Frequently Asked Questions

(Some info is unique to NC travelers, but others can learn here as well)

Who are the other mission travelers? Though many mission travelers are Presbyterians, we have occasional travelers from other denominations and even a few who are not affiliated with a particular church. Since we are from NC and have more experience with groups originating from NC, much of this info is unique to NC travelers. Large groups usually have 15-25 travelers, and smaller groups usually have 8-14 travelers.   While each group is a little different, most travelers are in the 20-65 year old range. Nearly every group has 2 or more travelers who are under 20 and over 65. There is a lot of variety in project activities, so there are always opportunities for everyone to contribute in meaningful ways.

I do not speak Spanish at all. Will there be someone to translate for me?
Few mission travelers speak Spanish and those who do are a real bonus to the group. Local staff and volunteers will always be available to group members to help translate. Medical mission travelers will have a bi-lingual or tri-lingual translator working with them when serving patients.

How will we get there?
Depending upon where your group is working, you may fly into the airport in Tuxtla Gutierrez (TGZ) the state capital of Chiapas or Villahermosa International Airport (VSA) in the neighboring state of Tabasco. All ground transportation from the airport, throughout the week and then back to the airport at the end of the trip will be provided by local staff or volunteers. (No taxis or public transportation required)

Are there any special instructions about traveling with a group?
Yes. Keep in mind that the group needs supercede your own, and resist the temptation to act as if you were traveling independently. Seasoned international travelers struggle with this because of feeling so comfortable, but out of respect for the group, please follow the requests of your group leaders. Some group leaders assign "buddies" to make sure that the group does not depart without everyone accounted for. This helps the group leaders and ensures that no one gets left behind. In the airport, gate assignments may change and getting a group to a different gate can take more time. Please try to arrive at meeting places at appointed times (even if they seem a little early to you) and do not leave the airport or take other independent side-trips without consulting your group leaders. Regardless of whether your group uses the "buddy system," always make sure that at least one person in the group knows where you are at all times.

What do my mission trip fees cover?
Airfare, ground transportation throughout the trip, all meals and accommodations, and contribution towards the mission project expenses (such as construction materials or medications).

How much spending money do I need?
You will need spending money for time in airports, souvenir shopping, and/or any extra snacks you might wish to purchase during the week. We will also be attending one or more church services during which you will probably want to make an offering of 50-100 pesos. Average travelers bring $100 in spending money.

How many pesos do you get for a US dollar?  Exchange rates vary slightly, but the easiest thing is to assume an exchange rate of about 1 US dollar buys 10 pesos. The actual rate of exchange can be found on the internet on sites such as www.xe.com. At last update, the rate of exchange was 1USD:10.94 MXPesos.

What about changing money from dollars to pesos?
Choose from one of the following:  plan to withdraw pesos from your bank account using the ATM machine in the Tuxtla or Villahermosa airport (recommended); buy pesos in advance through your bank; buy pesos online for a fee through companies like American Express (see links on the Resources page); change dollars to pesos in the Houston airport. Exchange rates vary but not substantially. Small, per-use foreign transaction fees apply when using ATM and credits cards. Mexican banks and merchants will not accept for payment or exchange any bills that are worn, torn, have colored ink stamps or handwriting of any kind. American Express offers foreign currency buyers a way to designate what denomination of bills they want, which has its advantages. Larger bills are sometimes hard to spend because merchants of small stores may not have enough change. You'll want to have some peso coins and peso bills that are not larger than 200 once you leave Villahermosa.

But I've heard you can spend US dollars in some places, so do I really have to change my money into pesos?
Yes, you really should plan to use all pesos while you're here. Unlike Cancun or other tourist locations, virtually all stores and vendors will not accept US currency of any kind, so getting pesos is a "must." 

In which time zone is Chiapas?
Chiapas is in the Central Time zone ( 1 hour earlier than Eastern time.)

Will I need a passport?
Yes. Details about fees, application requirements, renewal procedures, etc. are attached for your convenience. We strongly recommend you begin this process immediately if you must apply for a passport for the first time. A link to a State Department website is available on the Resources page. 

