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Providing hope for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Honduras
Service Team
Orientation Manual
P.O. Box 410 Worthington, OH 43085-0410 (614) 848-8077 [email protected]
2019 Service Teams
Montana de Luz Manual
Table of Contents
Letter of Introduction Short Term Service/Mission Trip Overview/What to Expect Roles and Responsibilities Pre-Trip Timeline Trip Costs/Payment Schedule and Required Forms Immunizations, Health, Hygiene and Safety What to Pack, Emergency Contact Information About the Culture Privacy Policy Helpful Information
• Recommended Reading
• About HIV/AIDS
• Communication and Conduct
• Money Exchange
• Learning to Speak Spanish
• Service Trip Video Links
Supporting MdL Upon Your Return
“At no time are we ever in such complete possession of a journey, down to its last nook and cranny, as when we are busy with preparations for it. After that, there remains only the journey itself, which is nothing but the process through which we lose our ownership of it.”
— Tukio Mishima
Dear Friend, We are delighted that you have decided to join us for a week of discovery, service and learning. Your safety is our number one priority. You will find all of the information you need in this manual to have a safe, wonderful time in Honduras. Please read it carefully. We trust that you will find this trip fun, educational and inspiring and for some, even life-changing. You have made a significant sacrifice in terms of time and money in this endeavor. Our experience is that most return home feeling that they received more than they gave. We know that for some there will be last minute doubts and questions, especially if this is your first trip to a developing country. Know that this is very normal! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to sharing this very important experience with you. Sincerely,
Morgan Brown Executive Director [email protected] office: 614-848-8077 cell: 740-253-8986
Providing hope for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Honduras
Short Term Service/Mission Trip Overview
Since 2000, Montana de Luz has been welcoming teams from churches, schools, universities, colleges, social
and civic organizations, neighborhoods, families, friends and open groups of individuals seeking to spend a
week of meaningful service in partnership with our mission in rural Honduras. Once a group or individual
contacts MdL, our staff reviews the necessary resources for trip participants and helps coordinate the type of
work projects in conjunction with our mission’s needs and the type of group/individuals coming to serve.
If you are part of a service or mission team making plans to
come to Montana de Luz, our staff will coordinate one-two
orientation meetings for your team. If you are an individual
who is joining another team and perhaps do not live close to
where the team is located, our Executive Director will
schedule one or two video or phone meetings with you
separately.
Service trips can be scheduled year-round by groups, with a minimum of 12 and maximum of eighteen people
per team. The only times we are unable to host teams is from December 18 - January 8. Please check our
website’s calendar for a list of current service/mission teams if
you are interested in joining a group that fits your schedule.
Short term service/mission trips at our “Mountain of Light” focus
on providing an intercultural experience of learning, serving and
growing through manual labor projects, daily activities with our
children, morning and evening group reflection times, team
building activities, and a day of site seeing to other parts of
Honduras.
As you prepare for a trip to Montana de Luz, you likely have many questions about things like what to wear,
what to bring, schedules, local culture, safety and what to expect in general. To address these topics, please
take time to explore the information in this orientation manual. We encourage you to download this manual
and share this with other team members or potential team members as needed.
Visit our website, www.montanadeluz.org, for additional information and videos about the mission. We value
the opportunity to help you explore the potential of serving others atop the "Mountain of Light” in Honduras!
To schedule your trip, contact us today at 614-848-8077, or [email protected].
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You
don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve ... You don’t have to know the second theory
of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
What to Expect
As soon as you arrive, you will be immersed in a week of:
Learning - Experiential learning is a priority. As an individual and team member, you will be given the opportunity to learn about and from the Honduran culture. Your projects might even help you develop a few new skills!
Serving - Your week of building, painting, organizing, etc. enables us to improve our facility and quality of care we are able to provide our children. In addition, serving with love is an important legacy we can leave with the world we are blessed to be a part of. Most people come away from their week’s experience with renewed sense of purpose as well as and friendships that last a lifetime.
