21 days and a wake up!

Questions for team members traveling to the DR:

• Do you have your passport?
• Have you talked with your doctor about malaria prophylaxis?
• Are you journaling and/or talking with your prayer partner about your expectations/fears?
• Did you register on the Solid Rock Website (Under the Yoder Team)?
• Do you know where your passport is (Jessie)?

If you answered "no" to any of the above, it may be time to panic. Not really, but it would be time for your team leader to panic ;-}

Below is a slightly edited version of information from the Solid Rock International website.

Expectations of Mission Team Members

We are called by God to engage in active service to others.

• In serving others, we represent Christ and his Church.
  
• Get to know the people through the medical clinics, construction projects, and contacts in the barrios.
  We are a team. Each team member is important! Each member has been called by God to participate in this outreach.
  

• Be a Team! Love one another and help one another. Remember that no one, including yourself, is perfect.
  
• Respectfully offer advice and suggestions.
  Respect the Dominican culture and people, your teammates and the Solid Rock staff
  

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages during the work week.
  
• Be careful of what you say. Many Dominicans understand some English.
  
• Follow an acceptable conservative dress code. Though some locals may dress somewhat provocatively, you represent Christian standards, the mission of Solid Rock in general and of our team in particular. 
  

• Be prompt and on time.
  
• Attend devotions each day – they are not optional.
  
• Everyone will walk through the barrios, visit the market, and the school.
  
• Attend evening group gatherings.
  
• Share in kitchen duties willingly.

• Have a “buddy” wherever you go.
  
• Do not walk outside the hotel or guesthouse compound at night
• Make the leaders aware of any unsafe situation or location.
• Do not give toys or treats to children or adults that hang out by the Guesthouse. This creates an unhealthy relationship with the local Dominicans. And you will never have enough to give everyone something.
• Never drink the water unless you know it is purified.
  
• Drink plenty of liquids.
  
• Be careful to eat foods only in safe areas (Guesthouse, hotels, approved restaurants.)
  
• Do not eat food sold by food vendors on the streets.
  
• If you feel ill, let your team leader or Solid Rock staff know immediately– quick attention can speed your recovery.
  
• Always wash your hands before eating and often throughout the day.
  
• Use hand sanitizer after hand washing and before eating.
• Remember, you are in the Dominican Republic
  

• You are on an international mission trip in a developing country, not a recreational vacation.
  Don't bring expensive or irreplaceable items.
  
• There will be unexpected delays, noisy travel, and bumpy roads.
  
• The culture will be different. Values and customs may be different from what you would expect. Different is not better or worse, simply different. Remember that and limit your criticisms to your private journal.
  
• Remember you “stand out” in everything you do.
  
• People may make assumptions about Christians and “gringos” by how you act and what you say.
  
• Enjoy the people, the country and the children.
  
• Grow in love for God’s people in the DR. They are some of the warmest people on earth! 
  
  This may seem like a very long list of do's and don'ts. Most are simply common sense and curtesy. On each of the previous four mission trips, I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination by the Dominican people, fellow team members and the local Solid Rock staff. I have faith that each of you will feel the same.