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Titanyen, Haiti

Safety

Safety in Titanyen, Haiti
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

  1. Very secure compound with multiple levels of security. You will only be able to leave the compound for ministry with translators and Mission of Hope staff!
  2. If you stay at MOH, you’re safe. It’s a compound with guards and they will go over safety rules and regulations with you upon arrival. Great organization, you’ll love it!
  3. We had all squad month at MOH this past February. All of the below comments are still accurate. They summed everything up!
  4. We stayed at Mission of Hope: Haiti. You will probably staying on the main campus and it is very safe within the compound. There are armed guards, but they’ve never had to fire a weapon. MoH prefers you don’t do things to startle the guards or look suspicious after dark (midnight capture the flag is a no no), but other than that there aren’t many other precautions. The further you go out from the central campus, the more public access it is. They do prefer you to be in a buddy system if you go running, but other than that you should be good.
  5. We had all squad month at Mission of Hope. We didn’t stay at the Bersy Campus but at the one in Titanyan. There is a huge dorm area. Each room had 12 bunkbeds and a bathroom with a shower connected to it. The orphanage, school, church, and medical clinic are on that property. The whole area is gated with guards that stand watch through all hours of the day. There is heavy gates to get in and out which are guarded as well. Our team felt completely safe while on the property.
  6. very safe inside mission of hope and at the Bersy Campus. But mind your clothes and accesories. Don’t leave anything out that would tempt someone. Don’t leave your clothes out drying to long either. Most of my wardrobe disappeared one day buy one of the translators tracked it down for me the same day. His name was Faby Joseph. If you meet him, tell him Paul says hello. No leaving the compound here, but don’t worry, the place is awesome. Security day and night.

Ministry Summary

Ministry Summary in Titanyen, Haiti
Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?

People’s Opinions

  1. Amazing ministry! We were able to do a variety of ministries while we were there, primarily partnering with the many short-term mission teams. We did a lot of strategic village evangelism meaning we collected information at each household of living conditions, medical care, education, access to clean water, etc. in addition to sharing the gospel and encouraging people. We also were able to bless families by handing out goats, solar lanterns and planting fruit trees. We occasionally helped with construction projects too, sifting sand for concrete and painting buildings. Definitely use your time on the compound as ministry too, pouring into the Mission of Hope staff, interns, and translators! They’re amazing.
  2. We were with MOH. Lots of different options from picking up trash, Mobil clinic, Svt, painting, passing out goats, etc.
  3. With MOH, you could be doing anything. In February with all squad month, we did a ton of manual labor. They love having WR there because it helps them pick up the slack and get “level C” stuff done that they aren’t normally able to get done without us. It’s tough because you feel like you’re not doing anything, but in reality, you’re able to serve the staff and interns a lot that month. You get opportunities to go into the village (SO awesome), but you will most likely be doing a lot of manual labor; but who knows! Every squad is different.
  4. Ministry looked different every day. We did a combination of regular village time, kid’s club, strategic village time (community health), and construction projects. During strategic village time the translators can get a little pushy, so keeping relationships with villagers a priority and fighting to spend that time getting to know them is good. Often the translators would rush us, but once we put our foot down and told them we didn’t feel like we should move on yet they let us stay and didn’t rush us. I would give MoH a 4.
  5. We got to do several different ministries. We did a lot of village time just getting to know the people of each village, sharing with them about Jesus Christ, and collecting data for MOH. We did a kids camp for the orphanage on property. We also painted houses in the village and also painted buildings on the MOH property. We also did manual labor work on their Bersy Campus. A few of our medical people were able to go out with the mobile clinic one week as well.
  6. (4s) all around. construction, school programs, orphanage, great staff, great leadership, shared vision for ministry, sports program being built, the list goes on and on. Plenty of lodging and space for an entire squad.
  7. This ministry is AMAZING! We did several different things during our month with MOH. We did some manual labor and construction, we planted fruit trees for families in need, we did village time, we did VBS, we helped serve the staff on the compound and various other activities. They really worked with us and tried to give us as many different ministry opportunities as they could. I feel like we all really got to see how much MOH is doing for the country of Haiti because they gave us the opportunity to do so. I would strongly, strongly recommend sending more World Race teams to this ministry.

Lodging

Lodging in Titanyen, Haiti
Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.

