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Dominican Republic, Caribbean Mission Trip
June 19 to July 19, 2009
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| Ministry Detail |
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Project Overview:
Though the islands are often known for white beaches, tropical tunes, and fancy resorts, the spiritual climate in the Dominican Republic stands in stark contrast to your typical view of “island life”. The people of the Dominican Republic suffer from the effects of poverty, and are desperate for a taste of the good news that you will bring to them on your trip. Picture lots of dark-skinned, Spanish-speaking kids clinging to your arms as you walk down the streets, mother’s calling to you as they bend over wash buckets, and the sound of worship flooding out the open windows of a Carribean church. In the DR, you will have the chance to be Jesus’ hands and feet extended as you take His love to this sweet, welcoming island.
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| Trip Requirements |
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- Young adult between the ages of 15 – 18.
- Have been a Christian for at least six months.
- Have a vibrant faith and a desire to share your Christian testimony.
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| Food & Lodging |
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The teams in the past have stayed in a small hotel or at a church. Electricity is uncertain at times and variable in power. Sheets and a light blanket or sleeping bag will be needed plus a towel.
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| Travel Information |
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Airport & Transportation:
After training camp in Atlanta, GA, the team will fly to Santo Domingo. The main mode of transportation, while in the Dominican Republic, will be vans.
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Visa & Passport:
A valid passport is required.
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Tolls & Exit Tax:
There is a $10 fee to enter, and a $10 fee to exit the country. Each group member is responsible for these fees.
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Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommended for ALL projects. Hepatitis A is recommended.
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Suggested Travel Agency:
- Donna Booth, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email donnab@mtstravel.com
- Karol Fleming, CTC Domestic and International Travel
Consultant
MTS Travel
9440 Philips Hwy, Ste 3
Jacksonville, Fl. 32256
Phone (800) 888-8292 ext 208
Email karolf@mtstravel.com
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Suggested Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend all program participants have health insurance coverage for international trips. It is important to know that most regular health insurance plans do not cover you overseas. Health coverage is not a requirement for domestic trips, but still recommended.
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| Location Information
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Location Description:
The Dominican Republic is part of the West Indies island chain. It comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti occupying the western one-third. The Dominican Republic is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean; on the east by the Mona Passage, which separates it from Puerto Rico; and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. Its area is slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire. Santo Domingo is the capital, as well as the largest city.
Weather:
The Dominican Republic has a semitropical climate, tempered by prevailing easterly winds. During the summer months, temperatures range between 80° and 95°F in the lowlands. The highlands are considerably cooler. Annual precipitation averages about 60 inches, with significantly more moisture in the northern mountainous areas. The wet season is from June to November.
Area Attractions:
European traditions remain strong in the Dominican Republic, the first permanent colony established in the western hemisphere. Some of the old colonial buildings are still standing, with fine examples in Santo Domingo. Most of the country's major cultural institutions, including the National Fine Arts Gallery, are also in Santo Domingo.
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| People, Culture and Religion
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Arawak, or Taini, Indians, the original inhabitants of Hispaniola, engaged principally in farming and fishing. They were exploited and literally worked to death by Spanish colonists. Black slaves were imported to take the place of the Arawak laborers.
Later, the Spanish migrated from Hispaniola to South America, and for about a century the island was sparsely populated. In 1697, Spain ceded to France the western portion of Hispaniola occupied by French adventurers, now called Haiti. The remaining Spanish portion became the Dominican Republic.
The descendents are mostly mestizo (a mixed Spanish, Indian, and black-African ancestry), with 64% living in urban areas. Spanish is the official language, although English is also spoken. A French dialect can be heard along the Haitian frontier. Art, music, and literature developed from both European and African influences. African heritage is most noticeable in the folk culture, particularly through music.
The population is 95% Roman Catholic, blended with African religion.
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| Government and Economy
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The Dominican Republic is governed under a 1966 constitution, with a popularly-elected president serving a four-year term. The president appoints a cabinet, and may also introduce bills in congress.
The economy of the Dominican Republic was traditionally based on agriculture, and 25% of the workforce is still employed in farming or raising livestock. But today, 46% of the working population is employed in the service industry. The country also has an important mining sector.
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| Statistics
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Population:
8,721,594 (2002 est.) |
Poverty Rate:
25% live below the poverty line.
(www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbooks)
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Literacy Rate:
82.1% ages 15 and over can read and write.
(worldfactsandfigures.com/literacy.php)
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Average Annual Income:
$2,100 U.S.
(news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/)
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