Summer 2019 Mission Trip June 10-17

Trip Leaders (21 Total)

Ryan Born - Youth Director Charles Sommer - SG Leader Hannah Barnes - Middle School Director Joe Flinn – Intern Ben Barnes - Middle School Director Brittany Marton - Intern Morgan Watson - Youth Coordinator Gigi Hanna - Intern Cheryl Tucker - Former Youth Director Cam Cook - Intern Ali Silverman - HS Girls Director Jairus Alexander – SG Leader Jimmy Myers – Young Adults Director Ryan Glasscock - Former Intern Cindy Marion - SG Leader Kyle Campbell - Intern John Drexel - Youth Volunteer Lauren Casey - SG Leader/Nurse Rebecca Drexel - Youth Volunteer Will McMullin - SG Leader Bess Alford - Youth Volunteer

Contact Information *In the case of an emergency here are the numbers you can call:

Ryan Born: 832-380-0966 Hannah Barnes: 713-392-2140 Morgan Watson: 713-805-7405 Ali Silverman: 713-444-0162 Ben Barnes: 713-504-6763

Why do we go on mission trips?

 To get away from the noise  To learn the value of service  God has asked us to “go”  To build strong relationships  We’ve seen the fruit & we’ve experienced it first hand

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world ~James 1:27

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then, the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me.’ ~Matthew 25:34-40

Who are we going with? Why Costa Rica?

We have been partnering with Praying Pelicans Missions for over 10 years. We continue to use them because they value the local church. Every project site that our groups go to is connected to a church. The Pastors have selected the projects that will most benefit their local community.

In our set up trip, we were able to meet with each Pastor and hear their needs. The leaders have a huge heart for their people and long for them to experience a redeeming relationship with Jesus that causes them to live differently in and for their community. We are so excited to partner with these amazing men and women. www.prayingpelicanmission.org

Common Mission Trip Questions

1) How many people are coming on the trip?

-We are bringing 123 people. (100 students and 23 leaders)

2) What will the weather probably be like when we get here?

-Costa Rica will be very hot. It is a tropical country!

3) Where will we be staying?

-We will be staying at a camp in , Costa Rica. The camp has a kitchen staff, a pool, soccer field, bunkrooms and an open-air program area. It will be perfect for our group.

4) How many work sites are there? Do we know for sure that there will be enough work? What kind of work will we be doing?

-We will split into 9 groups of 10-15. -There will be plenty of service work that ranges from construction projects to VBS. -There will be 2-3 leaders per work group to help navigate and keep each group safe while we travel and serve as well as a Praying Pelican staff member.

5) What are the safety issues? Will there be supervision at each site? Are any of the sites high-crime areas?

-There will be FPC supervision at each site, 2-3 adults for every group. There will also be one Praying Pelican leader at each site. -The two biggest safety issues are dehydration/exhaustion & safety with all work tools. -None of the sites are high-crime areas.

6) In the case of an injury, what would be the plan?

-We will have a Registered Nurse (Lauren Casey) -We will go to the closest hospital if necessary (Jaco, CR) -We will contact you immediately

7) Who cooks the food?

-Food will be provided by the kitchen staff that works at the campsite. There will also be a opportunity to buy snacks at on site after work and after program.

8) What happens at program?

-Program will take place after dinner in the open-air pavilion. There we will have skits, worship and students will hear talks from a handful of the leaders. Keep an eye out for emails the week before that will outline the theme of the trip as well as lead you in prayer for you child! After program we will split into our work groups to process the talk they just heard and grow closer to each other.

9) Will there be any days off?

-We will spend a full day in Jaco where students can take surfing lessons, hang out on the beach and explore the town.

-Each group will also have the flexibility to go to the beach after their work if they choose to do so.

Flight Information

Flight #1 (United) Arrive at BUSH @ 8:00 AM | Pick up at Bush at 5:55PM FLT# DOW Date From To Depart Arrive Flt Type Drop-off & Pick-up

1512 MON 10-Jun-19 IAH LIR 9:55AM 12:20PM United 8:00AM

1516 MON 17-Jun-19 LIR IAH 1:20PM 5:55PM United 5:55PM

Flight #2 (Southwest) Arrive at HOBBY @ 8:40am | Pick up at Hobby at 6:35PM FLT# DOW Date From To Depart Arrive Flt Type Drop-off & Pick-up

0691 MON 10-Jun-19 HOU LIR 10:40AM 1:05PM Southwest 8:40AM

0817 MON 17-Jun-19 LIR HOU 2:05PM 6:35PM Southwest 6:35PM

LUGGAGE GUIDELINES ● 1 checked bag per person - 50 pound limit ● No Baggage fee for Southwest or United ● One carry-on allowed (back-pack is maximum size)

DEPARTURE DAY SCHEDULE

There are two different flights, so please make sure you double check which flight you are on, which airport to go to, and arrive on time for the flight! Once each flight lands in , they will take a 4-hour bus ride to Parrita (campsite). We will stop for lunch on the way. Once we get to the camp, we will have dinner together, the students will find out their work groups, and we will go over the rules.

