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Nicaragua Mission Trip: June 10-20 2008

Dear Interested Traveler,
Our primary mission will be to build two to three houses in the town of Somoto, hold health
clinics for the people in the communities around Somoto, hold Vacation Bible School for
children around the sites of the clinics and construction, and distribute clothing, school and
medical supplies. In the process, hope is given to the people and relationships are built. It is our
intention that, as we work with the people of Somoto, we will be able to learn about their joys,
hopes, dreams, and daily struggles.
Jobs that are done are varied. We are in special need of people able to interpret for the clinics
and of nurses and other medical personnel. The construction work required can be hard labor,
and temperatures can be high, so if you have some health issues, please let us know. There are
possibilities of working with the schools, teaching English as a second language. In the past,
everyone has found that they are able to contribute to the projects, even when they had had some
doubts before the trip. The mission work is guided by the people who go on the trip, so it is
possible that you may come up with a new way we can serve the Nicaraguan people.
Various jobs may be assigned to participants either in preparation for the trip or in Nicaragua.
Such jobs may include such things as gathering and preparing medical and VBS supplies,
overseeing packing before we leave, overseeing distribution of donations at the sites, overseeing
school supply distribution, tracking the bags of supplies and their locations at the hotel,
maintaining the daily schedule, overseeing communications to everyone, coordinating lunch at
the various sites, problem solving, picture and/or video taking, book keeping for project
expenditures, book keeping and fund collecting for trip expenditures, trouble shooting, etc. It is
hoped that needs that are seen by participants will be voiced and participants will volunteer to
oversee the meeting of those needs when possible.
We will be in Managua one night. The following day we will travel to Somoto. Somoto is 12
miles from the Honduran border, and about 160 miles north of Managua. This area is a slightly
higher altitude situated in an open plain and is surrounded by mountains.
We trust that God will be guiding and directing us in our efforts. You will discover that this trip will be a blessing to the people of Somoto but it will be a greater blessing to us. YOUR LIFE WILL BE CHANGED FOREVER! DO PRAY THAT THIS TRIP WILL BE A SUCCESS AND INVITE THE PRAYER SUPPORT OF YOUR FRIENDS AND CONGREGATIONS. The Hershey Bar Principle
The project is based on the “Hershey Bar Principle” in that the most important thing we give the adults and children when we go is HOPE. A member of the team in 2002, Dick Forshay, wrote about his experience in post war Germany 25 and even 55 years after the war. He wrote that despite the tremendous rebuilding that went on, “Every person, men and women, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, said that the thing they remembered most vividly was the chocolate candy bar given to them by an American soldier.Everyone would get choked up and misty eyed talking about the few cents of candy they got 25 years ago. They said that it was great that the country was being rebuilt, but the thing that gave them HOPE was the chocolate candy bar.We do not know (in Nicaragua) what effect we are having on people. But we do know that we are giving some HOPE to many of them.” Board of Directors 2007-2008
Chairman: John Goodman JPG1943@aol.com Bethlehem Lutheran, Longmont Vice Chairman: Jeff Steg cj_steg@msn.com Greeley Weslyan and First Lutheran Treasurer: Don Peterson doniver@comcast.net Immanuel Lutheran, Greeley Secretary: Cathy Goodman cegood47@aol.com Bethlehem Lutheran, Longmont Medical head: Dr. Jeanne Lewis Jeanne.Lewis@Colorado.EDU Mount Calvary Lutheran, Boulder Construction head: Ralph Ponfick rponfick@aol.com First Lutheran, Longmont Vacation Bible School Head: Kay Steg K_Steg@msn.com Greeley Weslyan & First Lutheran Consultant: Pastor Abe Gonzalez Pastorabe@comcast.net and pastor@immanlutheran.org Immanuel Lutheran, Greeley Collection of Supplies
Many items will be collected before the trip for distribution and use in Nicaragua. Each participant is asked to consider seeking supplies and funding from their respective congregations or community organizations. Doing this, however, is optional. Baby clothes, new born gowns blankets, receiving blankets, and hats, single bed thin quilts are needed. Churches may provide over-the-counter medication or prescription medication which expires in less than six months. Pain relief pills for young and old (especially ibuprofen), adult vitamins and over the counter stomach and allergy/cold medications are needed. Toothpaste and tooth brushes are needed since dental health affects the health of the entire body. Clothes in excellent shape for children up to 10 years of age and for hot weather are needed. PLEASE report funds, fund drives, and the type of supplies collected to Don Peterson at doniver@comcast.net so that collection of supplies can be tracked and collections of certain supplies can be ended or increased as needed. This is necessary, since a number of resources are being used for collections. T-Shirts
