Bug Spray Review (Best in Class)

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/08/best-insect-repellents/index.htm

The food is great!

The food is great! And you are right on with the quote! 

Now a lot of this depends on where we are staying, but I will try to give you an basic overview. NOTE: I am not promising we will/won't have these items but these tend to be on the menu from time to time :)

Breakfast: Eggs, toast, pancakes, oatmeal, possibly spagetti (EXTREMELY customary in Haiti) maybe a soup/stew - coffee, juice, "hot chocolate"

Lunch: Sandwiches, leftovers, soup/stew, rice and beans, meat (goat, chicken, turkey, pork, beef, fish)

Dinner: Rice and beans, meat (goat, chicken, turkey, pork, beef, fish), fried plantains, various vegetables

If need be we can always pick up the items for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and the like.

Does this help any? More excited?? Nervous?! haha! It'll be great, everyone is always surprised at how wonderful the food is! 

Travel Tips Great Article on Lonely Planet

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/asia/travel-tips-and-articles/76192

Up To Date Flight Info

09 JUN 13 - SUNDAY  

  AMERICAN     1039 ECONOMY       EQUIP-MD-80 JET                      

  LV: KANSAS CITY MO     600A     NONSTOP       MILES-  460   CONFIRMED

  AR: DALLAS/FT WOR      740A     ELAPSED TIME- 1:40                 

                                  SEAT-22B22D22E22F22A23A23D23E23F

  AIRLINE LOCATOR: AA -KPZGOR 

  AMERICAN     1414 ECONOMY       EQUIP-BOEING 757 JET                 

  LV: DALLAS/FT WOR      840A     NONSTOP       MILES- 1121   CONFIRMED

  AR: MIAMI             1230P     ELAPSED TIME- 2:50                 

  FOOD TO PURCHASE                SEAT-33E33F34E34F23B24B20E21E22E

  AIRLINE LOCATOR: AA -KPZGOR 

  AMERICAN      697 ECONOMY       EQUIP-BOEING 757 JET                  

  LV: MIAMI              325P     NONSTOP       MILES-  712   CONFIRMED

  AR: PORT AU PRINCE     525P     ELAPSED TIME- 2:00                 

                                  SEAT-29E29F30E30F28B32B26B25B24B

  AIRLINE LOCATOR: AA -KPZGOR 

16 JUN 13 - SUNDAY  

  AMERICAN     1462 ECONOMY       EQUIP-BOEING 767-300                 

  LV: PORT AU PRINCE     115P     NONSTOP       MILES-  712   CONFIRMED

  AR: MIAMI              330P     ELAPSED TIME- 2:15                 

                                  SEAT-33C33E33G33H36A36B36C36E36G

  AIRLINE LOCATOR: AA -KPZGOR 

  AMERICAN      811 ECONOMY       EQUIP-BOEING 757 JET                 

  LV: MIAMI              540P     NONSTOP       MILES- 1121   CONFIRMED

  AR: DALLAS/FT WOR      750P     ELAPSED TIME- 3:10                 

  FOOD TO PURCHASE                SEAT-24B25B26B27B28B31E24E25E26E

  AIRLINE LOCATOR: AA -KPZGOR 

 16 JUN 13 - SUNDAY  

  AMERICAN     1251 ECONOMY       EQUIP-MD-80 JET                       

  LV: DALLAS/FT WOR      930P     NONSTOP       MILES-  460   CONFIRMED

  AR: KANSAS CITY MO    1100P     ELAPSED TIME- 1:30                 

  AIRLINE LOCATOR: AA -KPZGOR 

                                               

Letter From H2H Regarding Trip

Good Morning Jim, 

Hope you are having a great start to your week! I'm sure you and your team are getting extremely excited for your upcoming trip! I know I am! I always enjoy spending time with teams that are from the KC area, feels like a little bit of home is down here in Haiti!!

Let's start with weather:

Port-au-Prince - most weather reports that I have seen have the high to be around 90 and the low to be around 70 (however the only time it gets that "cool" might be directly after a rainstorm. We typically get a storm in the late afternoon / early evening, which lasts somewhere between 30 minutes and a few hours. When it isn't raining, its typically the humidity that makes Haiti so hot. This morning currently I saw that it was 73 degrees with 82% humidity.