Growing - We believe that making a better world begins with our own lives. We value each person’s spiritual journey and encourage time for reflection, journaling and solitude. We appreciate the diversity and richness of each person’s path and seek to be an inclusive community. We welcome both religious and secular service teams to our mission and work together to accommodate the specific needs and interests of each service/mission team.
A typical day’s work might include:
• Mixing concrete
• On site renovation projects
• Expanding our fruit and vegetable garden
• Organizing donations
• Community service projects with the children
In the late afternoon you might:
• Lead a craft activity with the children
• Play soccer
• Bake bread with the children
• Read with the children
• Practice your Spanish
• Relax in a hammock
Each evening you will:
• Process the day’s experiences
• Have time to relax
• Learn a little history about the mission and culture
• Have the option of fellowship with the older children and other team members
• Learn to make baleadas in a local well known cook’s kitchen
• Have an opportunity to visit a community “pulperia” (snack bar)
On your day off you might:
• Visit a historical/cultural sight
• Visit a coffee farm
• Tour a cigar factory
• Hike in a national park
• Shop for souvenirs
Roles and Responsibilities
Executive Director – Morgan Brown, 614-848-8077/740-253-8986, [email protected]: Coordinates pre-trip planning for your group, including everything in the pre-trip timeline below. Helps you in the discovery process—how can your group give and gain the most from the service team experience? The Executive Director will be the point of contact for the Trip Leader (below). He will help with all necessary forms, will attend your orientation meetings (if needed), and will help you purchase your flights.
Trip Leader – Name ________________, Phone/Email ___________________________________________: You will select a Trip Leader from among the service team members. This person will ensure that everything in the pre-trip timeline is completed in a timely manner on the group’s end, so that everyone is prepared to make the most of the service team experience. The Trip Leader will also work with the MdL Coordinator once the group arrives in Honduras.
MdL Coordinator : The member of MdL’s In-Country Team who will coordinate all logistics for your group once you’ve arrived in Honduras. The MdL Coordinator will work with your Trip Leader to establish a schedule for the week. He or she will meet you at the airport and work alongside you throughout the week. He or she will answer questions about the organization, help you learn about the customs and culture in Honduras, and aid in communicating with the children and staff. The MdL Coordinator is your primary point of contact during your service trip experience.
Honduran Director— Sara Castellanos, +011-504-9865-5098, [email protected]: The Honduran Director is in charge of daily operation of Montaña de Luz. Sara is a resource to the MdL Coordinator and Trip Leader, and she is also the emergency contact in Honduras. For children and young adults under 21, Sara will be the designee on the Power of Attorney form, meaning that she will be able to coordinate with doctor’s offices and authorities on behalf of the service team participant should the need arise.
Project Coordinator— Jorge Vallecillo: The project coordinator manages your work project in the mornings, Monday through Saturday. Jorge is skilled at construction and engineering, and he is very personable! He will make sure everyone feels involved in the work project, regardless of age or skill level.
Long Term Volunteers (LTV’s)— We have up to four long-term volunteers at Montaña de Luz. They live in a home just over the mountain from our children’s home. Most LTV’s are from the United States. They are in Honduras to support the staff in the areas of education, health, sustainable agriculture, and youth development. LTV’s serve for one year, so they speak Spanish and can give you helpful information on the history and current projects of our organization.
Full staff list: We will provide a composite with the names and pictures of all our staff members at the packing party. It is a great gesture to get to know some of the hard workers who make Montaña de Luz possible! They are so thankful for our service teams and look forward to interacting with you!
Pre-Trip Timeline
Service Trips to Montaña de Luz
Action Step: When: Date for your service team:
Your church, school, or civic organization decides to send a service trip to Montaña de Luz and selects a provisional date.
At least six months before trip departure date
Your organization identifies a Trip Leader. This person will be the point of contact for service team members and the MdL staff.