If I am under 18 years old, do I need to do anything special to be able to leave the country?
YES! Rules vary by airline, but in general, minors may not leave the US without both legal guardians unless they have a signed & notarized affidavit giving permission by one or both legal guardians. Even if you are traveling with one legal guardian, you must have the notarized affidavit giving the other parent’s permission for you to leave the country. If you are traveling without either parent, you will need a notarized affidavit signed by both parents, AND another notarized affidavit signed to authorize the specific adult with whom you’re traveling to act as your legal guardian in the event of an emergency. Sample documents are attached for your convenience. The important thing is that they have been signed and notarized by legal guardians. Sample documents are available on the Resource page.  

Are there any forms I will have to fill out for immigration or customs?
Yes. Immigration documents are passed out on the airplane for you to complete. A sample form is available upon request. There is an application for a tourist visa that will be stamped as approved inside the airport, and once stamped, you should carry it with you at all times until you depart from the airport at the end of your trip. You will also complete customs documents on the plane back to the US to declare what items you are taking across international borders.

Do I have to get any shots or immunizations before the trip?
Probably. All travelers need to have current immunization as follows:

• Tetanus Shot updated every 5 years. A must for construction trip travelers.
• Hepatitis A - Two shot series that is given 6-12 months apart. The first shot must be given more than 30 days before departure. If you miss that deadline, even by one day, an immune globulin shot will also be required. Once the 2-shot series is completed, you are immunized against Hep A for 20 years.
• Typhoid - Can be in capsule form (4 capsules every other day, completed at least 30 days before departure, good for 5 years) or injection (2 doses at least 1 month apart, good for 3 years then need booster). If you are unable to locate a pharmacy that carries the oral typhoid, you can contact Boone Drug Co. at Deerfield for the prescription (828) 264-5212.
• Malaria Protection - Chloroquine (Aralen) 1 tablet 7 days before departure then 1 tablet every 7 days until 4 weeks after return to the US.

What if I get hurt or sick on the trip?
Trip leaders carry a first aid kit with them at all times. Hebron Foundation staff or medical professionals on the trip can often be valuable resources, and formal medical care by licensed physicians in hospitals and outpatient medical clinics is available within a 2-hour drive of any group location. And of course the standard advise to all Americans traveling to Mexico, "DON'T DRINK THE WATER!" Remember to avoid getting in your mouth any water other than water from purified water supplies, even if you do not swallow it. Do not open your mouth in the shower or if swimming in local rivers. Tap water from sinks is not purified and should never go in your mouth even just to rinse. Make it a point to always use anti-bacterial hand gel before eating or drinking, after you use the restroom and/or after you come in contact with water.

What about insurance?
Most insurance companies recognize healthcare provided outside the US as out of network benefits. Call your insurance company to verify coverage outside the US. 

You sometimes hear about crime and political unrest in Mexico. How will that affect our trip?
We do not take groups into places known to have unrest or any possibility of trouble. But we also see it as our job to honestly disclose absolutely ANYTHING that we think those considering participation should know in making their decision but to also help put the information in perspective based on our own experiences here. This is similar to what pharmacists do ---- they provide the patient advisory info about potential side effects and then try to help people weigh the benefits versus the risks.

The US State Dept. has standing cautions about travel in Chiapas, and you may review them at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. A few points of interest: 

* Cautions about travel to Chiapas do exist and rank as the 1000th highest priority of the State Dept.
* The State Dept. advisory makes references to travel near the southern border as it relates to illegal migrants entering the state (groups are typically not serving in areas through which illegal migrants typically pass).
* It makes reference to armed rebels/armed civilian groups (which we have never seen in over 2 years of living here), and it references the absence of effective law enforcement. We have witnessed effective law enforcement on a regular basis at the federal, state and local level. There are even "Angeles Verdes" (Green Angels) who drive specially-marked motorist assistance trucks to assist tourists who have car trouble, accidents, flat tires, etc.

Important consideration to keep in mind:

* We have been traveling to Mexico since 1998 and living here since 2006 and have never witnessed an act of rebel violence or threat to any group member or member of our family.
* Pablo's relationships offer us a kind of "special status" with the 2 groups that are often in conflict: indigenous rights groups (because Pablo is Tzeltal) and the government (because Pablo is an official liaison between the Presbyterian churches and the government).