SE - a bit more difficult for me to know exactly as I haven't been down there in a few weeks, and we are continuing to get deeper and deeper into the rainy season. It is rather high up in the mountains and can certainly cool off quickly with the right cloud cover or obviously a storm rolling through. However, I would plan on packing just the same for your PauP time, making sure that you have a light jacket/sweatshirt, just in case it cools down at night. A back up pair of shoes, in case one pair gets soaked or muddy while working.

Tips for the trip: I think partially that depends on how many on your team have been to Haiti before. As you well know Haiti doesn't operate exactly like the US does. There always seems to be arising challenges and speed-bumps, if you will, that can cause teams to get irritated. That being said with good team leadership and a reminders pre-trip and during the trip that it will be important to stay flexible and patient, it doesn't tend to be as big of a deal as once thought. We will always have a plan A, and a plan B, and if necessary we can get creative for a plan C, but it always works out well. We will need to remain in open communication, and this will run smoothly and beautifully.

Please don't forget bug repellant, with it being rainy season, bugs are a bit high. If you have any light sleepers, earplugs are often a good idea. And if anyone tends to get carsick I would recommend Dramamine or something like it, the roads to the SE can be a little rough at times. A couple soccer balls wouldn't hurt ;) (it typically helps for packing space if they are deflated and you bring a pump and needles.) A deck of cards is always nice to have for an after dinner/before bed activity. Don't forget your swimsuits! As we have a pool at La Maison in PauP, will be at the beach at the end of the trip, and might have another opportunity or two to get in the water! Gatorade powder, crystal light, etc are usually smart ideas to have, to help a little with dehydration but more so just to change the flavor of drinking SO much water, variety is nice sometimes. And hopefully last, certainly not the least, sun block!

Hope this helps, if you have any questions/comments please let me know. I'd be happy to set up a call with you before the trip if you'd like to talk in person or go over anything before you guys land.

Also, its my understanding that Heart to Heart doesn't have your flight itineraries yet, if you have those, if you wouldn't mind forwarding those onto us so we can make the necessary vehicle arrangements that would be great!

Talk to you soon Jim!

Thanks! 

Wes Comfort

OKC Tornado and Heart To Heart

Here is a good video clip of Heart To Heart helping with their mobile medical unit in OK.

http://www.kmbc.com/news/kansas-city/boy-describes-surviving-tornado-at-flattened-elementary-school/-/11664182/20259072/-/khqaejz/-/index.html

Important Phone Numbers and Info

Heart to Heart Haiti Contacts 

Haiti Field Office (8:00 to 16:00)                   +509 2811 0453

Julie Hefner – Associate Director of Development +509 4892 0651

Wes Comfort - Volunteer Specialist                 +509 4892 0650

Lojuene Frantz - Logistics Manager                   +509 4712 4108

Frantz Codio - Medical Logistics Director         +509 3630 2159

Bill Kelley – Volunteer Center Manager +509 4435-1630

Pétion-Ville Volunteer Center Features and Services: 

• Safe and comfortable environment (24/7 security)
• Breakfast and dinner are prepared daily (Bring snacks for lunch)
• Safe drinking water & hot showers
• Air conditioned sleeping areas
• Dormitory style men’s and women’s quarters (no arrangements for married couples)
• Bedding and towels
• Daily laundry service 
• Heart to Heart scrub tops
• WiFi
• TV – DVD & CD player
• Electrical outlets are the same as the U.S.
• Beautiful swimming pool

Volunteer Centers outside of Port au Prince:

• Some volunteers will be assigned to serve outside of Port au Prince.  Living conditions in these areas are more rustic (Heart to Heart does not own all of the housing facilities)
• Safe and comfortable environment (24/7 security)
• Breakfast and dinner are prepared daily (Bring snacks for lunch)
• Safe drinking water
• Air conditioned sleeping areas (Leogane only)
• Mosquito nets if desired
• Bedding and towels
• Heart to Heart scrub tops
• Electrical outlets are the same as the U.S.

Immunizations:

Heart to Heart encourages you to go to a full-service private Travel Clinic or your local Health Department’s Travel Clinic due to their expertise on the latest tropical disease issues.  Also inquire if you need a Polio vaccine booster.

It is recommended that all travelers start taking an approved anti-malarial medication appropriate for Haiti prior to arrival. 

Helpful Links:

CDC Travelers Web Site:     http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/haiti.htm

U.S. State Department Travel - Haiti: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1134.html

U.S. State Department Travel Registration: https://step.state.gov/STEP/Index.aspx

Skype

A couple of quick points.