We will fly from Denver to Miami to Managua. The mission team members will wear identical T-shirts. Wearing the t-shirt is strongly encouraged on traveling days since they help identify us as a group, help us get through customs in each country, and help us find each other at the airports. All participants are required to arrive in and leave Nicaragua as a group unless arrangements have been made with Abe prior to the purchase and reservation of airline tickets. People will not be allowed to remain behind due to concerns about safety. Each passenger is allowed two 50 lbs bags to check in. Mission supplies will be packed in these prior to our departure. Due to luggage weight limitations we ask that you pack your personal items in the carry on. Any items that are indispensable to you which can’t be in the carry-on, will be pack in two regular suitcases which will be designated for this need. The carry-on has a maximum of 40 linear inches and 40 pounds. Everyone is asked to take, in addition to the carry on, a personal item of maximum size that will fit under a seat to maximize what we can take for the mission. Make sure to put the tag provided on your luggage. This will help us identify our luggage when we are in Nicaragua. Write your name and address on the luggage tags. It is important that you are able to lock your luggage and keep it locked at all times when you are not in your room. Please keep the duffel bags of supplies locked as well. Packing of Supplies
An evening approximately two weeks before departure will be set aside to pack supplies. First, supplies will be sorted according to type. Before any are packed, the group will meet and set priorities for packing in case more has been collected than can be transported. Priorities will be packed first. Each bag must be weighed, with an effort made to make each near the 50 pounds limit. Someone will be in charge of assigning the bag a number tag and recording the contents. It is very important that each bag is tagged with a number with contents noted and weighed properly before being stored. After priorities are packed, the group will decide what of the remaining items will be packed. Bags with items that do not have priority will be marked so last minute changes can be made if necessary. Departure
We must arrive at the Denver Airport three hours ahead of flight time since checking in supplies takes additional time. The group will help unload the luggage and each person will claim two bags of supplies for check in. If any bags are slightly over weight, items will be removed and added to bags that are slightly underweight. Every effort will be made to weigh the bags on packing day so this happens as little as possible. Arrival in Managua
When we arrive at the airport in Managua, four to five people will be in charge of gathering the luggage while the rest take care of their visas. Watch your luggage at all times! Abe’s sister, Rosario, will be waiting for us at the airport. The person who will check our baggage at the customs in Managua will be “tipped” so that we can get through customs with the supplies. Abe will collect the visas from you so he can present them to the person that will be helping us to get our luggage through. A bus will be waiting for us outside the airport. Please be sure to follow Abe’s sister Rosario to it. In case there is an emergency Abe will have a car available for our use at all times. Storing of Supplies
In Somoto, each person will be asked to store some of the supplies in their motel room. They will be responsible for informing the person that heads the general supplies as to the contents they are currently storing and for keeping the bags locked at all times when they are out of the room. Bring a money belt or neck purse for under your clothing with you for your money and passport. If you sweat a lot make sure to put your passport and money in a Zip-lock bag. Bring your money in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50. The money for all the expenses on the trip minus what you have paid for plane fare must be carried with you. You will be asked for it when the bills are paid for motels, transportation, tips, etc. An extra two hundred dollars in smaller bills is suggested for buying meals while traveling and for shopping on market day. You may need less than this. All bills must be in excellent shape with no tears or bent corners or they may not be accepted for payment in Nicaragua. It is recommended that you keep the money intended for required trip expenses separate from your personal spending money. In this way, you can better judge the amount of discretionary spending money you have at any given time. There are places that are