Dominican Republic -- Here We Come!

Here is the up-to-the-minute word on all things DR

March 12-19, 2008

Counting the days . . . .

Check back often for the latest information

Last Edited 03/12/2008 17:17

Everyone bring a large suitcase or duffel bag to Mr Pifer's room ASAP.  It is needed for ministry supplies.

CLICK HERE for the Itinerary and flight Schedules (Return flight for Itinerary 3 has changed)

STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW

Room Assignments:  Click here for ROOM ASSIGNMENTS.  All assignments are final.  Don't ask. (Not yet posted)

Travel Groups:  Click here for the three travel groups.

Clothing:  WEAR SENIOR T-SHIRTS WHEN TRAVELING TO AND FROM USA.  MEN:  Ministry clothing- long pants, collared shirts, or collarless casual shirt.  No T-Shirts.  Casual clothes- long pants or shorts, collared shirt or T-Shirt with sleeves.  No Tank tops.  No sagging, and no visible boxers, briefs or back-sides!  Shirts must be worn everywhere but poolside or on the beach.      WOMEN:  Ministry clothing– dresss or skirts and modest tops that have sleeves or WIDE straps.  No exposed tummies or cleavages.  Casual clothing– dress or skirt, pants or capris, and modest tops as previously described.  Shorts may be worn on the SCORE complex.  Bathing suits must be modest and one-piece. ("one-piece" comes from the Greek word that means "one-piece.") Wear a cover-up when going to and from pool.

Medication:  Carry your own.  However, make sure that you have the standard school medication permission trip on the file with chaperones.  Get the form from the nurses.  Remember, customs officials tend to not give teenagers with a pocket full of pills the benefit of the doubt.  Keep your medications in their original packages. We do not require malaria medicine.  Few people have used it and no one has gotten sick.  We do not go far enough into the interior for it to be a threat.

Carry On Luggage: Keep it simple, but be sure to include a complete change of clothing and toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as your medication. It will be your survival kit if your luggage is lost!  Remember, you must have the tiny little containers for any liquids or jells.  Bring a book or a magazine to read, or a deck or cards, or a favorite compact board game.  There can be some long waits in the airports.

Money: Exchange your money at SCORE.  You will need money to eat the airports on the way to and from the DR.  Bring small bills.  Don't bring Traveler's Checks.  You really won't need much once we get to the DR.  If you spend more than $60.00 or $70.00 you've gone crazy.

Stuff to bring:  

• See the clothing section above.

• Camera (don't forget the charger), a disposable underwater camera is fun to use when snorkeling; 

• Insect repellent (make sure it has DEET);

• SUN SCREEN; 

• Flash light:  power outages happen.

• Hand sanitizer;

• A bag for dirty clothing (your roommates will thank you for it!)

• An unbreakable water bottle that holds at least one liter;

•  Instruments of human repair (a bar of soap, hair care products, electric beauty tools, razors etc. -- electricity same as in US); 

• 1 or 2 BEACH TOWELS. (Sheets and bath towels are provided);

• Bible, small notebook and pens;

• Alarm clock (most cell phones will get a signal, so if yours has an alarm feature, you're in business);

• Sunglasses and a hat (the sun can get very hot);

• 1/2 of a roll of toilet paper for your backpack.  You never know!!!!

• Favorite card games or board games (good to have in carry-on);

• A pocket calculator if you are math-challenged.  It helps with currency exchange.

• An old baseball glove and an old bat (if you have them -- they can be left as gifts);

• An extension cord often comes in handy

Snacks: If you have trouble making it from meal to meal without a snack, feel free to bring protein bars or "whatever" to carry in your backpack.  If you bring other munchies, make sure they are in a sealable bag (or bring zip locks), as the first night you leave them open they will become inhabited by living creatures.

Packing Tips: Put all liquids in a zip-lock bag.  Lay out all you are planning to take two days before we leave.  One day before we leave, go over what you have set out.  You probably have too much.  Thin it down.  Remember, we aren't going to Gayla . . . you can wear things a couple of times.  NO ONE WILL CARE.

Communication information: Emergency numbers, cell phone information and costs, hotline info, etc. DON'T BRING PHONE CARDS.  THEY WON'T WORK.

Click here for Prayer Information

Have questions?  Email them to Tom Burns