People’s Opinions

  1. Bunk beds, sheets, pillows, fans, bug nets, sunscreen and bug spray at their “walmart-ish”. 1 bathroom for ~14 beds, with cold running water.
  2. Such nice accommodations– it felt a lot like summer camp with guesthouse-style bunk rooms, each with its own bathroom. They also have a lot of bug nets, bug spray and sunscreen which is such a blessing!
  3. MOH, we stayed at both the main campus and bercy. Both had bunk beds showers and toilets it’s a more summer camp feel at bercy though. They provide you with a pillow, linens, and a mosquito net. They also have plenty of bug spray and sunscreen.
  4. At MOH you will stay in rooms consisting of 12 bunk beds (two teams per room). Boys separated from girls. One bathroom with a toilet and shower (cold showers, and make ’em quick ’cause you’ll run out of water!). There’s electricity but it’s only on from 5pm-5-am; around that time. You get mosquito nets (you’re gonna wanna utilize that) and beds, but you may want your sleeping pad on top of that depending on how comfortable you wanna be. It’s hot af. Be prepared to strip down/sleep nekked.
  5. We stayed in dorms an the main campus. They have bunk beds, but they were pretty uncomfortable. It got really hot and stuffy in the dorms at night so I ended up blowing up my sleeping pad and sleeping outside beneath a mosquito net, which was really nice. Each dorm has one full bathroom which worked fine.
  6. We had about 12 people per room. They have mosquito nets for the beds and fans as well. The power runs until about 5:30am so you are nice and cool all night. You can sleep in hallways outside the dorm rooms if you want for some extra breeze. There is a shower and toilet in each room. We felt very spoiled with our own beds and fans and a working shower!
  7. Bring a mosquito net for your hammock! One of my best purchases for the race. It will allow you to stay cool outside when everyone else is bunking in a hot dorm room. We had great community showers and toilets plus a private bathroom and shower in our room for 12 guys. Do your crew a favor and use the community bathrooms to take a deuce. Good rule for the race in general. Take a dump far away from your living quarters whenever possible. I think that might fall under considering others and also under “dont be a dirty idiot”
  8. We had bunks at both of our locations, split into guys and girls “dorms” if you will. It was very hot while we were there in the rooms. So, most of the girls ended up pulling our mattresses or our bunks outside into the hallway. Beware of bed bugs and mosquitoes though! Toilets and showers were in each room and at the main house.

Food / Meals

Food / Meals in Titanyen, Haiti
What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).

People’s Opinions

  1. So a lot of people say pb&j for every meal. Which, yes, pb&j and cereal is almost ALWAYS (always) available; but you have a good variety of foods ranging from curry chicken to pizza to oatmeal to pasta and so on. You get variety and the food sticks on a schedule so you learn to anticipate certain days when you know the food’s gonna be REAL good. You eat well and you eat a LOT.***IF YOU’RE GLUTEN-FREE/DAIRY-FREE, just make sure Elizabeth or her assistant knows (you’ll find out who Elizabeth is) and you should be able to go into the kitchen whenever and get tuna or gluten-free cereal for the meals you can’t eat.
  2. We came into MoH expecting to have tuna fish and pb&j for every meal. Unfortunately, the only time we got tuna fish was the day after we arrived and the day we left, so don’t get too excited about getting tuna on a regular basis. PB&J happened at least once a day though. Mostly they always had enough dinner prepared for us not to eat PB&J. We had chicken, lots of rice, cornmeal, oatmeal, pasta….lots of stuff. Also, you can get soda and pay your tab at the end of the month.
  3. Food was a wonderful treat! They cooked us spaghetti, pasta, fried chicken, and other american meals. You have the option of ordering a Haitian meal on Sundays which is $5. We packed PB and J when we went out on long ministry days. There is always the option of PB and J for every meal. They have interns who packed all of our food up for us! We had cold water every day which was amazing!! They even put out gatorade mix in the afternoon sometimes for us. There was dessert served at dinner and we got cookies and cake! YUMMY!!! We definitely ate well. The biggest problem was everyone take too big of portions and running out of food leaving the last people to have PB and J for dinner. Be considerate. You can always check the line at the end for seconds.
  4. tuna and PBJs all around. Always plenty of food! Sometimes, they will have you pack your lunch for several teams. Find someone on your squad or team with a big appetite. Have them pack your coolers and have others make sure and fill water coolers with water and ice. Dont be shy, talk to elizabeth first though. She will lead you to the pantry and show you everything you are allowed access to.
  5. MOH provided all of our meals. We ate a lot of PB&J and tuna. Seriously, so much. But, overall the meals were good. We had cake a lot. Definite bonus!

Transportation

Transportation in Titanyen, Haiti
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

  1. If you’re ever leaving MOH, it’s either heading to the beach/hike/waterfall on an off-day that is scheduled on one of their buses or heading to a village on a ministry day. There is absolutely no traveling on your own or with just your team to “explore.” Haiti is extremely dangerous. Not to scare you, but if you’re at MOH those will be the only times you leave the compound and it will be with MOH staff.
  2. MoH will always provide your transportation.
  3. MOH also provided all of our transportation. We never used public. It’s not safe to use in Haiti.

Medical

Medical in Titanyen, Haiti
Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).

People’s Opinions

  1. MOH has an on-site clinic; just let your squad leader know if they are the point of contact between you and the staff, and they will take you down to the clinic to see the doctor. He’s very good and speaks English.
  2. MoH has a clinic on site and they are also willing to transport people to the local hospital in Port Au Prince.
  3. MOH has a clinic on the compound which was amazing. If anyone was feeling sick, they could go to the clinic and see one of the American doctors on staff. If needed, MOH was also able to transport people to the local hospital.

