Ten days!

For those of you who were able to make it to the packing extravaganza this past Saturday, a huge thank you. For those who missed it, we voted, you have to separate all the pills for clinics when we get there. Just kidding ;) Twenty seven bins of medications, children's supplies and glasses were packed up for what is looking to be an amazing trip. Shannon and David have also informed us that are more medications available for us down there as David got contacted by a charity already set up down there. Everyone worked together so well and we were able to accomplish an incredible amount in a short time. I truly think it's a testament to how well everyone will work together at clinics when, despite the never ending boxes of prenatal vitamins, spirits stayed high. We got our shirts from Sean and should have handed in our medical releases to Stephanie. Now that the logistics of the trip and the bins are all prepped, it's time for you to start getting yourself ready! Shannon had emailed out options for excursions over the past couple of weeks, give those a look. Remember to look at packing items that you can leave behind. Your clothing donations will not only allow you to load up on red beans, Cubans and coffee; they will also make a huge difference in a community that otherwise wouldn't have the means to buy what you are willing to leave behind. For a list of recommended items to pack, see below. As far as souvenir space goes, some of the emptied bins will be used for that if need be. If you plan to bring a water bottle (which can be filled from large water jugs), try and grab a big one! You'll be amazed at how much water you can, and should and in fact will be forced, to down throughout the day. The countdown is dwindling down, so don't hesitate to ask any and all questions. Ten days until your departure, you can count on your hands now! *cue excitement*

Our AWESOME shirts!

 Fun bins and glasses

Teamwork makes the dream work, and fills the prenatal vitamin bottles

Communication with home
David told us we will have a phone down there to fill with minutes to call home

If you have iPhones, FaceTime calls and iMessage will work fine with the wifi, though don't expect it to be as good as from home

There are lots of apps to get too to communicate with those at home. Viber, which does texting as well as calling for free, both parties need to have it as it communicates through the app only (example, I have an iPhone, my dad a Droid, we both have the app and that's how we stay in touch) TextPlus, this is for texting only, but the other phone does not need to have the app. You are assigned  phone number for the app and can text any phone, smart or not, app or not. Skype is a great app to have on your phone too, if FaceTime is not an option. Also Facebook. Always and forever Facebook. We will be posting things throughout the trip, so if you have loved ones that are not yet following our group, they should!


PACKING LIST:
Sun Screen, Sandals (closed toes), Rain Poncho

Shorts/Shirts/comfortable clothing

Mosquito Repellent, Sun Glasses, Passport

Light jacket, Water Bottle, Backpack/Drawstring bag (for daily use to fill with whatever you bring to clinic)

Book/Magazines, Coffee Mug (for bus, if you are a slow coffee 'enjoyer') Stethoscope/otoscope

Comfortable Shoes/socks, Toilet Paper/Kleenex, Note Pad/Pen/Pencil (great to mark down memorable moments form throughout the day, or fun new diseases and fungi that you encounter)

Snacks (there are little convenience stores (pulperias) near lots of clinics, so you can buy snacks there too), Hat, Tennis shoes

Toiletries (shampoo, soap, contact solution, deodorant, razors, etc)

Trinkets (stickers, hard candy, bracelets, tatoos)-optional

RULES OF THE TRIP (don't make us call your mom!)
 Please Use Basic Safety Precautions while visiting Honduras

 Stick with the group and do not wander off during clinics

Always use the buddy system when shopping or while visiting public places.

Do not flash money in public, be very discreet (keeping smaller groups folded together in your wallet makes this easy, so you can pull out a smaller chunk of bills when paying, instead of digging through all of them to find the right color bill)

Passport will be kept in a safe where we stay during our visit

Bring a copy of passport, credit cards, or other information you may need in case a wallet or purse stolen. (obviously to be kept in separate place from your wallet or purse, or it will do no good)

Leave valuables such as jewelry at home as not to bring attention to yourself (like flashy wedding rings, 10 days without it is better than never seeing it again)


Keep electronics put away if not on the bus or at the house

PDF of Medical Terms English-Spanish, then Spanish-English (not necessary, but fun to look over)
MEDICAL SPANISH