1) If you have extra room in your checked bag let me know and we will get you more uniforms or other items to bring to donate.

-Millie I still need to get you and Juila your checked bag to bring with.  Have Julia come over to pick up or connect with Rachel. 

2) If you have too much donated items to fit in your checked bag let me know and we will redistribute.  Please let me know as soon as possible. 

3) For those who have a smart phone or tablet that you will be bringing download and subscribe to skype.  IF we get to a place that has an internet connection we will try and have everyone call home.

Reminder skype is free skype to skype.  It does cost skype to cell or land-line.  It is very inexpensive however I would recommend you prepay before you go. 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Please enroll each traveler in your group in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program 

https://step.state.gov/step/

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

More Information/FAQ

Travel Insurance

Please go online and purchase your travel insurance.  I am only recommending you purchase insurance your choice of companies is up to you. This is the company I am using and they have been recommend by H2H. (see link below)  Plus the price is significantly lower compared to the originally budgeted amount.  Once you get a policy number / card photo copy it and give each traveler one and provide me a copy as well for a backup. 

I have given you the answers to a few questions below

1) Go to  http://www.aaintl.com

2) Username Travel

3) Password Go

4) Click on International Volunteer Program

.

5) Click  Travel Insurance Enrollment 

.

6) Project Job Number STA Haiti

7) Sponsoring Church, Association or Home Church

Heart To Heart 

401 S. Clairborne Rd., Suite 302
Olathe, KS 66062

Phone 913-764-5200

8) Destination City 

Port Au Prince

9) Country Haiti 

10) Kwap Bride Brown ...put in the number in your group. Everyone-else puts 1

Number of Persons ages 13 through 69 Traveling - Rate is $3.30 per day

It is that time....

It is that time....today at midnight no one can be added or deleted from the trip without a large penalty or significant cost.  

Kwaps have agreed to hold a Haiti meeting approximately one week before we depart.  Once they pick a date they will let everyone know. 

All the donated balls and uniforms have been handed out to the travelers please let me know if you have too much or not enough.  We want to maximize each bag to capacity.  

Updated Packing List

Valid Passport dated at least 6 months after date of return from deployment. 

The following should be with you when outside of the Heart to Heart Volunteer Center:

• Copy of Current Passport
• Copy of professional licenses and certifications.
• Copies of your travel registration forms on your person (travel itinerary, etc)

     

Personal Items:

3 Refillable Water bottles (safe water provided)
Small amount of powdered laundry soap

2 way radio if you have one

Snacks for lunch (protein bars, nuts, beef jerky)

Beverage mix (Gatorade Aid, Crystal Light)

Mosquito repellant with deet (spray/lotion) 

Personal prescription medications

First Aid supplies (anti-diarrhea medications, antibiotic ointment, NSAIDs, bandaids, etc.)

Toiletries

Small flashlight (extra batteries)

Shoes should be sturdy, comfortable and close toed

Remember after hours clothing: shorts, tee shirts, scrubs, swim suit, shower shoes, rain gear

Spending money (US cash is accepted, bring small denominations - i.e. $1s and $5s)

Cell phone optional (check with your provider for coverage details available in Haiti)

Camera (there are some picture taking protocols…)

Entertainment - Books, Music CD’s, DVD’s (CD and DVD player at Volunteer Center) 

No credit or debit cards will work

Spending money $100-$200 We will have plenty of opportunity to purchase Haitian Arts and other items

No need for special electrical plugs

Passports must not expire before 12-1-13

Bring your own shampoo lotion sunscreen bug spray 

no blow dryers or curling irons the electrical system will not support

Bring cameras pen paper for journal entry 

Be prepared for unique Haitian foods.  If you have allergies of any kind or on a special diet let us know

It is a good idea to purchase travel / medical insurance for health care we will offer a group policy more info to come within a few days (cost under $100 for students) or you can get your own. 