At least six months
before departure date
The Trip Leader recruits members of the service team through informational sessions, announcements in church bulletins, flyers, and general outreach. MdL’s Executive Director, Morgan Brown, is available to attend informational sessions and/or send you materials to promote the service team, including a flyer template, videos, pictures, brochures, etc.
Six months to four
months before trip
departure date
At least 12 and a maximum of 18 individuals have committed to the service team. An application and $100 deposit has been submitted for each of these individuals by mail at P.O. Box 410, Worthington, OH 43085, or through our website, www.montanadeluz.org/service-trips (online application at the bottom of the page), Payment made by check or through Paypal at www.montanadeluz.org/give.
120 days prior to
departure date
Service team members obtain a passport or verify that their existing passport is valid for six months after return date from MdL. Service team members schedule appointment with their doctor and complete the required vaccinations.
120 days prior to
departure date
The Trip Leader reaches out to all confirmed service team members to establish timelines for payments. This includes final payment to MdL (due 90 days prior to departure date) and purchase of plane flights (due 60 days prior to departure date).
120 days prior to
departure date
Final payments of $800 are made to Montaña de Luz, either by check to P.O. Box 410, Worthington, OH 43085, or through PayPal at www.montanadeluz.org/give.
90 days prior to
departure date
The Trip Leader organizes and holds an orientation meeting with service team members (MdL Executive Director is able to attend if desired). Service team members are expected to read the Service Team Manual prior to the orientation meeting and come with questions. Trip Leader continues discussion on airfare and the group decides how they will purchase flights—through the group leader, or individually. Trip Leader reinforces deadline to purchase or turn in money to Trip Leader to purchase flights.
90 days prior to
departure date
MdL Executive Director introduces Trip Leader to the MdL In-Country Team, including the Service Team Coordinator, the Project Coordinator, and the Honduran Director. This core group begins to identify strengths of the service team, potential work projects, potential activities with the children, and interests for site-seeing day.
90 days prior to
departure date
MdL Executive Director will provide a “Wish List” containing items that our children’s home currently needs. If desired, the service team members can reach out to their congregation, church groups, community groups, friends, and family to obtain supplies and donations. These contributions are vital to ensure our children’s needs are met. You will bring your donations to the “packing party” (below). Donations will be hand-packed in your checked baggage (under 50 lbs.) and delivered by your group to Honduras.
90 days prior to
departure date
Hold a flight party! The group purchases flights and confirmations for all members are sent to Morgan Brown, [email protected]. For technical support, reference our Airfare FAQ at the end of this document.
60 days prior to
departure date
All service team members have completed the online background check through the Verified Volunteers link sent by Executive Director Morgan Brown. They also turn in the Release of Liability Waiver and Limited Power of Attorney (required for those under 21 years old traveling without parent/guardian).
45 days prior to
departure date
The Trip Leader holds a second orientation meeting to make sure all forms, payments, documents, and vaccinations have been completed. The service team refines ideas and assigns tasks for activities with the children, and chooses events for site-seeing day. MdL Executive Director informs the group of their work project.
45 days prior to
departure date
The Trip Leader and MdL Executive Director organize a “packing party.” Service team members bring any donations and pack their checked bag at the party. MdL Executive Director passes out emergency contact card, luggage tags, pictures of our kids, and MdL t-shirts.
7 days prior to
departure date
Service team members join our Facebook page, “Friends of Montaña de Luz,” where pictures of the service team experience will be posted. Service team members invite their family members to join this group.
7 days prior to
departure date
Service Team departs to Honduras, goes through customs and meets our MdL Coordinator at the arrival gate.
Departure Date to MdL
Trip Costs/Payment Schedule
The total cost is $900 per person. Airfare is purchased separately by the service team. Guidelines can be
found in the Airfare Frequently Asked Questions (Appendix A). For a schedule of when to purchase flights, see
the Pre-Trip Checklist.
