MISSION TRIP TRAVEL INFORMATION
TRIP COMMITMENT
Thank you so much for your interest in taking part in a short- term service trip. They can be incredible, even life-changing experiences. Below is some information we think you’ll find helpful. Please read it carefully.
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TRIP DESCRIPTION: Trip participants will stay nights at a typical hotel and spend days working in our network of orphanages and alongside church planters and pastors. Whatever your level of skill and experience, we assure you can contribute in a meaningful way.
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DATES: December 26 – January 5. Est 4000$
(Extended: December 26 – January 17. Est 4700$)
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HOW TO APPLY: You must submit this completed and signed application AND a non-refundable $500 deposit before your application will be reviewed. If your application is not accepted, your deposit will be returned. The deadline to apply is six months prior to the departure date.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Trip cost includes airfare, ground transportation, visa fees, food while in Myanmar, and team supplies. Items not included are passport fees, immunizations, souvenirs, and food while traveling to and from Myanmar.
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IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO GO OR ARE ASKED NOT TO GO: If you are unable to participate in your trip for any reason, you must inform us as soon as possible. You may still be responsible for trip costs that have already been incurred (exp. airfare) when you decide not to attend.
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If while on the trip your behavior is deemed problematic, the team leader has the authority to ask you to return home at your own expense. If you choose to change your travel plans at any time or for any reason, those changes will also be at your own expense.
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HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS: Although rewarding, mission trips can also be stressful and physically taxing. Please consider current factors in your personal life that may prohibit you from fully engaging in the trip and/or the pre-trip preparation. Please also consider any health problems that may be exacerbated by your participation in the trip.
TIME CONSIDERATIONS: The trips require a significant investment of time and energy both before, during, and after the trip itself. Team members are required to attend ALL team meetings and training sessions. An excused absence may be given due to major events (weddings, funerals, etc.), however, if circumstances prevent you from attending multiple meetings you may be encouraged to wait and go on a future trip until you can more fully participate.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Don’t let the cost of the trip scare you away! At the same time, develop a realistic plan for how you will pay for it. For most team members, support raising is an integral part of the experience. Many trip participants write support letters to family and friends sharing what they are doing and inviting people to support them both financially and through prayer. While there are certain guidelines (like only contacting people you know personally), be encouraged to use the skills you have to make fundraising your own.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due with your application, with additional money due regularly until the trip commences. Remember that it is your responsibility to meet each deadline, even if your fundraising efforts don’t meet expectations. If you are going to fundraise support, we recommend starting right away so you can best judge your needs over time. **All checks should be made payable to Binding Thread. To help ensure you get credit for donations made to your trip, we will provide special envelopes for you to use. We will keep track of your total, but it is important for you to track as well.
PASSPORT: Passports are required for all trips outside the U.S. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the end of the trip. If you don’t yet have an up-to-date passport, apply now! (812-429-3411) To obtain a passport, you will need a certified birth certificate, two passport photos, and a driver’s license. For more information, visit the state department website.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport.html
A first-time passport typically costs $135. You should allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to arrive after submitting, though you will need it one month prior to the trip for visa application. Also, remember that it sometimes takes state agencies several weeks to provide a certified certificate of your birth, if you don’t currently have one.
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IMMUNIZATIONS: We encourage all trip participants to follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control with regard to immunizations. For a concise list of recommended vaccinations, refer to the CDC website. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/burma
We advise you to consult a physician or local health department with questions.
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