Frequently Asked Questions

Key Partner and friend, Kendal Anderson assembled these awesome FAQ’s for his team with the Crossing Church and their most recent trip to Haiti. We thought that they were powerful and true so we posted them here. Watch for updates!

Q: I can’t afford this—how could I possibly pay for it?

A: Most of us raise support for this trip—all of us know people who have a heart for the poor, but can’t go on the trip. Ask them to help you go! See sample support letter in this packet.

Q: Isn’t Haiti very dangerous to travel in?

A: International travel of any kind carries risk, and Haiti is no different. That being said, we plan our trips to minimize risk as much as possible. First, we are always accompanied by several of our Haitian partners. They are our drivers and translators and friends. Second, the areas we work in are far removed from the “hot spots” for crime in Haiti (big cities). You will be in rural, village areas where people live in huts and farm for a living. You will likely feel more safe in the village than in many of the cities and neighborhoods here in the US.

Q: Will I be uncomfortable?

A: Yes! But you’ll find that once you get used to the idea, you’ll be freed up to experience many new things J

Q: What are the lodging accommodations?

A: Primitive (or, if you prefer, rustic). We will sleep on the floor (on an air mattress, if you bring one!). The bathroom actually has a toilet; the ‘flush’ happens when you pour a bucket of water in it! As in most countries around the world, toilet paper goes in a bucket next to the toilet.

Q: Will I be able to take a shower?

A: Yes, sort of—the ‘shower’ is a floor w/a drain. You shower by pouring a bucket of water over yourself. Another option is to bring wet wipes and do a sponge bath. We’ve found it works just as well. Of course, some of us will take the ‘no shower’ option and become one with nature for the week!

Q: I don’t have a passport yet—is there still time?

A: Yes! It takes 4-6 weeks; only two if you have it expedited. But get on it today!

Q: Are there a lot of mosquitos and other nasty bugs?

A: Chauffard is at a high elevation and there is nearly always a breeze, so it keeps the bug population down. Having said that, bring bug spray and a mosquito net just in case. There are no guarantees!

Q: What kind of food will we eat?

A: Your choice between “store-bought” imported food or authentic Haitian food. We’ll hire a couple local women to cook lunch for us. There will always be rice and a few beans, with a little meat and some veggies. Breakfast and dinner we’ll make ourselves, and will be more ‘American’. (We’ll purchase food from the American grocery in Prot-au-Prince.) You will not be required to eat the Haitian food, but the local women are very careful to prepare the food in a way that will not make you sick.

Q: I’m not an English teacher—how can I teach English?

A: But you are a native English speaker, which means you’re qualified. We’re not teaching advanced English grammar; we’re teaching basics, such as the days of the week, the colors, body parts, etc. You’ll do great!

Q: Is there cell phone coverage for emergencies? Will I be able to call home?

A: We will have a satellite phone as well as a Haitian cell phone for emergencies. As for calling home, it depends on what phone plan you have. So far, we know Sprint does not work, but AT&T does (if you have the int’l plan—ask your provider). We will allow team members to call home at least once during the week using the satellite phone if needed.

Q: Where’s the nearest hospital? What if there’s an emergency?

A: The nearest hospital is about an hour and a half away. We will have an emergency medical kit with us and hopefully a nurse. Think of it as wilderness camping.

Q: Is there anything I should not bring?

A: Yes—don’t bring anything you’re not willing to lose! Also, leave your pride, impatience and need for control at home. Otherwise you will be very frustratedJ

Q: What if I get sick?

A: You likely will get traveler’s diarrhea! But don’t worry—just make sure you get some Cipro prescribed by you doctor; it really does the trick!

Q: With all the above answers, I’m not so sure I want to go! Anything else you’d like to say?

A: Yes—if you don’t want your life to be turned upside down, if you’re not ready to have a completely different view of the world, if you wouldn’t like to be radically changed, then don’t come! This trip is not for everyone; it’s not a touristy leisure-time excursion.

Last Words…

We’re going to Haiti to serve the people there, to lay down our lives in whatever ways God calls us to do! We will have a lot of fun along the way, our eyes will be opened and we’ll make lifelong Haitian friends.

But it will cost you something, and you will be uncomfortable, probably numerous times. So count the cost and make sure you’re willing to pay the price before you sign on!