Included in the cost of your trip:
• Basic travel insurance; ground transportation; dormitory style lodging (up to four to a room); breakfast, lunch and dinner (airport meals and snacks not included); work project materials and supplies; site-seeing entrance fees; site-seeing day lunch.
• You should bring approximately $75 - $150 for souvenirs, snacks, and food/incidentals at the airport.
Discounts for service team members for 2019:
• Trip Coordinator discount of $500 for a team of 12, and $900 for a team of 16 participants.
• $100 discount per family member in same household, up to $400 for household family members who travel on the same service team. (For example, if a mother, father, and son are on a service team, one of them would receive a $300 discount, or each could take off $100 from their trip)
Timeline for Payment
NOW: $100 non-refundable deposit and application to secure your spot on the trip.
90 Days Prior to Departure Date: $800 or remaining balance due. You may pay by check to P.O. Box 410,
Worthington, OH 43085, or through PayPal at www.montanadeluz.org/give.
Refund Policy
More than 45 days prior to departure
Option 1 Refund any money paid except the $100 non- refundable deposit. The airline ticket is in your
name and it is your responsibility to work with the airline to change the date. There may be
additional charges from the airline for changes which would be at your expense.
Option 2 All money paid is credited toward a rescheduled trip to MdL within 12 months. The airline ticket is
in your name and it is your responsibility to work with the airline to change the date. There may
be additional charges from the airline for changes which would be at your expense.
Less than 45 days prior to departure
Option 1 Money paid can be credited toward a rescheduled trip to MdL within 12 months. The airline ticket
is in your name and it is your responsibility to work with the airline to change the date. There may
be additional charges from the airline for changes which would be at your expense.
Option 2 Any money paid will be accepted as a tax deductible donation to MdL.
Disclaimer: If there are unforeseen circumstances in Honduras, such as flight delays/cancellations, emergencies or other unplanned
events, MdL will work directly with service team members to minimize costs and/or gather and submit the appropriate
documentation to the airline or travel insurance provider for reimbursement when applicable. Our travel is purchased for all service
team members within the cost of the service team (there is no additional cost to you). Nevertheless, there may be unique
circumstances that do not fit within the travel insurance policy, for which Montaña de Luz does not provide a refund. In addition, if a
claim is denied by our travel insurance provider, Montaña de Luz does not provide a refund. Our staff is willing to assist in submitting
all claims. For further information about our travel insurance, contact Morgan at [email protected].
Travel Insurance
Montaña de Luz provides travel insurance through Travelex. No additional purchase of travel insurance is necessary for the coverage
listed below:
Required Forms
The application and waiver must be completed by all participants individually. The Limited Power of Attorney form must be completed in the presence of a licensed notary by all participants under 21 years of age. Send all forms and payments to our home office:
Montana de Luz, PO Box 410, Worthington, OH 43085
The following forms can be downloaded from our website at www.montanadeluz.org/service-trips:
• Application
• Background check (completed online)
• Waiver
• Limited Power of Attorney for those under 21 years of age
Travel Documents
Passports are required for entry into Honduras. It must be valid for six months beyond your departure date. If
you do not have a valid passport, begin the process online or through your local post office as soon as
possible. The cost ranges from $110 for minors to about $135. Expediting the process is an additional cost.
Please make three copies of your passport before leaving: one to leave at home, one to give to the MdL
Coordinator, and the third to keep in your carry on but separate from your passport.
Custom/Immigration Forms will be given to individuals/families on the airplane.
Recommended Immunizations
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following for travel to Honduras:
• Hepatitis Type A and Type B
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Malaria Preventative (usually started one or two weeks before trip)
Please check with your physician or county health department to find out what immunizations and
medications they recommend specifically for you. Give yourself ample time to make arrangements.
