What to Pack : Visa/Passport Info : Application : Day of Departure : FAQ

 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1)      Question: What exactly will we be doing on the trip?

Answer: The trip activities and itinerary varies from trip to trip, but for most trips, you can expect to have:

-         Several trips to various churches around Rio de Janeiro. Rick will preach and then the entire missions team will minister to the church members at the end of the service (prayer, etc.)

-         Frequent Bible studies, praise & worship times, and prayer times at the Mission

-         A day when your team leader takes you on a tour of Rio de Janeiro, visiting places like: the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, the famous mountain called "Sugar Loaf," a magnificent Brazilian buffet-style restaurant, and/or a chic mall for shopping

-         At least one trip to distribute clothing to some needy families who live in the poor areas near the Mission

  

2)      Question: Will I need to get any shots or vaccinations in order to go on this trip?

Answer: No, thankfully you will not.

 

3)      Question: What exactly is included in the trip cost?

Answer: The trip cost includes virtually all of your trip expenses, such as:

-         Airfare from Atlanta, Georgia to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

-         Practically all meals from the time you get to Brazil until the time you leave Brazil (unless the team splits up for a meal-i.e. at the mall)

-         All transportation costs in Brazil

-         All lodging costs in Brazil

-         All the expenses on your tour of Rio de Janeiro

 

However, you are responsible for covering the following:

-         All transportation costs to/from Atlanta, GA (i.e. airfare, car expenses, etc.)

-         All airport meals in the US and Brazil

-         All shopping expenses

-         All offering contributions

-         Some miscellaneous expenses (i.e. meals at the mall)

 

4)      Question: Why do we need to come to Atlanta first?

Answer: The primary answer is that it makes the trip facilitation significantly easier (for example, we are able to do trip orientation one time instead of several). Another major reason is that part of our ministry in Brazil consists of clothing distribution to the poor, and each trip, we always have enormous amounts of clothing to take to Brazil. Therefore, we have each mission team member take one large duffel bag of clothes for us. In the aftermath of 9-11, most airlines will not allow you to check-in other bags once you've already checked-in for the first time. Thus, for our trip, we purchase tickets for each person starting in Atlanta and proceeding on from there. In extreme cases, Rick sometimes allows a team participant to rendezvous with the team at another airport (i.e. Miami), but this is the exception and not the rule. Our official policy (effective April 2005) is for all team members to rendezvous at the airport in Atlanta.  

 

5)      Question: Because we have to rendezvous in Atlanta, how do you recommend that I get there and get back?

Answer: It really depends on how far away you live. If you live within 2 to 5 hours, we would recommend having a family member or friend drive you and pick you up. If you live more than 4 or 5 hours away by car, we would recommend flying. You may purchase a plane ticket at any airline website (i.e. www.aa.com, www.delta.com, etc.), or we can get your connecting flight to and from Atlanta for you. If you choose for us to get your flight for you, we will be able to get it at a discounted rate. Typically, the travel agent who gets our tickets for us only charges $150 to $200 for connecting flights to and from Atlanta (that is the roundtrip ticket price). Thus, if you would like us to get your connecting flight to and from Atlanta for you, please contact us at 706-353-1546 and make financial preparations to pay approximately that amount.

 

6)      Question: How much money should I bring with me to Brazil?

Answer: Virtually everything is included in your trip cost, so you will not need much spending money unless you plan to shop for souvenirs and other items. If you plan to spend only minimal amounts of money, we suggest $50 to $100 spending money; but if you plan to spend a lot of money on shopping, we suggest anywhere from $200 to however much you wish to spend.

 

7)      Question: Should I bring my extra money in the form of traveler's checks, cash, or using some other method?

Answer: We suggest that you bring your extra money in the form of cash. The team leader and/or trip administrator will cash your money for you once we get to Brazil. Traveler's checks are a nuisance to cash in Brazil, and besides fancy shops, most places simply do not accept them. Another option for you to consider is using the ATMs in the airport once you get to Brazil or the ATMs at the mall (if the team leader takes your mission team to the mall). ATMs provide a very good exchange rate. Of course, you may use credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; Discover and American Express are accepted at some places). Credit cards also have excellent exchange rates.

 

8)      Question: How much should I bring for the trip's love offering?

Answer: We don't suggest any particular amount. It is really your own prayerful decision. However, just to give you an idea, gifts tend to range from $50 to $500 and up.

 

9)      Question: Will they take up any offerings at the churches we will be visiting in Brazil?

Answer: Yes, they will take up offerings at most every service. These offerings are, of course, optional, but we strongly encourage each person to contribute something. Team members typically give anything ranging from a few dollars to $50 or more. You may give those offerings in the form of American dollars or Brazilian reais.

 

10)  Question: What should I wear while we are in Brazil?