Communication

Communication in Titanyen, Haiti
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

  1. Our ministry host Austin, gave us the login information that the staff and interns use, since we were going to be there for so long. Wifi worked best at the picnic tables under the pavilion. Austin also purchased the SIM cards needed for our team phones.
  2. I basically opted out of wifi for the month because it’s $5/hr, $20/week or $75 for the month. I paid for an hour one time to talk to my boyfriend and that was it. ALTHOUGH, I will say that I took advantage DAILY of the 2 minutes of free wifi, haha. And two minute goes by way quicker than you think. So type out what you want to post as a status on facebook or message to a friend, copy it, and then log onto the two minutes of free wifi, post, and there you go! Ahahahahaha
  3. Internet was very expensive. It was $5 an hour or $75 for the whole month. The internet didn’t always work. The best time to get on was after 10 pm. Save your money and just tell your family you can call them after the month. You could pitch in and do one computer for the month and everyone can use it.

Financial

Financial in Titanyen, Haiti
Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.

People’s Opinions

  1. I never went to an ATM because you never get an opportunity to, and you don’t really need to. MOH has a cute shop (that you’ll end up spending tons of money in haha) that you can use your card or USD in, and on adventure day if you don’t have cash, MOH works with you. You’ll be good.
  2. Things you need money for: There is a shop on the property which has a ton of t-shirts, 3 cord headbands, bracelets, and purses. Lots of cute stuff! You can buy ice cream for $3 at the shop. Sodas are a $1 and the Haitian meal on Sundays is $5. The beach day was around $22 and included lunch and a drink. The beach day was amazing! The resort they take you to is very nice and relaxing. Go it will be worth it!
  3. you wont need much money here. There is one off day when you go to the beach. They took cards and american money at the beach. The leaders will collect money to give Mission of Hope for the excursion. Bring $30 american to Haiti if you want to go to the beach.

Translators

Translators in Titanyen, Haiti
List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken

People’s Opinions

  1. Getting to build relationships with the translators throughout the month was the absolute best part of my time spent in Haiti. They are all amazing men of God with crazy testimonies so INVEST!
  2. Translators are provided by MOH for village time; take time to get to know your translators, they are INCREDIBLE people.
  3. The translators travel with you on all of your ministry times. They will do manual labor with you or play with the kids with you. Feel free to have them translate for you at any time. Get to know them because you will have a lot of the same translators.
  4. listen to hannah. I still keep in touch with the translators on facebook. they are full of zeal and passion for Christ. And they are a lot of fun.
  5. MOH provides translators every time we leave campus. They are great with English and help us communicate well with the Haitians. Don’t be afraid to become best friends with them!

Off Days / Fun Activities

Off Days / Fun Activities in Titanyen, Haiti
What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?

People’s Opinions

  1. Off days:-Beach-Waterfall-Hike (hike is not worth it; opt out, use that day to get stuff done and go to the waterfall instead the next time)They’ll also take you to the ice cream shop ($5 depending on what you get) and beach is $22 (waterfall might be $20), beach includes a meal and drink; super beautiful (there’s also a bar). Paddle boarding, volleyball, pool, comfy chairs, beach and water trampolines all for free. Totally worth it and doesn’t feel like you’re in Haiti.
  2. We had two off-day activities: ice cream shop and beach day. Ice cream is around $5 and beach day is $22. I didn’t do beach day.
  3. We’re not allowed to leave campus unless it’s a MOH event. Off days include lounging on the roof and hanging out with the kids from the orphanage. Bring an ENO!! You can also pay for a beach day during the month.

Other Important Contacts

Other Important Contacts in Titanyen, Haiti
Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions

People’s Opinions

  1. MOH is great; take your time and get to know the interns because they’re really extraordinary people and they don’t get many people their age there, so don’t be afraid to make lifelong friends. 🙂Get to know you’re translators because they’re awesome, too.GO TO WALMART-ISH! They’ve got tons of essentials for free, and if you want to make a free pile, MOH will love that! They’ll take the clothes for the kids and put essentials in Walmart-Ish for the next teams; teams will greatly appreciate you and you will appreciate past teams!BRING YOUR ENO! MOH lets WR set up their enos on the roof to sleep overnight (gotta take them down in the morning; worth it though) and to lounge after ministry. Super great. Enjoy Haiti; it’s a unique and different experience. Can’t believe I’m almost 7 months in to the Race and looking back; ENJOY, FUTURE RACERS!

Tips

People’s Opinions

  1. MOH will give you laundry detergent to wash your clothes. You can pay the Haitian women to wash them, or to save money, grab a plastic tub (they’re lying around) and fill it up at the spigot outside your room and wash your clothes on the balcony. The cold water will be refreshing. 🙂>And use your bug net and bug spray. 🙂
  2. if you like soft drinks rather than water bring dollar bills to buy cokes and/or sprites at MOH

Additional Info

Additional Info in Titanyen, Haiti
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?

People’s Opinions

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