Health, Hygiene and Safety
Sanitary standards throughout Honduras are different from North American standards. You may be exposed
to different micro-organisms that could cause diarrhea and minor digestive disorder. To remain healthy, it is
important that you be aware of the following:
• Water: The water that is provided through the water coolers at Montana de Luz is filtered and safe to drink.
Tap water is safe for bathing, brushing teeth and washing dishes. Hot showers are available.
• Food: Meals will be provided by our Honduran cook. She is very conscientious of safe food handling and
storage. We recommend that you do NOT purchase street food on our site seeing day unless the MdL
Coordinator gives the “ok”. When we do eat out, the restaurants chosen will reflect standards of safe food
preparation.
• Living Arrangements: All service teams are housed on site in a gated and guarded campus. Dormitory style
rooms sleep up to four people. Each room has one set of bunk beds, two additional single beds, a metal
shelving unit, a ceiling fan and wall fan. Bed linens, towels, and mosquito nets are provided. You will need to
provide your own toiletries (shampoo, soap, washcloth, etc).
• Service teams share a coed bathroom with individual private stalls.
• You will be able to do your own laundry if desired, “Honduran style”. There is a large hand washing laundry
area and any one of our children would be happy to show you how it’s done!
Safety
• Since the beginning, Montana de Luz has made service/mission team safety its priority.
• We provide our own drivers, vehicles and now travel with an armed guard to and from the airport and on
site seeing days.
• We live in a gated, guarded community atop a hill that overlooks a village of about 350 people.
• We do not travel at night, unless it is just down the hill for snacks or to visit our teenage boys’ home in the
village.
• We travel to well-known tourist destinations where there is a visible police presence.
• We ask that all visitors leave excessive and expensive jewelry, big cameras and other electronics at home.
• Your experience will benefit from a simpler, “unplugged” lifestyle while you are in Honduras.
• Know that we monitor the state government’s travel advisories on a regular basis and follow their
recommendations should any new advisories be issued (www.travel.state.gov).
What to Pack
Pack lightly— you will only be gone a week! Airlines allow for two carry on’s: one to fit under your seat in
front of you, the other goes in the overhead storage bin. We advise that you pack/carry on board everything
you will need for 3 days. There are occasions where your checked luggage arrives 1-2 days later. You are also
allotted one regular piece of checked luggage, not to exceed 50 lbs. We ask that you designate 80% of your
checked luggage for donations. A current “wish list” will be provided by our staff. You will be given MdL
luggage tags. Please add your name to them and use them for all of your luggage; carry on and checked
bags. Please check your specific airline for the most up to date luggage and carry on specifications. You will
also be given an MdL t-shirt that is to be worn on travel day to Honduras.
General Packing List:
• Passport ( must be valid for at least six months beyond service trip departure date)
• Money for souvenirs/snacks/airport meals (exchanged in Honduras with assistance from staff)
• Journal
• Devotional Resource (Bible or other inspirational materials to share with team)
• Insect Repellent, Sunscreen
• Sunglasses/Visor/Cap
• Travel Size Hand Sanitizer
• Flashlight
• Water Bottle (Cold filtered water available 24/7)
• Gatorade powder
• Personal Care Items (Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner,
• Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, etc)
• Hand Towel/Washcloth (Bath Towel & Bedding provided)
• Close Toed Shoes for work (tennis shoes are fine)
• Work Clothes (Scrubs, t-shirt, longer shorts, sweats...)
• Sandals, flip flops or other comfortable shoes in addition to work shoes
• Light Work Gloves
• Casual Clothes (Knee length shorts, capris, pants, skirts, sandals, flip flops, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts...)
• Light Jacket or Sweatshirt for occasional cooler evenings
• Medications
• Swimsuit if suggested by trip director, for activities with the children
• Packaged Snack Foods for morning & afternoon work breaks, evenings: nuts, granola bars, powdered sports
drink for added electrolytes, etc.(microwave, refrigerator, toaster available in dining hall)
• Camera: Please allow the MdL Coordinator and Trip Leader to take most photos while interacting with the
children. You are welcome to take photos of team members, our work projects, the views, and on site-
seeing days. The Trip Leader will be given a USB drive at the packing party. He or she will load all the
pictures from your experience onto the USB and return to the Montaña de Luz office upon your group’s
return. All participants will receive a copy of the photos taken by the Trip Leader.
