Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

HOI operates as a group travel experience. Mission Teams serving with HOI will be limited to 20 participants. We can accommodate the equivalent of a maximum of two 20 member mission teams at Rancho el Paraiso per week. The group size is dictated by the four new 10 passenger Toyota Land Cruisers we have purchased.

In preparation for the mission trip all mission teams will be visited by a member of the HOI staff or board of directors to explain procedures and answer any questions.

Mission Teams will pay a "Silent Partner" fee which will be equivalent to an extra "in-country" fee (2008 will be $600) to assist with work project costs in the village where the group has been assigned to work. Teams will be offered the opportunity to support the Community Development Program with its ripple effect throughout the Valley through the "No Village Left Behind"; fund. For a cost of $1200 per year this fund will ensure that all villages, especially those not visited by a North American group, receive the benefits of the Community Development Program.

MISSION TRIP EXPENSES
There are two major expenses involved with a missionary trip to Rancho el Paraiso: airfare (getting there)--your team is responsible for securing air transportation from the US to Tegucigalpa-and the in-country fee (being there).

The in-country fee of $600 must be sent to the Atlanta office at least four weeks prior to your US departure. Included in this fee are:

• travel accident and liability insurance coverage
• transportation from the Tegucigalpa airport to Rancho el Paraiso and back,
• leadership by a bi-lingual Honduras Outreach staff member who will meet you at the airport and stay with your group until you depart a week later,
• overnight accommodations for the mission week, including two nights in hotels and five nights at the Ranch,
• snack at the Mennonite Bakery on Day 1, (a snack is either one cookie or one soft drink - not both. Additional items, including loaves of bread, are available for purchase, however, they at the individual's expense),
• all meals while in-country including three meals a day while at the Ranch, two breakfasts and dinners at the hotels at the beginning and end of your mission week
• beverages with meals, including two sodas a day at the ranch but NO beverages except bottled water with restaurant meals
• purified and bottled water while at the ranch
• some building supplies for the work project in your host village, and
• tips to the porters at the airport upon arrival and departure

Personal costs include

• dinner, if you choose to dine elsewhere, away from the hotel, on your evening in Tegucigalpa. The in-country fee covers the meal at the hotel. If you choose to dine elsewhere, the meal becomes an out of pocket expense. Any deviation from this plan must be communicated to the Honduras Group Leader several days in advance so the meal at the hotel can be cancelled.
• Beverage with your meals at the hotels, excluding water with dinner and coffee with breakfast
• tips in restaurants-ask your Honduran group leader to advise you.
• the mandatory $33.19 (or $34) exit tax which will be collected prior to the security check- in at the airport. Please note that this tax can fluctuate with no prior notice.
• tips ($1 per bag) at the hotel if you choose to have a porter help you to your room.
• souvenirs and snacks (other than the snack at the Mennonite Bakery),
• all charges you incur at the hotel in Tegucigalpa, including items used from the mini-bar and telephone calls. If you wish to call home, you can reach an international AT&T operator at 9-800-0123. The charge will be added to your room bill and you will be responsible for it at check-out.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All travelers to Honduras must carry a valid passport issued by the country of citizenship. There are no exceptions. You must have a passport not only to exit the United States, but also to enter the country of Honduras. Begin the passport application process immediately upon committing to participating in this mission trip. The US State Department suggests allowing no less than six weeks to secure a passport through non-expedited channels.

Several months before the departure date of your trip check the expiration date on your passport. If it has already expired or will expire within 90 days of the completion of your mission trip to Honduras, immediately begin the process to renew your passport.

On the day you depart home to commence your journey to Honduras double check that you have your current passport with you.