Notarized Travel Form (See Last Page)

IF YOUR CHILD IS UNDER 18, please fill out the Travel Notary Form at the end of this packet, signed by both parents (if possible) and notarized. We have been advised by both our travel company as well as Praying Pelican Missions to have this form for each student traveling with us. Send the signed and notarized form WITH YOUR CHILD TO THE AIRPORT on June 10.

*Please also send a copy of your student’s passport with them!* We will be collecting each student’s passport for safekeeping as soon as we arrive in Costa Rica.

Student Covenant

I ______(Students Name) have read the following covenant and agree to the code of conduct listed within its terms.

 I understand that I am a part of a group that is representing the name of Jesus; as such I will do my best to uphold the name of Jesus by conducting myself with good character.

 I will respect my leaders and fellow students at all times. I will do my best to be accepting and encouraging to everyone in the group.

 I understand that I will speak words of encouragement to my peers. I will speak appropriately and in a way that points others to Christ.

 I will not bring any illegal substance (alcohol, vape, drugs, etc.) and if I do I understand this will be confiscated and thrown away and I will be sent home at my parents expense.

 I understand that if I act or speak inappropriately in a way that the leaders deem as harmful or highly inappropriate (sexually, physically, etc.) I can be sent home at my parents expense

 I understand I have no excuse to go into the room of someone who is another gender than I am and that there will be consequences if I do.

 I understand that I have signed up for an FPC Trip and that the purpose of this trip is to grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ while in God’s creation.

Please sign in the space below indicating that you have read the above covenant and agree with its terms.

Student Signature and Printed Name

Parent Signature

Costa Rica Packing List

Devotional Materials Health, Safety, & Hygiene Bible Prescription medicine Personal Journal/Notebook and Pen Nonprescription medicine Spending Money Sunblock (aloe vera) Money ($50-100) Soap/shampoo/conditioner Clothing (6 work days, 2 travel, 1 beach) Deodorant Work shoes must be closed toe (hiking boots, tennis shoes, or work boots) Toothbrush and paste Rain Coat Water bottle (put name on it) – important! Jeans or Work Pants (1-2, scrubs work well) Insect spray Shorts (4-6) Towel (2) T-Shirts (11-15) Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer Work shirts (5) Contact solution/case/contacts/glasses Swim wear (One Piece for Girls) Wet-wipes Underwear (9 day trip) Socks (2 per day recommended/good quality work or athletic) Supplies and Equipment Sleepwear (lightweight) Work gloves Bandanas/handkerchiefs for sweat or hat Backpack Tennis shoes/sandals/after work shoes Watch or alarm clock Laundry bag Sunglasses Travel Supplies Bedding: sheets, pillow Medical insurance card (optional)

What NOT to pack: cell phones, iPods, electronic devices, etc (see list from previous page)

Trip Prayer Requests

1) For students “to know the love that surpasses knowledge—that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 2) For every student to feel loved and welcomed, and to walk away with lasting, meaningful friendships. 3) For students to escape the distractions at home so that they may be fully present and able to listen to God. 4) For good health for all and the overall safety of our trip. 5) For God to give the leaders wisdom and extra energy during the course of the trip. TRAVEL NOTARY FORM

REQUIRED FOR MINORS ONLY

I, ______(FULL NAME OF PARENT AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIAN), the lawful parent and/or legal guardian of ______(CHILD’S FULL NAME) hereby give my consent for my child to travel out of the United States with the appointed adult guardians through First Presbyterian Church of Houston and Praying Pelican Missions during the period of June 10-17, 2019.

During that period, my child will be residing with the members of First Presbyterian Church of Houston and Praying Pelican Missions at Viva Complejo Turistico, Parrita, Province, Costa Rica.

Parent or Legal Guardian: Parent or Legal Guardian:

Full Name: ______Full Name: ______

Signature: ______Signature: ______

Date: ______Date: ______

To Be Completed by Notary:

State of: ______

County of: ______

Signed or attested before me on (date):______

By (name of person):______

Signature of notarial officer: ______

Expiration date:______

(Seal)