• Donations collected in advance (as suggested by the MdL staff) and activity supplies.
• Please dress modestly. Anything less may cause cross-cultural problems. The MdL Coordinator may ask that
you change into more modest clothing if necessary.
Emergency Contacts If someone from the U.S. needs to contact a team member, they can call the Honduran Director’s cell directly:
Sara Castellanos, +011-504-9865-5098 or email her at [email protected]. You may also leave
a message with our home office, 614-848-8077, or call Executive Director Morgan Brown at 740-253-8986.
About the Culture
Cultural Sensitivities
Each country has its own unique culture - the pattern of behavior and rules regarding what is and is not
accepted or expected. Honduran culture is in many ways quite different from American culture. The tendency
of many Americans traveling abroad is to assume that “different” means “inferior” and to criticize or ignore
the host culture, while arrogantly “strutting” their own cultural bias around and offending the Nationals. This
is the “Ugly American” syndrome. While in Honduras, always remember that you are a guest in their county.
Act with appropriate humility, respect, and sensitivity. Remember that while many Hondurans do not speak
English, they might understand a fair amount. Words of criticism can hurt and offend. Come with an open
mind willingness to learn about the culture of your hosts.
Since you are a guest in Honduras, it is up to you to conform as much as possible to the Honduran culture
while there. North Americans tend to be “task” oriented. We want to do things faster and better. Conversely,
Hondurans are “relationship” oriented with far more emphasis on people and far less on time and the task.
The benefit? You will have far more respect for and a better understanding of the value of patience and
resourcefulness. Always remember that you are an ambassador of your country.
It is our deepest desire that you come away from this experience with an understanding of yourself as part of
the global community, an awareness of the realities of life in a majority world country like Honduras and of
children growing up in an orphanage who are affected by HIV/AIDS. We hope that Montana de Luz becomes
an integral part of your purpose in life.
Basic Etiquette to Follow
• Please refer to Hondurans as “Hondurans” rather than “natives.”
• Always be polite and courteous to the staff, children and in public places.
• Go out of your way to initiate greetings and shaking hands.
• Before asking anyone a question, greet them with: “Buenos dias” in the morning;
“Buenas tardes” in the afternoon; “Buenas noches” in the evening before asking even a simple question.
• Whenever entering a room, ask permission: “¿con permiso?”
The Honduran people are very warm and friendly by nature. In most instances they will be very receptive and
outgoing, especially if you initiate conversation. However, be careful when dealing with the opposite sex.
Young Hondurans may confuse ordinary friendliness with something more. Please avoid what you might
consider, “harmless flirting.”
Giving Gifts to Children or Staff
Never arbitrarily give things away to the children or staff. We do not want them to look to service teams as the
sole provider of their needs. If you brought something make sure that it can be shared with the entire group of
children and staff, but please consult with the Honduran Director or MdL Coordinator first. This includes
candy, balloons, gum, clothing, other trinkets and something a child may inquire about. You are never allowed
to give a child money or anything else directly. It is very important not to add to the disempowerment of the
people by creating a begging mentality.
The Rights of our Children
Protecting the rights of our children is our number one priority. When visiting their home, it is important to
remember that, by the very nature of being minors, our children are often not in a position of power. Children
cannot as easily voice their concerns. Moreover, some of our children have experienced trauma in their lives.
It is therefore our duty to have systems in place that promote their long-term wellbeing. Sometimes this
means the service teams have to sacrifice certain interactions with the children so that they maintain the
structures we have put in place to help their development.