So in short, we believe that:

* There are always risks with traveling someplace new, probably a little higher when you're traveling to a foreign country.
* Day-to-Day risk for violent crime seems lower here than any place I've ever lived in the US.
* And perhaps most significantly, we feel safe allowing our very American-looking 13 y/o & 16 y/o daughters to live here, travel by taxi alone inside the city, walk alone in the daytime and escorted in the nighttime in Ocosingo, San Cristobal or Tuxtla without worry. Because of our previous travels here, we never once were afraid to bring them here to live or felt that their safety has been in danger since living here.

Use common sense in airports, on travel days, when shopping, etc. by staying in groups of 3 or more, safeguarding wallets and purses, and politely ignoring any apparent advances from members of the opposite gender. Do not leave belongings outside of group housing since cultural norms would lead locals to believe that you are discarding them and that they are “free for the taking!”

Where will we actually be staying?
Either at an established facility (e.g. Alpha Omega Bible School in Ocosingo) or a village destination. If you are going to a village, final destinations will be provided to you as soon as possible, but the distinction between villages and school projects helps you better prepare.

• Medical Groups:  A village near Ocosingo (prepare for hot days, very cool nights and the possibility of muddy conditions)
• Clinic Construction:  Alpha Omega Bible School in Ocosingo (prepare for very warm days and cooler nights)
• Highland Village Construction:  Villages in the vicinity of Ocosingo to the west (prepare for warm days and very cool nights)
• Lowland/Selva Village Construction:  Villages in the vicinity of Oconsingo to the east (prepare for very hot days and cooler nights)
  

What will the weather be like?  Days will be quite warm (85-95 or so) and evenings cooler. Those traveling to high mountain locations (like Tsajala, Matzam and San Cristobal) should bring warm clothes for sleeping. We will provide blankets but most mission travelers staying in mountain villages will want to have a pair of long pants, long-sleeved shirt and a light sleeping bag.

What kind of building will we be staying in?
Established facilities like bible schools usually offer rooms in permanent buildings like small dormitories. In these locations, rooms usually have concrete floors and windows. No air conditioning but usually fans will be provided to keep the air moving and to draw in the cool night air from outside. Several rooms share a permanent bathroom. Think 'summer camp cabins' with concrete floors! 
In villages, it is very hard to predict. Oftentimes villagers will take everything out of a space used for another purpose and make modifications to it for a large group sleeping area. Floors are usually concrete (but could be dirt), and bathrooms are likely to require a walk to another building. Again, no air conditioning but if there are enough electrical outlets, fans will be provided to keep the air moving and to draw in cool night air from outside. Think 'camping at a rustic campground!'

What about sleeping and bathroom areas?
Established facilities like the bible school in Ocosingo usually have bunk beds or cots, indoor bathrooms shared by several rooms, and established kitchen/dining hall facilities. Sometimes pallets of several blankets are provided instead of mattresses, so we strongly recommend bringing an inflatable twin-sized mattress. Unless you are genuinely comfortable sleeping on the floor, that means a real inflatable mattress, not a camping pad and not a swim raft. The Bible School in Ocosingo now has 2 hot water showers (along with 4 cool water showers for those who don't care).

Village sites are more rustic and less predictable but provide adequate, basic accommodations. Sleeping arrangements are usually in hammocks or cots but those who would prefer to do so can bring an inflatable mattress and sleep on the floor. Villages provide toilets, showers and sinks but these may not be in the same place and may have been constructed just for the group.  In villages, hot water heaters are not available, but roof-based water tanks get lots of sunshine which helps take the chill off shower water during the day. In cooler locations, some village hosts maintain hot water for showers.

Is there any thing special I need to know about the toilets, sewage system, etc.? Plumbing and toilets are a little different in Mexico. Toilet paper should NEVER be flushed and will cause major plumbing problems for everyone in the area. There will always be a wastebasket near the toilet for disposal of used toilet paper. This will be changed out often and usually does not create major odor issues. Toilets often do not have toilet seats and may require you to pour water in the toilet bowl in order to flush. These things are different but most travelers adjust without difficulty. Make it a point to use anti-bacterial hand gel every time you use the restroom and/or come in contact with water. Just remember --- don't flush the paper!

