2022 Medical Brigade Newsletter #2

MARCH NEWSLETTER

Information for Brigadiers

This is the second of a series of newsletters intended to assist with your participation in Honduras Good Works Medical Mission Trip.As a reminder:

• Check your passport to make sure it is current through January 2023.
• Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss immunizations needed for the trip.
• Get Vaccinated for CoVid if you haven’t already done so and consider getting a booster if indicated for your age/risk group.

T-shirtsEach year we select a team T-shirt that is worn to and from the airport and on photo day. At the packing parties there will be opportunities to vote on a team T-shirt with a monetary donation.Carpools to/from George Bush Intercontinental AirportBecause we leave out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, it may be necessary to arrange carpools from your starting point. At the packing parties, you will have a chance to sign up for carpooling to Houston and find out about arrangements for a hotel. Many drive to Houston the night before the trip and stay at an airport hotel. This is so we can be at the group check-in at 6:30am on the 10th to meet the team and pick up the team bags each will be claiming as luggage. The cost of transportation to and from Houston is not included in the price of your trip.Lodging/Meals/CommunicatingTo start thinking about our lodging in Honduras, here is some initial information. We will be staying at a convent/retreat center, Montaña Clara Maria Casa de Retiro. The center is gated with a security guard at the entrance. As this is a retreat center, the rooms are very basic. There are no ceiling fans or AC, and water pressure varies, especially if everyone is trying to shower at once — so stagger your showers. They do have flush toilets, but like everywhere in Honduras, do not flush anything other than human waste. That includes toilet tissue!! They plug very easily.

Only drink purified or bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.

As is the case in most developing countries, telephone communication in Honduras can be frustrating at times. You may use your cellphone, but international charges may apply. Internet is available at the retreat center, but again this is spotty and not always available.Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the center; we will be packing our lunches. The food is safely prepared, and safe to eat. Unless we advise you otherwise, breakfast is at 6:30 a.m. and dinner is at 6:00 p.m.Upcoming newsletters will contain information on how we bag up our medication for the trip and why we need you to check bags with HGW supplies, what to pack, valuable tips about Honduras, and more packing party dates, etc.To answer questions or for technical help, please contact us through brigade.info@hondurasgoodworks.org