Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost?

The total cost depends upon a couple of factors.  Each person pays for their own plane ticket, fee for lodging & food, and tourist card.  There is also a group fee that is split between the entire group.  So, the more people who go, the less expensive that fee is.

What is the breakdown of the cost?

Individual Fees

Airfare - usually between $600-$800

$600 Fees (this may change for 2010)

$25/day for food & lodging

$100 leadership fee

$100 benevolence fee$100 Field Services (drivers, cooks, utilities)

$50 transportation

$50 beach day

Tourist card - $10 in cash at the airport

Other - immunizations, passport, meals while traveling, souvenirs

Group Fees

$5000 project fee - this money pays for the supplies used to complete the projects in the Dominican Republic & Haiti

What will we be doing in the Dominican Republic?

Construction - as we get closer to the trip, we will find out exactly what   project(s) we will be working on.

VBS - we typically do VBS at two locations (one day)

Meal - we provide an appreciation dinner for the Dominican nationals & their families one night

Building Relationships

Participating in Church Services (these could be at a Dominican or a Haitian church in the neighborhood).  If you want to participate by leading in a service, they welcome us to do so and will provide translators.

Cultural Immersion - we will be living and spending time in a neighborhood in Santiago.  We shop at the local stores, go to Bon (the best ice cream shop anywhere), and meet the locals.

Witnessing to others - there are wonderful opportunities to witness to and encourage the locals, the GO workers, and each other

What if I can't physically do all the work?

The GO staff understands the value of building relationships as well as doing physical labor.  If you can't physically do the construction work, there are plenty of opportunities to love kids and encourage others.  This is just as valuable as the physical labor.

Is it safe?

Groups come down all the time and GO Ministries makes sure that we are safe at all times.  The neighborhood is safe.  Our food is all cooked with bottled water and we are provided with bottled water to drink at all times.  If anyone would happen to get sick, Santiago is a large city with modern medical care.