accepting credit cards but we do not recommend you use them there. Leave them at home. Leave any expensive jewelry at home. Do bring a watch and camera or a small video camera. Some find that disposable cameras are more reliable and useful than others. The group will stay at a hotel in Managua for three nights, one upon arrival and two when we return to Managua before returning home. The total cost will be approximately $100.00, including food for breakfast. The group will stay at a hotel in Somoto. It is very clean. There are cold showers only. Bring water shoes to wear in the shower and protect from foot diseases. The water may be turned off for part of the day to conserve the water pumps of the city, so disposable cleaning wipes and antiseptic hand gel should be packed. No conversion is needed for electrical appliances. Rooms will be assigned by Abe or another group leader upon arrival. Assignments will consider family groups, age, handicap accommodations, health needs, and those who need close proximity to supplies. Sometimes a second hotel is used due to lack of space in one. Youth must be in a hotel with at least one adult in a room in the same hotel. Ear plugs and sleeping masks have been found to be useful by some. Laundry services are available. By paying someone a few dollars to do laundry, we help the income of at least one family. It may take a couple or three days for your laundry to be returned, so pack necessary clothing items accordingly. Sometimes some small clothing items may not return from being laundered, so it is suggested that you take clothing that does not have important value to you. Those doing construction may need a couple extra sets of clothes since clothing may become quite dirty during construction. Passport
You need a passport to enter Nicaragua. A visa will be given to you at the Managua airport for
$5.00. Make sure before you leave the United States to take copies of your passport and birth
certificate and leave another copy of each with a friend or relative. For those who have
citizenship through naturalization make sure to take copies of your naturalization
certificate and leave a copy with your relatives or friends as well.
If you do not have a passport, you can get one through the post office. The cost for a new passport is $95.00. To issue a passport takes six to eight weeks. Make sure to have an identification card and birth certificate. If you need to just renew it, the cost is $67.00. Your passport is good for ten years and can be renewed within two years after it has expired. People interested in going in 2008 are asked to fill out an interest form and send it to the secretary, Kay Steg k_steg@msn.com or P.O. Box 1013, Ault, CO 80610 or leave one in John Goodman’s mail box at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont. Team members are to sign up as soon as possible. Please make a deposit for each person of $100.00. The deposit will be returned to you after the trip. This deposit only holds your reservation and is not included to cover part of the flight cost. American Airlines holds this money until we return from our trip. This money will be returned to you after our trip. Send the deposit to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1865 14th Ave. Greeley, Colorado 80631. Please mark “Nicaragua Trip deposit. Another $100.00 will be collected at the time of the orientation. This money will be used to cover the initial expenses for our trip. ITINERARY 10 June Departure from Denver to Miami @ 8:40AM Arrives @ 2:20PM /E 10 June Departure from Miami to Nicaragua @. 5:55P Arrives @ 6:35PM /E 20 June Departure from Nicaragua to Miami @ 6:50AM Arrives 11:20AM /E 20 June Departure from Miami to Denver @ 5:50PM Arrives @ 7:55PM /E Language
Spanish lessons will be offered weekly in May and June. Very few living in Nicaragua speak English. Translators are needed at each project site if possible. Those who have gone recommend learning at least a little Spanish, though this is not a requirement. Three police officers will accompany team members. Their presence helps assure that we are not unduly followed by those seeking hand-outs, helps keep crowd control at clinic sites, and provides additional safety. The bus driver stays with the bus day and night. Parents not going with young people are to provide a permission letter. BE SAFE! ALWAYS BE WITH SOMEONE ELSE! DO NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN MANAGUA. IF YOU WANT TO GO SOMEWHERE MAKE SURE TO CHECK WITH ABE or AN ASSIGNED GROUP LEADER BEFORE YOU DO IT. DO NOT BE FLASHING MONEY IN FRONT OF PEOPLE! Each individual will carry personal money and any money they are carrying for the mission at all times. There are no hotel safes. Watch all personal items. Wear money belts under clothes. The exception to the above rule may be to go to a corner store catty corner from the Somoto Hotel or to go to the internet cafe next to the hotel. Somoto is generally a safe place, but take all the precautions necessary to make your experience an enjoyable one and follow the above safety rules. There will be a small shop where water and pop may be purchased and an internet cafe within a block of the hotel. No one is to leave the area surrounding the hotel alone. Food and Clothing