For instance, our children have a routine schedule—they go to school, they come home to do homework, they
eat dinner, getting ready for bed, etc., just as children in the United States. Our MdL Coordinator will set up
times to interact with the children that do not impede this normal schedule. He or she will always involve the
Tios (caregivers), who serve as parent figures for the children and intimately know their routines, recent
behavior, etc. If a child cannot participate in an activity, it may be that the child has not followed the rules and
the Tio is trying to instill good behaviors, values, and morals for that child, just as we do in the United States.
The children also have particular needs brought about by their history, condition, and individual needs. These
may include taking their medication, meeting with our psychologist or social worker, or going to
appointments. Not all of the children will be on the mountain at all times. It is very important to be respectful
of the structures that are in place.
The best way to do this is to follow the privacy policy on the next page. When you have any doubt about
whether you are following the right procedure, feel free to ask the MdL Coordinator or Honduran Director.
You can also call Morgan at any time at 740-253-8986 with any questions or concerns.
Helpful Information
Recommended Reading List*
For more about the Honduran culture and the MdL mission, we recommend the following:
Mountain of Light, The Story of Montana de Luz by Fe Anam Avis (Russell Crabtree, the founder of MdL)
We Are All the Same by Jim Wooten
Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazrio
Don’t Be Afraid Gringo: A Honduran Woman Speaks from the Heart, The Story of Elvia Alvarado
100 Questions and Answers About HIV & AIDS by John E. Gallant
There is No Me Without You by Melissa Faye Green
Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions by Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert
Serving With Eyes Wide Open by David A. Livermore
*You can order these through Amazon by clicking on the link on our website at www.montanadeluz.org. You
will be taken to your own Amazon homepage and can proceed as usual to place your order. By going through
our website FIRST, MdL receives 4-7% of the total price of your purchase at no cost to you!
HIV/AIDS
We recommend the following websites for learning more about HIV/AIDS:
www.aidsmap.com/mythsandfacts/page/2258315
www.aids.gov/hivaidsbasics/
Communication and Conduct
Good communication is essential for preventing and solving problems. If you have any problems or concerns
during the trip, do not hesitate to talk to the Honduran Director or MdL Coordinator. It is important that you
have the best possible experience.
Being sent home: The Honduran Director and the MdL Coordinator in consultation with other staff have the
right to send you home early, at your expense, should your behavior compromise the safety and wellbeing of
the team and the children.
Money Exchange
Money exchange will take place at the airport upon arrival with the help of the MdL Coordinator and MdL
staff. The currency used is called “Lempira”. We recommend $75-$150 for souvenirs, snacks and airport meals
on travel days. Credit cards can be used at some businesses, but you will need to call your bank to advise them
in advance or you may run the risk of having it denied.
Learning to Speak Spanish
Although knowing Spanish is NOT necessary, many visitors express that they wish they had learned a few basic
words and phrases prior to coming. Here are a few free sites and apps you may want to check out:
www.studyspanish.com/travel/meetpeople.htm
www.duolingo.com
Service Trip Video Links
Wondering what a service/mission trip looks like? Visit our website and access a few videos from our service
trip links: www.montanadeluz.org/service-trips
How can you continue to support MdL upon your return?
✓ Become a God’s Gift sponsor for $1 per day. 100% of the money provides for basic needs, such as medical
care, food, and education for the child or children you choose! You can also become a God’s Gift BEYOND
sponsor for $1.64 a day. Through God’s Gift Beyond, you support all the basic needs as well as an enrichment
activity for your sponsored child, such as English classes, piano lessons, or visits to a museum.
✓Make your usual Amazon purchases by going first to the MdL website at www.montanadeluz.org and then
clicking on the Amazon logo. You will be taken to your own Amazon homepage and can proceed as usual to
place your order. By going through our website FIRST, MdL receives 4-7% of the total price of your purchase
at no cost to you! Please share this with friends and family!
✓ Like MdL on Facebook and join “Friends of Montana de Luz” to keep up with the latest news!
