FAQNicaragua2008

U.S. Citizens: No Visa is required for U.S. citizens
Non U.S. Citizens: Check with a corresponding consulate office or embassy for your country’s specific visa requirements
PASSPORT: valid at least six (6) months beyond the return date of the trip to Nicaragua (for example, valid until July 1st, 2009)

Important! There is an ‘Entry fee’ of $5.00 US dollars and an exit fee of $32.00 US dollars that you must pay when you arrive and depart Managua, Nicaragua.

4. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AS A GLOBAL CELEBRATION ‘NEW WINE MISSIONARY’ LOOK LIKE?

Everyday is different and exciting! A typical day can resemble the following:
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at 8:00 am and depart at 9:00 am on our tour bus for our outreach. After an hour drive we stop at a village and get off the bus with our instruments, flags and stickers in hand. We greet the people who begin to gather around our bus. Then, we begin to sing a song led by one of our musicians and start our praise march through the village. We take time to stop at homes and go inside to bless the home. We stop for the widow and for the one little child. We pray for the sick and hug the sweet grandmas and grandpas. We dance with the children and give them stickers. We worship God in the streets. After our praise parade we head to the main stage where the outreach takes place and the crowd is gathered. Public worship to Jesus, praying for the sick, and leading the lost to the Lord happens at the outreach. Meanwhile, barbeque chicken and rice is being cooked and served to hundreds, and possibly thousands of hungry men, women and children. Once the outreach is over we say our goodbyes and load back onto the bus and head to the hotel. We finish the evening relaxing, spending time with each other and eating a delicious dinner. After dinner we all head to our rooms for a good night’s rest…and repeat the next day! Simple! Of course every day is different, but that will give you a good idea of a typical day. Some days will have a few hours of driving, and other days just a few minutes. It all depends on our schedule and how many villages we plan to visit in a day. While we do have a set schedule we always leave room for the Holy Spirit to come and change things around, so your flexibility is extremely important.

Persons in good health may participate.
Participants under the age of 18 will be tentatively accepted under the following conditions:

No, however, if a participant is not traveling from within the United States with the group, he/she must make his own travel arrangements into Managua, Nicaragua and meet up with the group either at the airport or the hotel.

Note: If you would like to bring gifts for the orphans, you may check one (1) additional suitcase to leave in Nicaragua. Keep in mind you might have to pay an extra fee if you check a second bag.

Travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended. A suggested place to check comparative insurance rates is http://www.insuremytrip.com/

There are no required immunizations for you to travel to Nicaragua. However, if you would like to find out more health information and recommended vaccines for traveling to Nicaragua you can visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNicaragua.aspx. They have a list of recommended immunizations and tips on being healthy while traveling including how to avoid potentially contaminated food and water. Decisions on whether or not to get shots are up to you and your doctor.

10. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NICARAGUA IN DECEMBER?

Typically Nicaragua is warm and humid year-round. December is one of the more mild months, but you can still expect temperatures in the 80’s F (30 C) with high humidity content. Wearing sun block is a good idea. Light jackets and pants are also suggested in case of cooler days.

Nicaragua has a warm climate, so modest summer attire is acceptable, and for worship services, appropriate casual “church” attire. (No suits, ties or dresses are required.) Tennis shoes or closed toe shoes are recommended as we will be doing a significant amount of walking. Many of the streets and villages we visit are dirty and could have rough terrain or raw sewage. Feel free to bring sandals to wear while traveling or during “free time”.

Yes! There will be translators for the group, however, each participant will not have his/her own translator. Don’t let the language barrier get in your way though, as the love of Christ will be communicated through your smile, your eyes and your hugs.

A credit card for incidentals at the hotel
Passport/money pouch to keep concealed under clothing
Toiletries and clean clothing for each day
Comfortable walking shoes will be a necessity
Roll(s) of toilet paper or tissue packs for use in the more rural villages (Charmin makes a portable travel roll available at Wal-Mart in the paper products section)
Packages of antibacterial hand wipes and/or antibacterial gel to clean your hands during the day
Hand laundry can be done, but do not anticipate regular laundry/dry cleaning facilities at all locations.
Ear plugs and eye masks are a good idea for sleeping if you and your roommate have different sleeping schedules
Peptol and Immodium are a good to bring if you have any problems adjusting to new foods
It is a good idea to pack a full change of clothes with you in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost on the international flight
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Hat
Small Umbrella (optional)
Nicaragua has the same electrical currency as the United States, so you will not need a converter or adaptor
Laptops can be used at the hotel where wireless internet is available

Yes, definitely! Most people love to be photographed and videotaped, however please be aware of the common courtesies required when photographing/filming those of other cultures.

This trip is a fantastic photo opportunity. If you are a returning member, I have found that it is a very special gift to present the Nicaraguans with any photos you've taken of them the previous year. I would suggest you bring a digital camera; that way you can take hundreds of photos and can show them their photo on the preview screen. It makes them so happy!

Live worship in the streets is a very important part of our praise parades and outreaches in Nicaragua. Georgian encourages musicians and praisers to bring their celebratory items including instruments, drums, flags, banners, tambourines, whistles, and noisemakers for parades.

* Toys, clothes (new or “like new” only) school supplies and sheets are great items to donate to the orphanage

* Stickers and temporary tattoos are great to pass out to children on the streets

(All gifts and donations will be given to the local pastors to distribute as needed)

The currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba. The exchange rate fluctuates, but currently the rate is:

US Dollars. You will be able to exchange your US Dollars into Nicaraguan Cordobas when you arrive into Managua.

It is best to bring CASH & a Credit card. Travelers checks may not be readily accepted.