While we are in Somoto we will stay at a hotel and our meals, which are healthy, will be served there. In previous years, much of the food was Americanized. Some avoid eating fresh vegetables that are not peeled as an extra precaution, but others eat them. Each person will buy bottled water to avoid sickness but we can’t guarantee that you will not get sick. You may experience stomach upset, so anti-diarrhea and stomach medication should be packed. Snacks, such as trail mix or energy bars, can be helpful for times between meals or when traveling. Bring comfortable work shoes and sandals and casual clothes for after work hours. It is recommended that sandals be worn only at the hotel and shoes be worn elsewhere so your feet are protected from scrapes and cuts, which can become infected. It is okay for women to wear pants and shorts. Don’t plan on wearing shorts to the work site or church. Also be sure that the shorts are not to short! \ Contact with Home
Somoto has at least two Internet cafes. One of them is next to the hotel where the team is staying. E-mails can be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church office@immanlutheran.org in Greeley. Abe's wife, Pam, can be reached by land-line phone (970/395-0661) and by cell phone (970-405-6252). A phone card can be left with a team member's family. If you need to contact your family in the USA, call from an internet café. They are very inexpensive. Avoid making collect calls from Nicaragua since they can be extremely expensive. It is better if your friends and relatives call you with a calling card. Up to 40 minutes can be purchased on a $5 card that Abe can obtain for you. E-mail is the best method of communication. Medical Considerations
Although no immunizations are required for travel to Nicaragua, the Center for Disease Control recommends several, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid as well as being up to date on Tetanus and Measles. Check their website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for further information. The CDC also strongly recommends malaria prophylaxis. Consult with your personal physician as soon as possible to determine which immunizations and medications are appropriate for you so you’ll still have time to receive them before June. Malaria, dengue fever and a handful of other preventable diseases are spread by infected mosquitoes and other insects so we strongly recommend that you use an insect repellent containing DEET regularly while in Nicaragua. Due to too much rain last year dengue fever is high in Nicaragua, so take all the precautions necessary to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Travelers’ Diarrhea is common and the causes are bacteria, viruses or parasites, spread through food and water. We recommend that you wash your hands often and well with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before eating. Eat only cooked fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself. Avoid buying food from street vendors. Avoid milk and ice cream unless you know it has been pasteurized. You should plan on buying bottled water (in sealed bottles) for drinking and for brushing teeth. (And drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated.) Imodium (or generic loperamide) works quite well to stop diarrhea. Taking Pepto-Bismol, 4 tabs four times a day may prevent diarrhea, but it may turn your tongue and bowel movements black!! and must not be used if you take aspirin or certain other medications regularly. Your physician may consider prescribing an antibiotic to take if you get moderate or severe diarrhea, but antibiotics are effective against only the bacterial causes of diarrhea. Take shower shoes for the shower and don’t go barefoot anywhere, to avoid athlete’s foot, a fungal infection. Also take sunglasses, sun-block and a hat to shield you from the sun because we are outdoors most of the time. Take any prescription medications you need in their original containers, maybe with a note from your physician, to avoid any problems with customs. If you wear regular glasses, consider carrying a prescription for them in case they are lost or broken. In addition to the items underlined above you may want to carry one or more of the following in your personal health kit: multivitamins, pain reliever, eye drops, first aid cream, band-aids, cortisone cream for rashes or itching, antifungal cream, spray or powder and kleenex. The mission trip physicians will be available to care for you, and there are also local physicians in Somoto if needed. Find out if your medical insurance covers you in Nicaragua and consider purchasing trip insurance to cover medical expenses and medical evacuation if needed. (One source is www.travelguard.com but there are others.) Children Games and Culture