What about drinking water?
Purified water will be available to you throughout the trip for drinking and tooth brushing. Remember to avoid getting in your mouth any water other than water from purified water supplies, even if you do not swallow it. Do not open your mouth in the shower or if swimming in local rivers. Tap water from sinks is not purified and should never go in your mouth. Make it a point to always use anti-bacterial hand gel before eating or drinking, after you use the restroom and/or after you come in contact with water.

What kind of food will we be eating, and will the food be safe for us to eat?
Breakfast and lunch foods are likely to be very American-like. Typical breakfasts include breakfast cereal, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, toast and jelly, coffee, milk and juices. Lunches are usually a make-your-own sandwich bar with a variety of luncheon meats, cheeses, lettuce and tomatoes along with chips or other snack foods. Peanut butter and jelly is almost always available. Evening meals are often provided by churches. Typical offerings include chicken, chicken soup, rice, black beans, beef stew, fresh corn tortillas, local peeled and cooked vegetables or Mexican spaghetti. While hot salsas and chiles are often available as condiments, food is not spicy. Bottled soft drinks, Kool Aid-like drinks, and/or purified water are available at every meal. Our local mission staff or volunteers prepare breakfasts, lunches and some dinners for the group. Evening meals are often provided by the ladies of the churches we visit, and local staff work with them in advance to explain American food preferences and preparation methods to insure that group members do not get sick. Again, make it a point to always use anti-bacterial hand gel before eating or drinking, after you use the restroom and/or after you come in contact with water.

But  what if I really want to experience some special Mexican cuisine while I'm there?
Part of each trip includes an opportunity to experience a little bit of tourist life in Mexico, so you will have opportunities to order from the menu of a restaurant. For those with an adventurous spirit, restaurants offer the best opportunities to try something totally new and different.

What kind of construction work will we be doing?
Construction trips typically are working on concrete projects. These projects often require preparation of the area using hand tools, clearing rocks, digging footings, tying rebar to help reinforce the concrete and/or leveling the area before the concrete is poured. Once the area is prepared, concrete is mixed and wet concrete is taken by wheelbarrows or buckets to help pour footings for new buildings, concrete slaps, walls or roofs.  Work is done almost entirely using hand tools with occasional access to a cement mixer.

What kind of medical work will we be doing?
Medical trips typically provide an outpatient clinic with rudimentary lab testing and a well-stocked pharmacy. Teams include at least one nurse and translator in each consultation room, equipped with an exam table, chairs, and equipment for taking vital signs. Physicians move back and forth between consultation rooms and the pharmacy. Local mission staff or volunteers who are fluent in the language of the community translate prescription instructions to each patient or parent.

I'm worried that I may not be strong enough, knowledgeable enough or have enough endurance for this kind of work.
It's important to approach the work seriously but to also be very conscious of taking care of yourself. Approach work as an act of worship....an opportunity to demonstrate your love for God, yourself and your neighbor in all that you do --- striving so that all you do is pleasing in God's sight. So, work hard, take breaks when you need to, change jobs to use different muscles and get a different experience, and let your group leaders know if you think you could be hurt or getting sick.

I've heard about Vacation Bible School. Will each group do VBS?
Groups often provide a Vacation Bible School in the afternoons. Our local mission staff and volunteers are a big help with this, as are any Spanish speaking travelers. We have a small team of volunteers here that will be available to provide translation of songs, dramatizations, story boards, craft instructions, etc. Like in the US, VBS is a combination of crafts, games and storytelling. We recommend that each group identify one leader and a team of about 5 to plan and lead VBS and that the leader collaborate with us in the weeks leading up to departure to get estimates of likely numbers of participants and needed materials. Plan to bring materials and a basic plan and then work with volunteers here to finalize your VBS plan.