Check with CDC and your medical doctor for any recommendations particular to your situation

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/haiti.htm

Updated $$$$ 5-2-13

Check From	Check To:	Check #	Date Received	Amount	Mailed On
Patricia Payne Rogers	Rachel Riggs	2614	12/22/12	$300.00	12/24/12
Craig Moss	Julie Bride	1086	12/22/12	$50.00	12/24/12
Michael J Brown	Julia Brown	807	12/22/12	$1,300.00	12/24/12
American Centurty	Matched Check by Brides			$1,000.00
Kirk T Bride	Julie Bride	5340	12/22/12	$300.00	12/24/12
Craig Ewing	Craig Ewing	1432	12/22/12	$300.00	12/24/12
Bradley R Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5519	12/22/12	$600.00	12/24/12
James and Megan Riggs Charitable Fund	Rachel Riggs	338687	12/22/12	$600.00	12/24/12
Bob Lambrechts	Rachel Riggs		12/22/12	$1,000.00	12/24/12
Tim Coughlon	Molly Schmidt	7428	12/23/12	$1,000.00	12/24/12
Eileen T Zahner	Molly Schmidt	3515	12/23/12	$50.00	12/24/12
Dennis B Lister	Adrienne Lister	9040	12/23/12	$300.00	12/24/12
Bradley Kim Day	Molly Schmidt	1003	12/26/12	$500.00	12/26/12
James Schmidt, Jr.	Molly Schmidt	3339	12/30/12	$500.00	12/31/12
Catherine Adams	Molly Schmidt	8020	12/31/12	$50.00	1/1/13
Ann S Mertes	Molly Schmidt	2551	12/31/12	$100.00	1/1/13
James R Olson	Molly Schmidt	280	1/3/13	$100.00	1/7/13
Richard A Zahner	Molly Schmidt	5931	1/6/13	$50.00	1/7/13
Michelle Bath	CPR	2244	1/13/13	$25.00	1/18/13
Thomas Bath	CPR	1637	1/17/13	$25.00	1/18/13
Timothy Coughlon	Molly Schmidt	4644	1/17/13	$500.00	1/18/13
Mike Schmidt				$1,050.00	mailed
Kraft Food	Matched Check by Mike Schmidt			$1,050.00	mailed
Fundraiser				$670.00	mailed
Text Hotline				$20.00	mailed
TBC International	Rachel Riggs	2233	2/6/13	$250.00	mailed
Mary Riggs	Rachel Riggs	3532	2/6/13	$100.00	mailed
Rich& Luke Barlett	CPR	2295164286	2/6/13	$50.00	mailed
Valerie Gramlich	CPR	1872	2/6/13	$50.00	mailed
M. Hugh Benson	CPR	7213	2/6/13	$25.00	mailed
Kirk Bride	Julie Bride			$700.00	mailed
Laura M. Kenny	CPR	2403	2/14/13	$75.00	mailed
Brian C Lavery	CPR	3126	2/14/13	$50.00	mailed
Scott Haas	CPR	5651	2/14/13	$25.00	mailed
Marla K Michaels	CPR	4617	2/14/13	$50.00	mailed
William P Denning	CPR	7264	2/14/13	$25.00	mailed
Ralph Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1124	2/22/13	$50.00	3/3/13
John Quinn	Julie Bride	3528	2/22/13	$30.00	3/3/13
Alvin Howze	Julie Bride	1110	2/22/13	$50.00	3/3/13
Jo Ellen Byron	Julie Bride	2448	2/22/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Robert W Brown	Julie Bride	4088	2/22/13	$50.00	3/3/13
Maureen Purcell	Julie Bride	3331	2/22/13	$15.00	3/3/13
John T Vohs Family Trust	Julie Bride	4950	2/22/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Joseph P Kennedy	CPR	8365	2/24/13	$25.00	3/3/13
LT Col. Michael S Bever	CPR	7371	2/24/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Shannon L Grindinger	CPR	3116	2/24/13	$75.00	3/3/13
Elizabeth A Petty	CPR	702	2/24/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Lori Ohmes	Julie Bride	1783	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Keenan J Langer	Julie Bride	10723	3/3/13	$50.00	3/3/13
Tammy Boettner	Julie Bride	1129	3/3/13	$50.00	3/3/13
James and Megan Riggs Charitable Fund	Rachel Riggs		3/3/13	$3,400.00	3/3/13
Hewitt & Howe International	CPR	4877	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Amy E Jurgensmeyer	CPR	3824	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Diana Ebeling	CPR	8725	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
J. A. Winslow	CPR	3424	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Mary G Riggs	CPR	3543	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Nicholas J Schilling	CPR	1372	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Timothy Tripp	CPR	6120	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Jeffrey S Robinson	CPR	1972	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Catherine M Miller	CPR	1585	3/3/13	$25.00	3/3/13
Debbie S Jones	CPR	3197	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Mark V Lacy	CPR	8132	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Richard J Winterman	CPR	4176	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Michael Leikam	CPR	5020	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Michael Owens	CPR	6615	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Michael E Gammill	CPR	4894	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Richard E Gier	CPR	6318	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Rodney Longhofer	CPR	1047	3/3/13	$35.00	3/3/13
Daniel Ambrose Tiehen	CPR	1685	3/3/13	$50.00	3/3/13