Kids are attracted to people with green or blue eyes. It is okay to play games with them. BUT DO NOT PLAY THE NOSE GAME WITH KIDS (THE ONE WHERE YOU PUT YOUR THUMB BETWEEN YOUR FIRST TWO FINGERS). IF YOU DO YOU WILL BE EMBARRASSED AS THIS IS AN OBSCENE GESTURE IN NICARAGUA. Bring balloons, and/or some candies to share with kids if you wish. Adults may like small bottles of hand lotion or nice smelling soap. Perfume samples are always a big hit! Chocolate is best taken in the form of M and M’s, since it can melt. Beanie babies and any small stuffed animals work great. Bring toys that you can hold on your hands. Do not bring toys that need batteries or have small parts that can choke, since very young children may get a hold of them. Batteries are expensive in Nicaragua and families can’t afford them for toys. Bring clothes that are in good condition to give away to families or Rosario’s church’s clothing bank at the end of the trip if you wish. Our rule is, “if you are not willing to wear it do not give away.” Some have purchased clothing in excellent shape from a thrift shop for the trip with the thought of leaving it behind. Keep in mind that most Nicaraguans are neither tall nor overweight. Make sure to bring summer clothes and DO NOT include winter clothes. They are not useful in the Nicaraguan climate! BE POLITE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EAT OR DRINK SOMETHING THAT IS OFFERED TO YOU, TALK TO THE TRANSLATORS SO THAT WE CAN EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE WHY YOU CANNOT ACCEPT IT. IF AT THE END OF THE TRIP A GIFT IS OFFERED TO YOU PLEASE ACCEPT IT. PROJECTS
Participation
The mission is a volunteer operation. Undue pressure to participate is not to be applied to anyone. Anyone is allowed to rest at the hotel instead of going into the field to work whenever they wish for any reason. Self care is encouraged and is essential. In the past, some have wondered if they can be of any help. EVERYONE has come back feeling that they were truly able to contribute. Vacation Bible School will be held. People of all ages and abilities can be used in the VBS to distribute supplies, help with crafts, play with the children, etc. VBS teaches about the love of God and provides opportunity to build the children’s sense of self worth. Medical Clinics
Medical clinics will be provided. Translators and people with some kind of medical experience are needed at these sites. Others may be used for other purposes. Special considerations must be made by the medical team. A medical team needs to provide instructions in Spanish. They need to tell patients that taking too much medication can be dangerous. They may set up classes to explain the use of medical supplies. A pharmacy in Somoto can order de-worming medication and vitamins ahead of time if they are contacted. John Goodman will make labels for the baggies of medication that will be prescribed. Devices for strong illumination are needed. There will probably be no examination tables available. To date, clinics have been held at people’s homes. Housing Construction 2008
Construction is expected to occur on at least two houses and hopefully 3 in 2008. Those participating in construction will want to be sure to bring work gloves, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps extra clothing since some of the work is with rocks and dirt. There is likely to be down time at the construction as some of the construction uses a limited number of people. However, the presence of each person builds positive relationships and a sense of being cared about for community members, so be patient. Usually, houses are only started by our group and construction is completed after we leave. The project hopes to be able to have one house started before we arrive and completed while we are there in 2008, but being able to do this is not guaranteed. Distribution of Supplies
Items will be distributed. Medical supplies, beanie babies, and layettes will be brought to the Somoto hospital. School supplies will be delivered to area schools. Beanie babies, and clothing may be distributed at clinics. Different team members will head efforts to sort, track each type of supply, track their distribution, head gathering of supplies for special needs that arise for individuals and individual families, participate in distribution, and organize distributions. Devotions/Religious Preferences
Devotions will be held after dinner each evening and led by volunteer participants. People of any religious background are welcome to participate. Participants have the option of not attending devotions in the evening if they go against religious preferences. However, it is expected that all participants will be present at the hotel in the evening for the evening meeting and attend each informational meeting. Trouble Shooting
