM SPIRIT The number one rule is : NO COMPLAINING! Remember you’re going as a servant so keep a servant’s attitude. Everything is subject to change so be flexible. If you’re not doing anything look around and ask yourself “What can I do to help?” or ask someone for instructions. Try to stay in groups. If you are in doubt about whether you can go somewhere or do something, please ask. We want to know where everyone is at all times. If you get lost go to the last place you were as a group or to the designated meeting area. Please be courteous, kind, and respectful. We are representing Christ. CULTURAL ISSUES The Mexican culture is very different from the United States. It puts a lot of attention on relationship and less on efficiency. Lack of definition in the schedule, work inefficiency, and changed plans may irritate some. Please talk this through before arriving! CLOTHING Shorts can be worn at missionary’s homes and on free day, bathing suits at the beach. However, pack extra conservatively. Church wear: Girls should wear skirts or dresses. Sleeveless shirts are fine for girls and women. Men should wear pants and a shirt with a collar. Jeans and T-shirts are fine for travel and work. HOUSING You will be staying with a Mexican family. You may or may not have a bed to sleep in so bring something to sleep on. We recommend that you bring a gift for you host family, such as: towels, iron, blender, kitchen or bathroom items, Welcome mat, Hickory Farms gift packages, etc. EVANGELISM TOOLS Spanish Tracts - www.ATStracts.org Drama & Puppet resources - YWAM LA (818) 896 - 2755 http://www.ywamsandiegobaja.org Bibles & New Testaments for evangelism - International Bible Society (719) 488 - 9200
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