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Q |
Do I need a passport?
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A |
A passport is required by the United
States government for entry into the DR.
Minors under 13 years of age traveling alone, with only one parent, or
a third party must present written authorization by the absent parent(s) or
legal guardian. This authorization must be notarized. |
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Q |
Do I need shots?
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A |
Consult your physician regarding
personal health questions. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) website www.cdc.gov
will give current health guidelines. |
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Q |
Will I be able to call home? |
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A |
There
are no public telephones in the compound.
On Tuesday evening the group will go into town to make phone calls
home. Your call is timed and you will
pay with local currency – phone cards do not work. A 10 minute phone call costs approximately
$3-$5 American dollars. An emergency number in the DR will be provided with
your travel itinerary. |
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Q |
What are the living conditions like in the MGM Conference Center? |
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A |
– There is
dormitory style housing for 150 people.
There are separate living quarters for the men and women. Each dorm area includes bunk beds, showers
and toilets. – There is a large
cafeteria/meeting area. Hot nutritious meals are prepared especially for the
Americans. The food and working area
are sanitized many times throughout the day to ensure every one stays
healthy. – As a
precaution, use hand sanitizer often throughout the day and always before
eating. – Culligan /
filtered water and ice are provided.
Do not drink the tap water or use it to brush your teeth. – Conserve
water by taking short “Dominican” style showers. Sanitary / septic systems in the DR do not
accept toilet paper. Please dispose of
all paper products in the waste containers provided. – There is an
open air chapel on the second floor of the center. We ask that you keep the chapel area prayer
/ quiet area. Please be considerate to
those around you. – On the second
floor of the compound there are several “apartments”. These living areas are privately owned. House rules
will be reviewed upon arrival. In
summary: – Respect
others and the MGM Conference Center – Refer all
questions or concerns to an MGM representative – Do not leave
the compound without permission from a MGM representative – Do not ride
or drive a motorcycle or scooter for any reason |
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Q |
What is the typical daily schedule? |
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A |
6:00 AM Wake-up Call 7:00 Devotions 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Morning Missions
12:00 Lunch 1:00 Afternoon Missions 6:00 Dinner 7:00 Church
11:00 Lights out Times subject to change based on
circumstances. - Everyone should attend morning devotions and evening services. If illness occurs, or rest is needed,
please take time out of day-time activities. - Bring your bible, jounal and pen to devotions and church. -
Remember to take time to journal daily. - Spend time alone with God everyday – especially in the morning before devotions. Listen and watch what He shows you! |
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Q |
Is there a dress code? |
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A |
We must remember we are visitors in a foreign country. In many villages the people are accustomed to seeing our group in their American attire and have no problems with our appearance. In some cases, the local churches and villages we visit for missions may take offense to our clothing. For all church services and missions to villages that MGM knows there is a sensitivity, MGM will require the following attire: -
Men: long pants, shirt with a collar -
Ladies: dress or skirt to knees, top must cover shoulders In
the Conference Center and all other times modest shorts and t-shirts (no tank
tops) are appropriate. |
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Q |
Can I leave the Conference Center? |
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A |
Do not leave the center without
talking to a team leader/MGM representative.
There are people coming and going for a variety of reasons all day
long. If you have a specific need we
will gladly do what we can to help - just
let us know. |
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Q |
What can I expect to see outside the Conference Center? |
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A |
Agriculture is the main source of
employment in the DR and Haiti. Public
education is offered in only the largest cities to a small portion of the population. In rural areas only private education is
available. Most families can not afford to send their children to school,
which is why the literacy rate is low.
Over 45% of the population can not read or write. Lack of government,
infrastructure (water filtration, sewage, good paying jobs, educational
opportunities) all play a part in the extreme poverty you will see in the DR
and especially Haiti. Haitians in the
DR face additional racial prejudices.
They are considered the lower class and have very few options for
education or work. Most Haitians can
only find work in the sugar cane fields, even if they were fortunate enough
to be educated. So, why do they come
to the DR? At it’s worst, the living
conditions and minimal work opportunities are more hopeful than staying in
Haiti. When we visit Haitian villages
in the DR you will see the poorest living conditions and hunger. Although physically we come and share our
resources and talents, spiritually we are trying to provide for an eternity. |
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Q |
Can I bring things to give away / donate? |
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A |
Yes – as long as it fits into your
luggage within the weight guidelines.
Distribution of candy, clothes, etc. is done in an organized fashion to
ensure the safety of the team and the local people. Many times items are left with local
pastors to distribute to those in need.
Talk to a MGM representative about the most effective way to give away
items you bring. |
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Q |
Why can’t I give my address and telephone number to the locals? |
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A |
Giving your personal information to
local people may give them the wrong impression. Often they feel this is an invitation to
call you collect and often. Your
information will most likely be passed to other locals adding to the number
of phone calls you will receive.
Please talk to a team leader/MGM representative before you share your
personal information in any circumstance. |
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