✓ When considering your charitable giving, please consider a generous donation to MdL!
✓ Invite the Executive Director to speak about the good news from the mountain of light!
✓ Organize or join a future service team!
✓ Volunteer
o In Honduras for a year
o On the board or a board committee
o At fundraising events
On behalf of the mission, staff and most especially, the children, thank you for your interest in Montana de
Luz. Blessings on all your preparations! May the light you bring home from this mountain top experience
shine bright in service to others!
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
Appendix A:
Airfare Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we start and what is the most convenient way to purchase flights?
Start by determining whether your group will purchase flights together, or separately. Your group may
determine that it is easier to send cash or checks to one person (Trip Leader), who then purchases the flights.
Conversely, group members may have frequent flyer miles, airline-specific credit cards, or want to try to
purchase flights at a reduced rate from discount websites. You should start by determining how your group
wants to purchase its flights.
How far in advance do we need to purchase flights?
In our experience, the prices and available seats on flights to Tegucigalpa remain relatively stable until around
two months prior to your departure. However, it is best to decide whether you are buying as a group or
separate and purchase the flights as early as possible.
Which airport do we need to fly into, and are there any layovers?
You need to fly into Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Typically, groups purchase flights into Tegucigalpa with one
layover. Different airlines have different connecting flight locations and layover times. For example, if you
book Delta, you will most likely fly into Atlanta for your connecting flight. You should pick layovers that have at
least one hour in between flights from the US to Tegucigalpa, and at least 2 hours between the return flights
(it will take more time to get through customs when entering the United States).
What websites should we use to purchase flights?
We recommend that you use the website of the airline company, especially if you are booking as a group. The
most frequently used airlines into Tegucigalpa are Delta, United, and American Airlines. You can also compare
prices on booking websites such as priceline.com or expedia.com.
What airlines are the most reliable and what is the best deal to Tegucigalpa, Honduras?
Most frequently, groups book Delta. They have been a reliable partner over the years and have consistently
provided good service to and from Tegucigalpa.
What are the refund policies for flights?
The airline ticket will be in the name of the passenger and it is his or her responsibility to work with the airline
if a ticket needs to be refunded or changed. There may be additional charges from the airline for changes
which would be at the passenger’s expense.
Can we apply our frequent flyer miles?
If you purchase tickets individually and you have frequent flyer miles with the airline from which you are
purchasing, you should be able to apply frequent flyer miles.
Are there any other expenses to consider?
There is a $25 checked bag fee which all airlines flying into Honduras now charge per bag. This fee will be
charged at the check-in counter or console at the airport. This fee will be charged on both your flight into
Honduras and your flight back to the United States.
Sometimes, if the person booking the flights purchases with a credit card that is affiliated with that airline, he
or she can get up to 8 baggage fees waived. For instance, American Express partners with Delta, so some
credit cards will help you get these baggage fees waived. You can email Morgan at
[email protected] if you have any questions regarding baggage fees before your trip.
Another method we use to reduce baggage fees is to take checked bags that are canvas, so that they can be
folded up within one checked bag for the return flight—saving upwards of $200. We provide canvas bags
during the packing party which your group members may or may not choose to use. They are more difficult to
carry but will save money for the group.
How many bags should we check?
You will select one checked bag for each ticket purchased. This checked bag will contain 80% donations to
Montaña de Luz, and 20% of your personal items/hygiene products. Most airlines allow you to take for free
one larger carry-on (we recommend a rollable, carry-on suitcase for your clothes and personal items), and a
smaller carry-on such as a purse.
Who can we contact if we have problems or need assistance in making the final purchase?
If you have any questions during this process, please do not hesitate to call our Executive Director, Morgan
Brown, directly at 740-253-8986. This is one part of the process that you should start sooner rather than later!
Good luck and let us know if you need anything at all. We look forward to your visit to Montaña de Luz!