Good team work is essential for the success of the mission trip. Each participant needs to be prepared for possible changes in plans, activities, and disappointments if they occur. BEING FLEXIBLE IS KEY TO THE MISSION’S SUCCESS AND YOUR SATISFACTION WITH THE TRIP! For example, in 2005, VBS was planned for three days at one site with 100 children. When we got there, the church building was being used and plans were revised to have VBS at the clinic and construction sites. We ended up seeing over three hundred children! Also, we had to replace the families that were intended for two homes due to their leaving for El Salvador before we arrived. As a result, some people in construction were unable to work as much as they would have liked. However, four homes were constructed and other families in great need were served. On the trip, there will be at least one person designated to receive reports of any issues of concern. It is hoped that each person will let this designated person know as soon as any issues arise so that efforts can be made to correct the problems if possible. Remaining calm and providing constructive ideas for improvements as those ideas occur to team members assures a pleasant team experience for everyone. The project is team led. No one person is responsible for its success or failure. The team as a whole is responsible. Due to language and cultural barriers, time limitations, finances, unexpected events, human limitations, etc., not all can be done in the way every single person would find to be ideal. Each year, attempts are made to correct problem areas that arose the year before. Many things improve. Some do not. Despite this, almost everyone finds the mission to be an extremely rewarding experience, and many return on future trips. Those who lead daily devotions will reflect on what happened that day. Team members will be encouraged to comment on how their day went and area leaders will report on events of the day. At the end of the trip, written evaluations will be collected so new ideas for improvements can be considered by the board. The mission team will spend the last full day in Nicaragua touring. Although some may wish to remain in Somoto instead, this will not be possible. This day has been beneficial for others in the group for both a much-needed break and an opportunity to get a broader feel for the country of Nicaragua. It also provides a day of lead time to reach Managua for the return trip in case of any unexpected delays. There will be a short time to shop in a market for clothing and souvenirs. Shopping may be hectic in the market place, and you may not be able to buy all that you would like. We will need to stay in groups for safety, and you are to hide all money not needed for shopping. Do not flash your money in the market! Giving Away to People in Somoto
It is strongly recommended that no money or items be given to people in Somoto or at sites where you will be returning until the last day and a half of the trip. Once items are given to some, many people begin to beg for them and large crowds form around the hotel, upsetting the hotel owner and creating some chaos for the group. Also, all other activities, such as teaching in VBS, need to stop. It may be difficult to refuse to give money to obviously poor people, but it is necessary to avoid chaos, having project activities come to a halt, and being overwhelmed with people who are asking for help. When items are given away, marks are made on hands with permanent markers. Some will try to wash them off and go through the line again. It is not only okay, but it is recommended that these people be refused when they do this. On the whole, the people are gracious and grateful. Budget for Clinics
In 2008, approximately $3000 will be needed for medical supplies. Many of the donating organizations require a “donation” before they send supplies. Additional medication, especially vitamins and de-worming medication need to be purchased in Nicaragua. Any donations are welcome! Donating in Nicaragua
Some people choose to donate some money to those who have a need in Nicaragua on the last day or so they are there. Some do such things as buy shoes for people who have none or purchase ice cream for some children. Some leave clothing they have brought to wear with Rosario, Abe’s sister, to distribute to those who need it. In fact, some purchase clothing for themselves for the trip at thrift shops for this express purchase. Bringing money to donate and buy for the needy or giving away clothing and other items is strictly optional. Learning About Nicaragua
It is strongly encouraged that you take some time to learn about the country, people, and culture of Nicaragua before the trip. A couple helpful web sites are http://www.elca.org/openaworld/leaders/curriculum/introduction/connectionactivity.html http://berclo.net/page01/01en-nicaragua.html NICARAGUA MISSION NEEDS - 2008

SUPPLIES FOR NICARAGUA SCHOOLS
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Combs
Small Hairbrushes
Color pencils
Pens
Pencils
Erasers
Pencil sharpeners
Safety scissors
Money for notebooks to be purchased in Nicaragua

MEDICAL SUPPLIES
(Note: If money is donated for these, many can be purchased in bulk at a lower price.)