Michael A Holmes	CPR	6782	3/3/13	$75.00	3/3/13
Scott K Martinsen	CPR	1623	3/3/13	$70.00	3/3/13
Todd W Lewis	CPR	3630	3/3/13	$70.00	3/3/13
Clay R Wombell	Julie Bride	4248	3/10/13	$25.00	3/27/13
Jennifer Lapke	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1715	3/10/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Michael C Albright	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5446	3/10/13	$20.00	3/27/13
Julia A Stoll	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	13729	3/10/13	$100.00	3/27/13
James E Monty	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5858	3/10/13	$25.00	3/27/13
Michael J Brown	Julia Brown	899	3/21/13	$2,000.00	3/27/13
Mark Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1401	3/21/13	$100.00	3/27/13
Mastercard - matched check of Mark Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski			$100.00
Jayme Arkfeld	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	3052	3/21/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Craig M. Arnold	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	8862	3/21/13	$200.00	3/27/13
Jean B. Hinman	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	12218	3/21/13	$50.00	3/27/13
John J Boehm	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	8148	3/21/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Thomas J. Glaser	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	9459	3/21/13	$50.00	3/27/13
T. Redmond	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	7358	3/21/13	$100.00	3/27/13
Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1292	3/21/13	$100.00	3/27/13
Wendy L. Paradise	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	205	3/21/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Gerald F Lapke	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	7365	3/24/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Brian Arkfeld	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	13071	3/24/13	$25.00	3/27/13
Allen G Vangedberg	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	10615	3/24/13	$100.00	3/27/13
William Dewhurst	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	9033	3/24/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Steve Lebrun	Julie Bride	3516	3/26/13	$100.00	3/27/13
Scott Leblanc	Julie Bride	3484	3/26/13	$25.00	3/27/13
Bradley R Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5590	3/26/13	$1,400.00	3/27/13
Louis J Badeen	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1504	3/26/13	$50.00	3/27/13
Mildred F Arkfeld	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1674	3/26/13	$100.00	3/27/13
Ralph Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1128	3/26/13	$200.00	3/27/13
Julia Schaller	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	7458	3/31/13	$50.00	4/8/13
Diana Ebeling	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	8740	3/31/13	$25.00	4/8/13
Edmund L. Arkfeld	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	11303	3/31/13	$50.00	4/8/13
Eric Vandenberg	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	3069	3/31/13	$40.00	4/8/13
Sandra K. Thompson	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1624	3/31/13	$50.00	4/8/13
Kevin D Norris	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	2577	3/31/13	$100.00	4/8/13
William A Fry	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	3859	3/31/13	$100.00	4/8/13
Mark S. Poelzl	Annie Poelzl	4858	4/7/13	$1,000.00	4/8/13
Fred D Hunker	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	387	4/7/13	$100.00	4/8/13
Richard M Rief	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5368	4/7/13	$100.00	4/8/13
Larry E Benson	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5113	4/9/13	$35.00	mailed
Patrick Bernard	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	1395	4/9/13	$75.00	mailed
Charles Lane	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	8738	4/9/13	$30.00	mailed
Gary Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	995523	2/21/13	$100.00	5/2/13
Church of the Ascension	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	33895	5/1/13	$350.00	5/2/13
St Thomas Aquinas		3062	5/1/13	$500.00	5/2/13
Bradley Kwapiszeski	Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	5623	5/1/13	$355.00	5/2/13
TOTAL:				$25,760.00
How much more do we need to reach $22,000?				$0.00
How close are we!?				117.09%
How much from each girl?
Rachel Riggs	$5,650.00
Julie Bride	$2,600.00
Julia Brown	$3,300.00
Craig Ewing	$300.00
Hannah/Abby Kwapiszeski	$5,230.00
Molly Schmidt	$3,400.00
Annie Poelzl	$1,000.00
CPR	$1,170.00