Honduras – More Volunteers Needed

Much has been done and good progress is being made and yet there is still so much more to do. What is needed now are not just more bodies to help and more money, but also specific expertise; those who know how to build, how to teach, how to grow crops, how to design and how to organize.

As the poverty is slowly eliminated and the living conditions are up-graded more specific help will be needed. Surely you have a skill or certain expertise that is needed. Perhaps you have some time to volunteer. If not perhaps you can donate supplies for one of the trips or browse an organization’s needed items list so you can do your part.

If you cannot make the trip then look into what you might be able to do or consult your personal finances and see if you can donate some money towards a specific group or sponsor someone else to go. We all have resources that can make a difference and Honduras is not short on need.

Preparation

Before going on a mission, everyone must get all the necessary shots and take anti-malaria pills. Even so, if you happen to be on a medical mission you will get sick from seeing so many people who are sick. Also realize the very poor sanitary conditions compared to those in the United States or Canada. Of course anytime one travels abroad to any third world country they need to catch up on their shots. One organization that frequently travels to Honduras recommends that you check with your doctor to see that your immunizations are up to date at least four weeks prior to your departure to Honduras. Here is a partial list that the use;

Hepatitis A and B Vaccines (B may take six months to complete)

Influenza Shots if in season

DT Booster (vaccines against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)

Oral Polio Booster

Typhoid

Malaria Prevention, Chloroquine 500 mg

Prophylaxis with Aralen Tablets (take once per week in country)

The Hepatitis A vaccine is good for 5 years and after the second vaccine for 20 years. Hepatitis B after third vaccine not needed again. DT is good for 10 years. Typhoid oral is generally good for 5 years. An Influenza shot is a one year protection.

Of course you must have a passport and you need to consider other essentials you will need. When you land in the capital city you will need some money even if your group has accommodations already figured out. Money for food and souvenirs is important and if you are not a shop-tell-you-drop type you can get by with $40-50. Once in rural Honduras there are no restaurants or gift shops! Are there ATMs? Yes a few in the larger cities, but the exchange rates are not too good. You must remember you are going to a “Third World” Country. Perhaps you might read this page; http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1922.htm#travel

What else should you bring?

Well here are the recommendations from Austin Diocese Medical Mission Volunteers;

A Fanny Pack – to carry personal items in the field

A Roll of Toilet Paper and Handy Wipes

Sun Screen and Chap stick

Personal Medicines – labeled prescriptions and over the counter medicines only

Towels, Bed Sheets, Shower Thongs, Soap, Shampoo

Water Drinking Bottle – Your group should be able to fill this up with fresh safe water

Insect Repellant

Hat or Cap

Flashlight – shake-able or extra batteries

Rain Gear – plastic poncho type works well

Camera and Film – *see below

Light Jacket

Layered Type Clothes, Jump Suits, Jeans, T-Shirts (shorts are not typical)

More Formal Clothes if with a religious group for church services

*Digital camera batteries run out and thus you will need an additional battery pack to use between charging opportunities. Honduras uses the same types of plugs, as the US where electricity is available.

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