Instructions for 2011 Nicaragua Dental Mission Trip
Flight Itinerary – Continental Airlines
Sunday, March 13
DFW to Houston (IAH) - Flight #5833 – 3:00pm (arriving at 4:06pm)
Houston to Managua, Nicaragua – Flight #1774 – 5:50pm (arriving at 8:07pm)
Friday, March 18
Managua to Houston (IAH) – Flight #1813 – 12:10pm (arriving at 4:41pm)
Houston to DFW – Flight #5832 – 7:20pm (arriving at 8:38pm)
Houston round trip $616.20
Dallas round trip $728.70
Group fare held until Jan. 6, 2011
Passport must be current to go on trip. You cannot go without a CURRENT Passport. Apply immediately for a new Passport since the process normally takes 8 weeks.
General Information:
This dental mission trip is arranged by the area missionaries and churches. Their ethics must be observed and respected. We are going to serve and help those who are in need – not to offend in any way.- Remember we are invited guests in a foreign land. We should admire and respect their culture. Be very careful of attitudes, comments, looks, and actions. We represent the best of America, our culture, and foremost the Lord. Your smiles and bright cheerfulness are uplifting to all.
- No alcoholic beverages allowed at any time, including air flights, meals, and purchases for return trip. No smoking permitted at any time.
- All planned activities and meetings during the trip are mandatory. Remember that this mission trip demands great coordination.
- All personal items (valuables, medicine, etc.) must be marked and identified as such. You are responsible for what you carry.
- DO NOT CARRY ANY KNIVES (of any sort) ON THE PLANE, unless checked into a bag. Security is tight – be informed before packing. DO NOT tape or lock bags. They must be unlocked for security check. They will lock them after checking. Liquids for carry on must be small and in zip lock clear bags.
- Sleep well the night before our departure as we will keep late/early hours! Watch TV weather forecasts Wednesday night to anticipate temperature in Nicaragua as well as appropriate clothing to bring. Nights can be cold so bring enough overlay or wrap up for warmth.
- If you must be contacted by someone in an emergency, T. Bob’s cell phone (214-236-1652). All calls should be true emergencies! Bringing your own cell phone on the trip would be the best way to keep contact with family (you are responsible for the safety of your phone). Dr. T. Bob Davis is in charge and will assign specific duties. Please get acquainted with him personally so as to facilitate best talent uses. Please notify Dr. Davis immediately if problems arise.
- Our desire is that your cup will be filled up and run over as you experience short term dental missions first hand. Yours is a privilege few possess. Blessings and joys await. Pray for God to work through us!
Each team member must gather some supplies and instruments in order to have adequate equipment and supplies. Together we make it happen. Scripture teaches "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it shall be opened". Donations are imperative. We have a sample fund raising support letter (DOC / RTF) if needed. Fill in the letter tailored to your needs and personality.
Specific Departure Information - Dallas:
Arrive at DFW for Continental Airlines flight #5833, March 13 at 1:00pm. This is our first meeting, so arrive on time to assure team aquaintence and share 2nd bag luggage. Late arrival may delay baggage check-in time and result in it getting left behind. Dress casual, prepared for forecasted conditions.- Arriving late at DFW will prevent supplies from getting to Nicaragua (we check supplies along with your baggage). Use the Buddy System for telephone calls and bathroom stops so that no one forgets the time. Allow for extra drive time as traffic can be heavy during the new construction around DFW. Drop off bags before parking if possible.
- Plan for parking time 5 – 10 min. Bags go through security first. Gather in the open area prior to personal security and we will go together through the individual security check. As a group we will go immediately to the correct gate because gate check-in is required by our tickets. No wandering around, please as this will hinder necessary communications. Stay at the gate once checked in. Keep your ticket on you at all times. Please note your time. Depart Dallas DFW at 3:00pm.
- Once arrived at Houston, please stay together and go to the new gate for meeting the Houston team and boarding for Nicaragua Continental flight #1774 departing Houston International Airport at 5:50pm. Houston teammates gather at Houston Intercontinental Airport at Continental Airlines check in area at 4:00pm to get acquainted and share 2nd bags, etc, for the 5:50pm departure. Please identify your own luggage and companion supplies and remain responsible for it throughout the trip. Report problems to T. Bob. Arrive Nicaragua at 8:07pm. Once in Nicaragua, we must clear customs and meet outside together.
- We will immediately board vans and travel to our dorm. T. Bob will set the time and place for departure for the Skylark Centre. Please give T. Bob your quiet attention to expedite moving. Guys help girls! Approximately ten people will ride in each van.
- We’ll get together and enjoy some time getting acquainted with each other. Unload immediately at the dorm – all supplies and equipment will be loaded into the common area – all personal items to the rooms.
- Please remain in the common area for a mandatory organizational meeting. Team leaders (Dentists) will use every available team member to sort out equipment and supplies, meet interpreters, and organize the team for Monda.
- Dorm lights out at 11:00!!!!! Guys, no loitering around the girls dorm! Please, no counseling sessions away from the dorm! Late to bed folk make it tough on those needing rest for the demanding days ahead. Quiet and soft-spoken voices are appreciated when others are asleep. Thanks in advance! Thank you in advance for being positive role models for your younger friends.
“This is the day that the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it”
– Psalms 118:24
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs - March 14 - 17
7:00 AM – Crawl out of bed and get dressed, last ones up get a cold shower!
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 – 6:00 PM - Work
6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner
7:00 - 9:30 PM - Team meeting to share and prepare for the next day along with a time for worship.
11:00 PM – lights out! Remember courtesy to others.
Friday - March 18
7:00 AM – Shower, dress and pack for departure.
8:00 AM - Breakfast
8:30 AM – Depart for airport
Team leaders are responsible for packing mobile units in permanent storage containers (for Fed Ex or UPS.) Use extreme care and follow instructions to the letter. Damage or loss in transit may require monetary assessment from us all. T. Bob must personally inspect each final pack!
10:00 AM – Check in at airport. Gate check in required. We go thru customs here and in Houston.
12:10 PM - Depart Nicaragua flight #1813
4:41 PM - Arrive Houston Intercontinental. Dallas team go directly to pick up baggage and carry it thru security. Go immediately afterwards to DFW gate departure.
7:20 PM - Depart IAH flight #5832
8:38 PM - Arrive DFW
