Monday, Feb. 2: Students will meet in the gym after home room for a training session led by Bruce and Lori Burkett. The meeting will last from 8:25-10:00. The Burketts are puppeteers who travel and do presentations for kids. They will share puppetry skills, as well as general knowledge about engaging kids in presentations. Adult mission team members are invited to attend as well; however, I realize this might not be possible with work schedules. If you are able and want to, feel free to join us.
Monday, Feb. 9: Meeting in chapel room from 7:00-8:30. We will be working on preparing for the presentations at schools.
Feb. 27-March 1: Weekend Retreat at Pretty Lake Camp in Mattawan, MI. The training will begin Friday night around 8:00, after basketball practices, and end Sunday at around 1:00, after lunch. Team members should bring bedding, towel, clothing for inside and outside, Bible, pen and notebook. If you have any questions, let Meghan know. We can figure out car pooling from school if people are interested. We'll discuss more at the Feb. 9 meeting.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Health Information - Medicine/What to bring
Medicines you may need:
•The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.
•Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter. Recommended - Pepto-bismol isolates the bugs that cause stomach problems, and then you flush it out of your system. If you use something like Imodium for diarrhea, it only suppresses it. Then it leaves the cause for the diarrhea in your system.
Other items you may need:
•Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information.
•Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
•To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring:
o Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible.
o Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Many diseases, like dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:
•Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
•The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.
•Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter. Recommended - Pepto-bismol isolates the bugs that cause stomach problems, and then you flush it out of your system. If you use something like Imodium for diarrhea, it only suppresses it. Then it leaves the cause for the diarrhea in your system.
Other items you may need:
•Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information.
•Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
•To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring:
o Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible.
o Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Many diseases, like dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:
•Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
Health Information - Immunizations
Dr. Eggebrecht is the medical person for our trip. He has researched recommended immunizations and other medical information for the team. If you have any questions about what immunizations you need, please check with him or your personal doctor. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) looks at the diseases that are most prevalent when recommending immunizations for travel to other countries, and Dr. Eggebrecht used this site to learn about what is currently suggested for travel to Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.
1. There are some immunizations that are suggested to get for travel to Jamaica this spring. Please look into these early so that you have time to get this taken care of.
2. At the last meeting in Jan., everyone was also given an explanation of vaccinations and other important health information. Here are the highlights. If you want another copy, let Meghan know. I can email documents to you.
3. Immunizations for Jamaica in 2009: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
4. Routine: Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. **Make sure tenanus shot is current as we will be doing construction work**
5. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Info about Hep A vaccine: This is a 2 shot series. The first must be received at least 2 weeks before the trip and the second is to be received 6-12 months later. Hepatitis A vaccine is offered through Berrien County Health Department in Benton Harbor for $30 for adults (over 18 years old), $12 for children (thru 18 years old) if there is no insurance coverage or $30 for children with insurance coverage. This fee is charged for each shot of the series. You may schedule an appointment for Mondays from 9-11:30 am. The Niles office of the Berrien County Health Department is open for immunizations by appointment from 9-11:30. They may also have some evening appointments 4-7 pm on January 16. Call Dawn Ford at 684-2800 to schedule. The Hartford office of the Van Buren County Health Department is open for immunizations on Thursdays from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm. No appointment necessary. They recommend getting the immunizations from your own doctor if you have insurance coverage for them. If you have Medicaid, they charge $3. With no insurance coverage, they ask $20 for each injection of the Hepatitis A.
6. Hepatitis B: Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission, especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
7. Typhoid: Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in the Caribbean, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Info about Typhoid Vaccine: Not available from the Berrien County Health Department, but it is from Scripts Pharmacy. It is $80 for the oral which is given as a pill every other day for 4 doses. It must be completed at least 1 week ahead. It is good for 5 years. It is a LIVE preparation. The injectable is $80 + a $35 administration fee. It must be done at least 2 weeks ahead. It is good for 2 years.
From University Medical Specialties: They will give it to established patients meaning that you would have to have a "travel" appt. with the nurse practitioner (~$75) to receive either the oral or the injectable. If you choose the injectable, they would then waive the administration fee. Their fee is $68 for either.
1. There are some immunizations that are suggested to get for travel to Jamaica this spring. Please look into these early so that you have time to get this taken care of.
2. At the last meeting in Jan., everyone was also given an explanation of vaccinations and other important health information. Here are the highlights. If you want another copy, let Meghan know. I can email documents to you.
3. Immunizations for Jamaica in 2009: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
4. Routine: Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. **Make sure tenanus shot is current as we will be doing construction work**
5. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Info about Hep A vaccine: This is a 2 shot series. The first must be received at least 2 weeks before the trip and the second is to be received 6-12 months later. Hepatitis A vaccine is offered through Berrien County Health Department in Benton Harbor for $30 for adults (over 18 years old), $12 for children (thru 18 years old) if there is no insurance coverage or $30 for children with insurance coverage. This fee is charged for each shot of the series. You may schedule an appointment for Mondays from 9-11:30 am. The Niles office of the Berrien County Health Department is open for immunizations by appointment from 9-11:30. They may also have some evening appointments 4-7 pm on January 16. Call Dawn Ford at 684-2800 to schedule. The Hartford office of the Van Buren County Health Department is open for immunizations on Thursdays from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm. No appointment necessary. They recommend getting the immunizations from your own doctor if you have insurance coverage for them. If you have Medicaid, they charge $3. With no insurance coverage, they ask $20 for each injection of the Hepatitis A.
