Advice Before Going On A Missions Trip

PatrickStar4491 · 05-21-2006, 08:50 PM

In about a month, I'll be going to the Dominican Republic for a week, we'll be building a baseball field. This is my first out-of-the-country trip, ever. This will also be my first plane ride. As you can probably guess, I'm a bit nervous about it. I know it's going to be an awesome experience, but the nervousness is kicking in now.

So, have any of you ever been there before or have any tips for out-of-country missions trips?

pinknsweet147 · 05-21-2006, 09:00 PM

well i've never left the country, either, but I have been in a plane. Don't worry, I'm sure you will be alright.

Make sure you have some gum to chew because (mine did,at least) your ears will pop!(to me, it hurt)
but you are in my prayers and i hope that you have a great trip, God is with you

ALWAYS!!
In Jesus my Savior,
PiNk n SwEeT

PatrickStar4491 · 05-21-2006, 09:10 PM

Thanks pink! And welcome to CGR, at that.

Ryan Freeland · 05-21-2006, 09:13 PM

First plane ride?

Cool!

Just be prepared to be asked:

"We recommend you take off your shoes."

At the security station in the airport... If you don't they search you as if you're a convicted criminal.

PatrickStar4491 · 05-21-2006, 09:20 PM

Hmm... maybe I'll wear flip-flops.

I'm more nervous about staying in a foreign country than I am about the plane ride.

jengoesup · 05-21-2006, 09:28 PM

Just make sure you don't do anything you wouldn't do in front of your grandmother

(not that you would). I think the most dangerous thing about visiting a foreign country is the possibility of getting caught in their legal system because you broke one of their laws. You could end up in jail without any access to a telephone or an English speaker who could help you/represent you in front of the proper authorities for ages.

And if the Dominican Republic's water is anything like Mexico's, bring along a lot of bottled water. You don't want to get sick from unsanitary sewage systems!

GibsonGuy05 · 05-21-2006, 09:37 PM

hey, i was just in the Dominican last summer. what city will you be staying in? i was in Jarabaccoa mostly. we did mostly street evangalism. it was the most rewarding thing i have ever done. before i went, i jsut kept praying that God would open their hearts, and that i would remember some spanish that i learned in high school. you will have a blast!

Insane Drummer · 05-21-2006, 09:46 PM

As having never left the country my advice is, speak the language. Unless you are going to do physical labor, go somewhere where you speak the language or learn it. If someone came up to me to tell me something vastly important (as in preaching to someone) but didn't even speak my language, I would have a hard time taking them seriously.

Ring of a bell · 05-22-2006, 01:05 AM

Okay here we go. As an intercultural studies major (working on it), I can help out a bit.

1. Be flexible. You never know what is going to happen, be prepared to make things up, obviously you aren't in charge, but sometimes the leaders have to make on the fly decisions.

2. Don't be scared. Other countries/cultures are not as scary as they may seem. In most cases, you are greeted with love, and adoration especially on the children's side. Especially when you are there helping out.

3. Be overly considerate. Remember, you live a completely different lifestyle than the people you will be working with. Just watch them, and remember, they may not understand sarcasm like we do. So watch your mouth. Ummm. Be polite. Act like Christ.

Yeah. That's all I have to say.

PatrickStar4491 · 05-22-2006, 06:00 AM

Our church's missions director is going with us. He lived in the DR for several years and his wife was born there. In our upcoming meetings, we're supposed to learn some more about the culture and some do's and don'ts.

I'll be in La Romona. Most of this trip will be physical labor (building a baseball field), but there will still be a lot of time when we play with some of the kids. My youth pastor went down there for a few days last December and he said within 5 minutes of walking through the town, he had kids clinging to him and holding his hands.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll be sure to remember it!

**Tony** · 05-22-2006, 09:06 AM

Take in as much as you can. Enjoy the cultural experience. Even if it's uncomfortable, keep reminding yourself that you can endure anything for a week.

Going through customs and security at the airports can be intimidating on international flights. The presence of armed military guards is a little disconcerting, but isn't really a big deal. Just relax, smile, have your passport handy, and you'll be processed through without any difficulty. Oddly enough, it's US customs that are sometimes more difficult.

Have fun.

GibsonGuy05 · 05-22-2006, 08:18 PM

flexibility is absolutley key. we never knew when our plans were gonna change, so that is important to keep in mind. One word that you will probably hear a lot is "gringo" simply put, a gringo is a white person. in the group i was in, we attracted a lot of attention, with almost 15 white people riding in the back of an F-150. so if you hear it, don't take offense of it. seeing a large group of foreigners is a rare thing. people will be flocking to you to see why you are there. espicialy with baseball. our group held a baseball game in a park, and there were people everywhere! followed by a big jug of gatorade and a message. it was unbeleivable!