While I am excited about going on a mission trip, I really know nothing about construction or medicine. How will I know what to do?!
Everyone can make a difference! Some have previous experience with construction or medical settings, but no experience is required for many roles. Construction team members shovel sand and gravel, use simple tools and take directions from the work team leaders. In most cases, you will not even need instruction to follow their direction, but if you do, just ask and someone will be happy to show you. (A good example of this would be tying rebar). If you’re working with a medical team and are a non-medical person, you can assist in the pharmacy, lab or help escort patients.

Do I need to bring tools on a construction trip?
Be sure to bring a good pair of work gloves and work boots. All tools will be provided.

While I am a medical professional, I have no experience with treating the symptoms of the people of Southern Mexico. How will I know what to do?!
Previous medical mission travelers have done a great job of learning, documenting and adjusting to meet the needs of patients based on what they have seen over the past few years. You will be provided with a packet of information to help with differential diagnosing of common conditions, medications to treat those symptoms, doses, and special considerations. Some symptoms are the same as those often seen in the US that result from totally different circumstances (e.g. carpel tunnel from the repetitive motion of grinding corn). The pharmacy will stock the most frequently prescribed medications. Experienced team leaders are available to consult, and local paramedics or 'barefoot doctors' also offer a wealth of first hand experience with conditions and symptoms with which we are less familiar.

Do I need to bring medications, medical equipment or books on a medical trip?
Everyone should bring a large bottle of vitamins and a large bottle of over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol. Those who have them should bring their own stethoscope, blood pressure cuff and otoscope. If you have a copy of Where There Is No Doctor or nursing/drug books that you use regularly, feel free to bring them along. You can download an electronic book of Where There is No Doctor by clicking on the link on the Resources page. A PDR and some other reference books will be available in the pharmacy. We will purchase medications and medical supplies for the clinic locally based on prior experiences.

What is a typical day like?

• 6AM Coffee is available for early risers
• 6:30 AM Morning devotions & breakfast
• 7AM Work begins. Take breaks as needed. Refreshments will be made available mid-morning.
• Construction teams may start slow as materials arrive and the plan of work is discussed. 
• Medical teams start fast as the line of patients may have been building since before dawn. There will be a defined patient waiting area and a planned flow of patients through a registration process, consultation rooms, lab area (when labs are needed), pharmacy and then prescription counseling.
• Lunch sometime after 12:00 (may depend more on the status of the project than the clock)
• Construction teams usually work until mid-afternoon. Rest is encouraged since most travelers are not accustomed to the physical nature of the work.
•  Medical teams typically work until around 5PM. All patients in the waiting area may or may not have been seen, but hopefully those who have not been seen will be able to stay in the area or return the next day. Evening clinics are not common but may occur under special circumstances. In such cases, team member participation is voluntary.
• VBS may be offered to children in the community and children who are waiting for their parents to be seen in the clinic. If VBS is provided, it will be in the latter part of the afternoon. Medical teams may designate a VBS team that stops working the clinic to focus on VBS.
• Shower & change for special worship services and meal.
• Back to home-base for informal conversation, group "wrap-up," reading, journaling, bed.

Will worship be very different there?  In some ways yes. Men and women often sit on different sides of the church, and our group will follow their traditions. Hymnals may or may not be available, and it's good to try to sing along. Many hymn tunes are familiar, and if you know the words in English, it's fine to sing those too! During the service, our group will be called to the front of the church, and each traveler will give a brief introduction of themselves in Spanish. Then we'll sing 2-3 songs (probably one in English and 1-2 in Spanish or Tzeltal). A member of the group who is a pastor or elder will deliver the sermon on behalf of the group, with someone translating into Spanish and/or Tzeltal. Contact us for song recommendations if you need them.

What do you mean, "introduce yourself in Spanish?!?!" Just tell a little bit about yourself and your family, about your work or hobbies, if you are an elder, deacon or pastor, etc. Write out what you want to say in English, find someone to translate, then practice, practice, practice. It's much easier if you have memorized and can look at the congregation instead of focusing only on the paper in your hand! Beware of free translation websites and try to find a live person. Use the website on the Resources page for assistance with pronunciation.