6. Hepatitis B: Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission, especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
7. Typhoid: Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in the Caribbean, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Info about Typhoid Vaccine: Not available from the Berrien County Health Department, but it is from Scripts Pharmacy. It is $80 for the oral which is given as a pill every other day for 4 doses. It must be completed at least 1 week ahead. It is good for 5 years. It is a LIVE preparation. The injectable is $80 + a $35 administration fee. It must be done at least 2 weeks ahead. It is good for 2 years.
From University Medical Specialties: They will give it to established patients meaning that you would have to have a "travel" appt. with the nurse practitioner (~$75) to receive either the oral or the injectable. If you choose the injectable, they would then waive the administration fee. Their fee is $68 for either.
Raising money for the trip
Money is coming in for the trip, but slowly at this point. As of the last count on Thursday, we had $27,000 out of $50,000. So we still need to raise a large sum as a team. For those of you who have already raised your portion, consider how you can help your teammates. I want to urge EVERYONE to continue to fund raise. Consider sending more letters, sending out reminder/update emails or letters, calling close friends and family, remind church supporters... We are going on faith that God will provide, but this means spending time praying about it, and allowing God to prompt you to be intentional about your part in the fund raising process.
Thanks for your hard work already in this area. So many people don't get to go on mission trips, and for many, giving to your trip is a way to be involved in God's global church. So asking others for support isn't just about you, it's about God's mission to support our Christian brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for your hard work already in this area. So many people don't get to go on mission trips, and for many, giving to your trip is a way to be involved in God's global church. So asking others for support isn't just about you, it's about God's mission to support our Christian brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Keep up the good work!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
T-Shirt Design Ideas Needed
We are going to order T-shirts for the trip soon. If any talented and creative team members want to design a logo for the trip, let me know, or give me ideas/sketches by our next meeting on Jan 22.
If you're trying out a design, remember to include - Grace Christian School or GCS; Jamaica 2009; Living the Love
If you're trying out a design, remember to include - Grace Christian School or GCS; Jamaica 2009; Living the Love
Friday, January 9, 2009
Financial Update
Exciting news on fund raising for the team... as a whole team, we have raised about half of the total amount needed. This is exciting, as God is really working in people's hearts to give to our trip. Thanks to everyone who has sent out letters, and those who have given so far!
At the same time, we have a long ways to go to raise the full funds for the trip. If you haven't sent out letters, or need help with fund raising ideas, let me know as soon as possible. Remember, you are responsible for raising your funds - don't count on others to raise extra for you.
At the Jan. 8 meeting, updates were given to each team member with a list of donors and amounts. Parents, feel free to ask your child about this so that the students take time to say thank you to those who have given money toward the trip.
At the same time, we have a long ways to go to raise the full funds for the trip. If you haven't sent out letters, or need help with fund raising ideas, let me know as soon as possible. Remember, you are responsible for raising your funds - don't count on others to raise extra for you.
At the Jan. 8 meeting, updates were given to each team member with a list of donors and amounts. Parents, feel free to ask your child about this so that the students take time to say thank you to those who have given money toward the trip.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Meeting Dates
Mission Team members,
Please plan on attending mission meetings on the following dates. All meetings are at the school except the retreat. The meetings are mandatory for all going on the trip. These meetings are important for practicing for the presentations at schools and orphanages, as well as learning concepts that will be helpful (and even essential) on the trip. If you cannot make it, please let Meghan know by email or phone before the meeting. Thanks!
Thurs. Jan 22 7:30-8:30
Mon. Feb 9 7:00-8:00
Weekend Retreat: Fri. Feb. 27 8:00 - Sun. Mar. 1 1:00
Pretty Lake Retreat Camp Mattawan, MI
Thurs. Mar. 5 7:00-8:00
Thurs. Mar. 12 7:00-8:00
Thurs. Mar. 19 7:00-8:00 INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Mon. Mar. 23 7:00-8:00 (Change from original schedule)Packing meeting - mission team
Please plan on attending mission meetings on the following dates. All meetings are at the school except the retreat. The meetings are mandatory for all going on the trip. These meetings are important for practicing for the presentations at schools and orphanages, as well as learning concepts that will be helpful (and even essential) on the trip. If you cannot make it, please let Meghan know by email or phone before the meeting. Thanks!
Thurs. Jan 22 7:30-8:30
Mon. Feb 9 7:00-8:00
Weekend Retreat: Fri. Feb. 27 8:00 - Sun. Mar. 1 1:00
Pretty Lake Retreat Camp Mattawan, MI
Thurs. Mar. 5 7:00-8:00
Thurs. Mar. 12 7:00-8:00
Thurs. Mar. 19 7:00-8:00 INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Mon. Mar. 23 7:00-8:00 (Change from original schedule)Packing meeting - mission team
Where we're staying
Check out the website below to see pictures of the college where we are staying. On the Jamaica Link website, under the partners section, there is also information about two of the orphanages we might visit (Robin's nest and Copse).
http://www.jamaicalink.org/involved/partners/fairview/tour.htm
http://www.jamaicalink.org/involved/partners/fairview/tour.htm
Welcome!
In an effort to communicate more effectively with team members and parents, I am going to use this site as a place to post information and share as much with everyone as possible. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or post questions for the group that I can answer for everyone's benefit.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)