Short Term Missions

Mission trips are planned on a regular basis. We need all types of skills. Dentists, doctors, nurses, crafters, construction workers, teachers, Christian workers, photographers, those who love children, those with skills in drama and dance... you don't have to be an expert, just a willing worker. If you have a heart to serve, we will find a use for your talents. A parent or responsible adult who is at least 25 must accompany any teens under the age of 18. The length of the trip averages 7-10 days. Total expenses average $1,200 per person, depending on fluctuating prices of air fare.

Nicaragua is a safe place to visit, we have many friends in the country who help us, and we enjoy times of recreation at the beach and in Leon after our work in the villages. Our accommodations are comfortable and reasonably priced. Mission teams have team building meetings and are expected to help with the transportation of supplies and goods for the Nicaraguan people. You will have the time of your life and be changed, energized and blessed beyond measure! Contact us for more information.

Preparations

Passport:  Get it early!

Innoculations: None required, but Tetanus, Hepatitus A shots recommended. Malaria prevention pills optional but also recommended. See the Health Department travel nurse for advice.

Luggage: Try to put all of your personal things in one small carry-on bag. Carry-on bag is not to exceed 40 pounds or 45 inches when you add the height, width and length. You can also have a purse, small backpack or briefcase in addition to the carry-on bag.. We recommend a small backpack that you can also use in the village. We will be checking two trunks in your name filled with clothes and supplies for the Nicaraguan people. You will only need very light clothing and it will be laundered for you at the hotel for a small fee. So pack light!

What to take:

  • Work clothes (T-shirts, light pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, modest please. Women wear skirts and dresses and men wear pants to work in the village.  This is the custom of the people. Shorts are for team recreation and relaxation times.
  • Work shoes or tennis shoes, plus sandals
  • One neat outfit for Sunday service (not fancy)
  • Underclothes , pajamas
  • Sunglasses, sun block, hat
  • Swim suit (modest, one piece for women)
  • Camera and film
  • Personal toiletries (facial cleansing cloths are handy), washcloth
  • Pepto Bismol Tablets and any other medication you normally need
  • Passport and copy of passport
  • Antiseptic hand wash, (again hand wipes are handy)
  • Water bottle carrier(optional)
  • Insect repellant with deet
  • Small Flashlight

 Lodging: Teams usually stay in one of the Marin family hotels in the city of Leon. The price is  reasonable and rooms are small, basic, clean and pleasant. There are single,double and triple occupancy rooms, triple occupancy rooms . Air conditioning is available in some rooms for an extra fee. There are fans in each room. Each room has a bath with towels and soap provided. There is a laundry room you can use to hand wash your clothes or have the local laundress wash them at a very low price. (Warning, they use soap with bleach and it can be hard on clothes. Only bring older clothes you don't care much about, but be sure to wear clothes that are attractive and fit!  The Nicaraguan people dress very neatly.))

Food: Continental breakfast is provided with our rooms. Toast, juice, and fresh fruit is the usual menu. You can get an egg for lesss than a dollar.   There is a kitchen in the hotel you can use for cooking and preparing food. We will probably fix our own lunches and will eat out some for dinners.

Money: Bring enough spending money for inexpensive souvenirs, snacks and some meals and food. There is a $5.00 entry fee due when you first arrive at the airport, but no exit fees. (This fee is now included in the ticket price.) You can usually use your bank debit card in Nicaragua. Check with your bank.