Answer:

For Women:

When we go to the churches, we have a mandatory dress code. You may not wear a dress of any kind. Instead, you must wear a nice, attractive top (short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts or blouses). You may not wear a sleeveless top or one with Spaghetti straps.  Also, you must wear a loose skirt that is knee length or longer. In other words, it must be a skirt that stays at your knee or below when you sit. For shoes, you must wear nice, attractive dress shoes or dressy sandals. You may not wear tennis shoes or flip-flops. In all instances, your church clothing must be modest and tasteful (in other words, please do not wear anything that is low-cut or revealing). Please do not bring expensive jewelry. Jeans are not permissible for the church services.

 

At the mission, you may wear: shorts, Capris, jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, etc. In other words, you may wear casual, comfortable clothing.

 

When we go on an outing (i.e. shopping, touring), you may wear casual clothing that is modest. In other words, because we are representing the Lord and the Mission, we must dress in a tasteful, non-revealing, non-offensive way. In terms of shoes, you may wear tennis shoes, but you may not wear flip flops.

 

For Men:

When we go to the churches, we have a mandatory dress code. You must wear a nice, attractive shirt and a tie. As long as they are not flashy or distasteful, your shirts and ties may be white or colorful. If you are coming to Brazil during the summer months (December to March), you may wear short-sleeved collared shirts (i.e. Polo shirts) instead of a shirt and tie-unless you are preaching (in which case you must wear a shirt and tie). For pants, you may wear either nice khaki pants or nice dress slacks (i.e. black, blue, or grey). Jeans are not permissible. Please wear nice, attractive dress shoes to each service (no tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops please).

At the mission, you may wear: shorts, jeans, T-shirts, flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, etc. In other words, you may wear casual, comfortable clothing. The same casual clothing is acceptable whenever we go on an outing (i.e. shopping, touring).

 

11)  Question: Are laundry services available at or near the Mission?

Answer: Yes, we have a washing machine at the Mission. You merely give your dirty clothes to our staff personnel, and they will wash them for you. Whenever you need your laundry done, you just let the team leader know, and they will facilitate it with the Mission staff.

 

12)  Question: Will I have access to an iron at the Mission?

Answer: Yes, we have a few irons and ironing boards at the Mission. You will always have access to them.

 

13)  Question: Do I need to bring towels, washcloths, or bed linens along with me?

Answer: No, all of these will be provided for you at the Mission. You will receive one or two of each, depending on the duration of your trip. However, you may want to bring your own personal beach towel (if you have room in your suitcase). We may go to the beach one day.

 

14)  Question: What are the showers and toilets like in Brazil?

Answer: The showers are different in Brazil, but they all have hot water. We will explain how to use them once we get to Brazil. Likewise, the toilets are different in Brazil. The sewage system is not as powerful and extensive as ours in the US, but they still work very well. The one major difference is that for every toilet, you must dispose of your used toilet paper in a small trashcan next to the commode. In Brazil, toilet paper will not go down the sewage drains. Another difference is that the flushing mechanism is often a string you pull (not a handle like in the US).  Pull the flush string very gently until it flushes-otherwise, you will break the mechanism.

 

15)  Question: Will I need a power converter to plug in my hairdryer, razor, etc.?

Answer: No. The electrical outlets at the Mission use the same voltage as American outlets (110V). However, you will need a non-polarized adapter if the prongs on your electrical device are two different sizes. Brazilian outlets only accommodate same-sized prongs.

 

16)  Question: When will we go through Customs?

Answer: On our departing flight, you will go through Customs once we arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On our return flight, you will go through Customs once we arrive in Miami, FL.

 

17)  Question: Will my passports and tickets be safe while we're in Brazil ?

Answer: Because this is so extremely important, your team leader will collect all of your important travel materials (your passport, plane tickets, and Customs forms). They will be kept in a safe place (i.e. the office safe) for the duration of the trip and then redistributed to you on the day of departure. This is, of course, to prevent them from being lost or stolen.

 

18)  Question: Should I bring any medicine or other medical supplies?

Answer: That would be a good idea, particularly if you think you'll need it. Obviously, if you are taking prescription drugs, bring your medication. However, if you anticipate needing medicine for things such as: headaches, diarrhea, insect bites, etc., bring it with you. In Brazil, it is often difficult to get even the most common American over-the-counter drug.

 

19)  Question: Will I be able to call home while we're on the trip?

Answer: Yes, there is a payphone right outside the Mission door. We strongly recommend getting an AT&T calling card to bring on the trip. We have had several problems with other calling cards or calling methods in the past. For whatever reason, AT&T cards are extremely easy to use on Brazilian payphones. You may buy them in the US at many places (i.e. gas stations, grocery stores), but probably the best place to get one is at  your local Walmart.

 

20)  Question: Will I have Internet access while we're on the trip?

Answer: Yes, there is Internet Access at the Mission. But since the access is in the Mission's administrative offices, we must be respectful of how long and how often we are online.

 

21)  Question: How many bags should I pack for the trip?

Answer: Upon your arrival at the check-in counter in Atlanta, Rick will provide you with one large bag for you to check-in as one of your bags. This bag will be full of clothing that we will distribute to needy families in Brazil. Thus, you are allowed ONE personal check-in bag and ONE personal carry-on bag. Please be aware that if your check-in bag weighs more than 70 pounds, you must pay an Overweight Baggage fee of $25.