Welcome to the Team
THE VALUE OF TEAMWORK
We realize that teamwork is one of the most important aspects of what we do and take it very seriously. We have made it our first priority to create the best team environment possible.
WE VALUE YOU FOR THE WELL SKILLED AND GIFTED INDIVIDUAL THAT YOU ARE AND DO NOT TAKE YOUR PRESENCE ON THIS TEAM FOR GRANTED.
At Connect Global we know that, together, we are greater than the sum total of our parts as individuals. We take great pride in the way our teams spend their week and how we treat each other along the way. Please remember to be courteous and selfless as we experience our trip. Lend a hand when you can and ask for a hand when you need one. We are all in this together.
I will be emailing out more detailed info on the why and what of our trip plans as we get closer to departure. Prepare to be physical, and flexible. Even the best laid plans have a way of evolving in the context of a mission trip in a nation outside your own. Your patience and flexibility is much appreciated!
Javier & Danielle Mendoza
CULTURE SHOCK
Culture Shock has been defined as the normal response to unfamiliar social and emotional cues.
Each of us will experience Culture Shock as we travel together on this mission trip. Even the most experienced traveler can experience these responses to the new social cues of the "host" country.
CULTURE SHOCK IS CYCLICAL, WHICH MEANS EACH PHASE WILL COME AROUND AGAIN.
You may likely process through this entire cycle several times on your trip. Experiencing Culture Shock with a team, and openly sharing your experiences is the best way to process through Culture Shock. We are very experienced travel hosts, and familiar with everything you will experience on your trip. We will help you navigate Culture Shock and keep everyone focused on the mission.
One of the most effective ways we have found to work through Culture Shock during a mission trip is though daily debriefing. Through a series of discussion questions and having ample opportunity to decompress from the day we plan to help everyone on the team find ways to navigate this very real
“The key to dealing with Culture Shock is not denial or avoidance but in understanding and navigating.”
CULTURE SHOCK PHASES:
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Honeymoon
This is the phase where team members fall in love with the host country. The grass seems greener, the sky seems bluer. We recommend you thoroughly enjoy this phase, just refrain from any life changing decisions.
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Break Up
In this phase folks tend to want to find the fastest way out of the host country. You've lost that "loving feeling", and everything seems way too foreign and frustration comes more quickly. During the "break up" it's important to share your frustrations with the team in a safe environment, and remember that this phase will pass.
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Understanding
Understanding begins to settle in your mind as some of the foreign behavior of the host culture becomes familiar. You will start to recognize and even understand more of these new social cues. Take the mindset of a student and you will gain a new comfort even faster.
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Acceptance
In this phase, you will begin to accept the wonderful differences between your home and host cultures. Culture becomes more clear and you can begin to see strengths in both. Resentment for either culture fades as you enjoy and accept these differences.
Learn More About Culture Shock:
Read “Culture Shocked” on Medium
“Life is a journey, not a destination”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Travel logistics:
Flight Info
You will receive specific flight info via your email once all arrangements have been made. We will discuss specific points at which we will meet up and how travel will be completed together. If you have not yet received this info please let us know.
We will book your roundtrip airline travel to La Ceiba. We will let you know closer to the trip specific departure and arrival times. We will book your flight from one of your closest major airports.
We need Passport Photos from each team member. You can email this to us or upload it during your application process. Your passport must be valid and must not be expiring within 6 months of our travel dates.
The schedule for when trip funds are due is:
The first payment is due 60 days before the departure date of the trip.
The second payment is due 45 days before the departure date of the trip.
The final payment is due 30 days before the departure date of the trip.
Any outstanding Balance must be paid by the date of departure.
You or your sponsors can make donations via our web site.
Each sponsor/donor will be emailed a tax-deductible receipt.
Luggage
All personal luggage may not exceed: One (1) small Carry on and or one (1) Personal item. You may be responsible for extra fees paid directly to the airline at time of check-in.