Pain Relievers for infants, children, and adults
- Ibuprofen is always needed at the hospital - Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, Nuprin, etc. Vitamins for adults Over the counter stomach remedies Over the counter allergy/cold remedies ITEMS NEEDED FOR SCHOOL UNIFORMS
White Boys Shirts (buttoned, short sleeve, and plain), sizes Children's small-Adult medium
White Blouses (buttoned, short sleeve, plain), sizes Children's small-Adult medium
(These do not have to be new, but they do need to be in good condition.) White socks for girls and boys.
BEANIE BABIES
These are given at the hospital and clinics and provide joy and comfort for children and adults.
If many are collected, they are also donated to the hospital to be used to encourage pregnant
women to come to the prenatal/child care clinics.
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING:
Clothing in excellent shape for children up to age 10 and for hot weather only
Girls’ dresses, blouses, underwear, white socks
Boys’ shirts, pants, underwear, white socks and Baby clothes.
MONETARY DONATIONS
We use monetary donations for the building of two and possibly three homes, to purchase
medical supplies, materials for VBS and support for children to go to school. Each house will
cost approximately $3,000.00 to build in 2008 and medical supplies will be approximately
$3,000.00. In 2005, generous donations allowed four homes to be built, four to be repaired,
needed medication to be purchased, and medical supplies to be left for medical clinics near
Somoto. One hundred percent of monetary donations go toward the projects for the mission. All
donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to "Immanuel Lutheran Church.”
Please make notation "Nicaragua Project' on the check. They can be mailed to:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont also raises funds each year, and other individuals or churches are welcome to participate in fund raising. COST FOR THE TRIP
The cost for the entire trip will depend on the price of the airline tickets in 2008. The cost of transportation in Nicaragua including gas prices varies depending on the number of people going, since some costs are shared. It is hoped that the cost will not exceed $700.00 plus airfare in 2008 including a minimum of $100 to spend, but that cannot be guaranteed until closer to the time of departure. For example, in 2005, the airline required an extra $53 per passenger above what was negotiated due to the increase in fuel prices. Approximately $200 for spending for meals while traveling and purchases of water and snacks, as well as souvenirs, is taken by some. A minimum of $100 above the cost of the trip is needed. Every effort is made to keep costs low. We have signed a contract for $700.00 per person. We hope that there will not be a sub-charge increase before the trip ORIENTATION
The first orientation will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont on Friday February 15th. QUESTIONS?
Questions concerning the trip may be addressed to any board member listed at the beginning of
the handbook.
Thank you for your interest in the Nicaragua Project!
Arrival in Managua, 3
Trouble Shooting, 9
Board of Directors, 2
Budget for Clinics, 11
Children’s Games and Culture, 8
Collection of Supplies, 2
Contact with Home, 7
Cost for the Trip, 13
Departure, 3
Devotions/Religious Preferences, 9
Distribution of Supplies, 9
Donating in Nicaragua, 11
Donations-Monetary, 12
Food and Clothing, 6
Gifts, 8
Giving Away to People in Somoto, 10
Hershey Bar principle, 2
Hotels, 4
Housing Construction - 2008, 9
Language, 6
Laundry, 5
Learning About Nicaragua, 11
Luggage, 3
Medical Clinics, 9
Medical Considerations, 7
Mission, 1
Money, 4
Needs – 2008, 11
Needs-Beanie Babies, 12
Needs-Children Clothing, 12
Needs-Medical Supplies, 12
Needs-School Uniforms, 12
Orientation, 13
Packing of Supplies, 3
Participation, 8
Passport, 5
Projects, 8
Questions, 13
Safety, 6
Sign-Up, 5
Storing of Supplies, 4
T-Shirts, 3
Touring, 10
Travel, 3

Source: http://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/images/pdfs/NicHandbookApr.08.pdf