How many suitcases can I bring?
Most airlines allow 2 checked bags, maximum 50 lbs per piece. 1 carry-on bag with a maximum combined linear measurement (L + W + H) of no more than 51 inches and weighing no more than 40 lbs. Purses do not count as carry-ons, but camera bags and knapsacks usually do. Because these jets are small, be prepared for the possibility that a steward(ess) may collect your carry-on at the entrance to the plane and stow it away with other checked luggage. If that happens, you can still feel confident of your bag making it to our destination, but you will not have access to it during the flight. Make sure to include identifying information on both the outside and inside of all your luggage.

Very Important Bulletin:  In the event that checked luggage is loaded on the wrong plane, be sure to pack your carry-on carefully! Wear or pack the following:  at least one set of work, leisure and church clothes & shoes, prescription & OTC medications, project tools (i.e. work gloves or medical equipment), contact lens supplies, toiletries, insect repellent and sunscreen, and any other items that are essential to a safe, positive experience --- even if your checked luggage never arrives! This is has happened on numerous occasions, so pack accordingly!

What should I wear?
Choose clothing that will keep people's eyes on Christ and not on you. Remember that our personal witness for Christ is far more important than for us to feel "comfortable."

• Construction Teams:  long shorts, t-shirts, socks, work boots, work gloves & a hat
• Medical Teams:  scrubs or other loose comfortable clothing with sandals or sneakers. (Remember, village settings can be muddy, so bring extra shoes!)
• Church Visits (men): casual shirt with a collar, khakis or other non-denim long pants
• Church Visits (women):  dress or skirt that is at least knee-length with at least cap-sleeves
• Leisure Time & Travel Days:  long shorts, casual shirt with sleeves, sandals or sneakers.
• Swimming or River Trips:  Conservative one-piece bathing suits for all

What should I NOT wear?
Shorts that are not at least finger-tip length, cut-offs, skirts or dresses that are shorter than knee-length, shirts that expose mid-drift, baggy shorts that expose boxers, sleeveless dresses or shirts, tank tops or camis, 2-piece or revealing bathing suits, clothing with any images of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any expressions that could be considered offensive. While not at all offensive to most American Christians, Mexican Presbyterians do not wear clothing or jewelry with crosses. This is one of those cultural differences that we may not fully understand but are strongly encouraged to honor and respect.

I have a tattoo. Will that be a problem? Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Mexico are generally conservative. If possible, please take care to cover any large tattoos or tattoos that may be considered provocative or offensive.

I have body piercings. Will that be a problem?
Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Mexico are generally conservative. If possible, it’s best to remove body jewelry before your mission trip begins and just leave it at home. If it is not possible to remove the body jewelry, please explore alternatives to jewelry that could be less noticeable.

What should I take? 

The information on the Salem Presbytery's Mexico Mission webpage's Packing list and Checklist are both detailed and very helpful. Be sure to bring ear plugs! 

The most important things to bring are:  an open mind, an attentive ear, pure heart, busy hands and ready feet along with lots of patience and flexibility!

Are there things that I cannot bring along?
Remember that post-9/11 airline restrictions are still in effect. Do not bring knives (other than pocket knives), guns, cigarette lighters or any item that could be considered a weapon. If you bring a pocket knife, scissors with pointed tips, pepper spray/mace or tools, be sure to secure them in your checked luggage.
Do not bring to Mexico expensive personal items (including jewelry and clothing); tobacco, alcohol or illegal drug products of any kind; revealing clothing; or portable DVD players. We discourage iPods and other expensive audio equipment, but if you choose to bring one along, please use it only with ear buds and during obvious periods of downtime (air travel, in bed, etc.). Do not use personal audio equipment on the worksite or during times when important formal and informal group discussions occur.

Are there things that I should be careful not do?
Like working on the project, the best rule of thumb is to remember that all our behavior reflects on the Christian faith, the United States, our group and you as an individual. Strive for all that you to do to be pleasing to God. For specifics, be sure to check out the "Ten Commandments of Mission Trips," "10 Ways to Ruin a Short-Term Mission Experience" and "Willingness Traits" from the Resources page.

What if I have special needs?
If you have any food allergies, need a way to refrigerate medications or have any other special needs, please notify your group leader in advance. With enough notice, we can usually accommodate special requests, but we do need time to make arrangements.