*For donated items and other "team" designated luggage such as equipment or supplies, please make sure to confirm space with us directly and make sure that money for team luggage is already allocated for those items.
“We have decided that our trips would not just be expeditions for travel sake, instead each would become a vehicle to lasting and positive change. Our purpose is to make bad situations better, good circumstances great and to promote people who have been marginalized in life.”
— Javier Mendoza
Packing for a Mission Trip
We are traveling for the journey as much as we are the destination within the context of making a sustainable difference in the lives we reach. We want to start by making sure that our focus is on the objective and not so much on our packing.
Your mission trip dress code should be comfortable and cool. Our destination can be very hot during the day (no AC) and sometimes very rainy (tropical rain all day).
For Church don't worry about impressing anyone. Clean, casual clothes are perfect.
For most other times, walking around town or while at the various ministry locations please dress modest, and comfortable. We will all be in close quarters and we want to all be comfy while staying mindful of our hosts and fellow team members. Be Sure to Check the Weather in La Ceiba
Open toe shoes/sandals are ok for the majority of the trip, but please be mindful of the fact that we may be visiting work sites, and maybe walking on dirt roads so it may benefit to you to also pack tennis shoes or similar closed-toed footwear.
Please Make Sure all of your belongings fit within the Airline Requirements. Please note that *you will be responsible for paying the airline directly for luggage fees beyond what the airline has listed as ‘FREE’ or included bags.
You can refer to respective airline regulations for specific questions concerning weight and dimensions and total number of luggage pieces you are permitted.
American Airlines Baggage Site
What Can I Bring? TSA Website >>>
***It's a great idea to pack a change of clothes along with any immediate needs such as toiletries and medications in your carry-on.***
Below you will find a basic packing list you may find helpful
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Basics
One carry-on (example: onboard roller or duffle)
Plus One personal item. (example: backpack or purse)
*please familiarize yourself with airline specific regulations and requirements for luggage
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Documents
Passport
Bible, notebook, and pen
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Clothing
Light jacket – rainy weather is possible
Clean, Lightweight Shirts/Tops
Jeans, Shorts, Capris or other lightweight bottoms
Clothes for 1-2 church services
Socks/Undergarments
No expensive jewelry
Swimwear (pool, river, or ocean may be an option)
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Footwear
Supportive/comfortable shoes for walking. (You may wear flip flops during most activities, however, a closed toe tennis shoe may be preferable for the terrain and certain activities.)
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Toiletries
Insect repellent
Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
Personal medications /pain relievers, etc
Antibacterial Gel or wipes
Personal items such as deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, (use bottled or purified water only) etc
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Misc. Helpful Items
Camera/Phone
Charger, (Honduras uses Same outlets as U.S.)
Portable Battery Charging Powerbank
Personal Spending money (May visit local markets, personal snack & drinks, etc)
Reusable Water Bottle, (Must Be Empty when going through security)
Sunglasses & Hat (Bright Sun and heat can be a factor for some)
Hand Sanitizer or Wipes
Personal Amount of Bathroom Tissue & Kleenex
Medications/Pain Reliever
Snacks: Trail Mix, nuts, nutrition bars
Travel Apps for Your Trip
Here are a few apps that we use to help us during our travels. Feel Free to download and use these apps as we plan our trip together. (Links are to Apple App Store)
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TSA App
The MyTSA app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags.
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Mobile Passport
Mobile Passport Control streamlines your U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing experience. Simply fill out your profile and answer CBP’s questions – then go straight to the “Mobile Passport Control” lane at the airport.
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WhatsApp
WhatsApp from Facebook is a FREE messaging and video calling app. It’s used by over 2B people in more than 180 countries. It’s simple, reliable, and private, so you can easily keep in touch with your friends and family.
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Google Translate
Text translation: Translate between 108 languages by typing. Offline: Translate with no internet connection (59 languages) Instant camera translation: Translate text in images instantly by just pointing your camera (94 languages)