We officially have our team for the 2012 mission to Puetro Barrios, Guatemala set! And it will just be a few short months before we’re boarding a plane for a week of what will certainly be a life changing experience for the team and everyone the team encounters. We are beyond excited!!
Team members, if you have not already emailed or talked about Ann about the correct spelling of your name and birthday do that ASAP. If you do not have a passport yet that is ok (but please start that process ASAP if you not already) but Ann needs to have the spelling of you name as it will appear exactly on your passport and your correct birthday for the plane tickets and travel arrangements. If that information does not match you passport exactly come March 8th you will not be allowed on the plane with the rest of the group. So please talk with Ann if you have not already.
Passports-Ann will need 2-3 photo copies of your passport, please get those to here within the next few weeks. If you are still in the process of obtaining a passport just let her know. And if you have not yet begun the process of obtaining a passport please begin that soon. The sooner that is taken care of then its one less thing on the to-do list.
After the Thanksgiving break we will begin the process of filling out the piles of forms that are required, these forms will also have to notorized so plan the get that done at your local bank, or where ever you choose over Christmas break sometime.
Mark your calenders for December 3 for our next big fundraiser: a Talent Show and Silent Auction, please plan to attend if you are able and feel free to sign up to share a talent and/or donate and auction item. Help will be needed the night of the event for set up and clean up and it promises to be a night to remember, we hope you will join us.
And lastly…Shots! There are a handful of vaccinations that are HIGHLY reccomened for travel to Guatemala. Now is a good time to begin this process as a few of the vaccines are a series of shots that take several months to complete. Having these taken care of prior to our departure makes Carla, the trip medic, very happy 
And helps keep you healthy while on the trip. Here are the following vaccinations that the CDC travel website for Guatemalarecommends:
- Hepatitis A-This is a two dose vaccine that is administered 6 months apart. The first shot in the series needs to be administered at least one month before travel. Once the series is complete it does not ever need to be repeated (so if you have had this before you are set!)
- Hepatitis B-This is a three dose vaccine with the the second dose administered one month after the first and the final shot six month after the second. (1st shot, 2nd shot-1 month later, 3rd shot-6 months later). The first shot in the series needs to be administered at least one month prior to travel. Once the series is complete it does not need to be repeated (so if you’ve had this before you are set!)
- Typhoid-May be administered through shot or through an oral pill. The shot (Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine) requires a booster shot every two years. The oral form (Activated Typhoid Vaccine) requires a booster every five years. Discuss with your doctor what the best option for you is.
- You should also be up to date on all your routine vaccines including Tetanus, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure you are current.
- While on the trip Malaria pills need to be taken, prescriptions are available from your Doctor. More information regarding Malaria pills will be available as the date of the trip gets closer. If you have questions in the mean time chat with your Doctor or contact Carla
If you have any questions concerning any aspect of the trip or preparation for the trip please do not hesitate to ask Ann. Also be sure to also subscribe to the blog for email notification of new posts.
Seth, Ben and Garner are excited you are prayerfully considering being a part of the 2012 Guatemala Mission Team!
