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Loving Neighbors, Building Communities

FAQs

Q: Will I be safe in Belize?

A: Safety is paramount and The Dream514 staff will do everything possible to insure your safety.  Each team will have a trained Dream514 trip leader that will be with the team the entire time they are in Belize. Experienced Belizian drivers who are very aware of all transportation routes, communities and hotels, will provide transportation. We do request that teams not venture out from the hotels at night. Please stay together as a group, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.

Q: Will I have fun?

A: That depends on you. Remember that you come to serve rather than be served. Stay flexible, as plans can easily change. You may need to step outside of your comfort zone to build relationships.

Q: How long does it take to get to Belize?

A: Actual flight time will be 8 hours, but layovers will increase the time.

Q: How many bags can I take?

A: The general rule is 2 bags at 50lbs each, but we ask that you pack your things into one bag and leave the other as a “team bag”. These bags may also be used for items that The Dream514 may need to send to its communities.

Q: How much spending money should I bring?

A: That is up to each individual. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Belize, so we would suggest $200-300 in cash. The exchange rate is 200 Belizian cents =$1US.

Q: What will the weather be like?

A: You can always count on warm weather in Belize.

Q: Do I need shots?

A: It is recommended that you consult your local travel clinic at your health department or your family doctor. The Center for Disease Control has a list of shots they recommend on their website at www.cdc.gov. We have found that your local travel clinic is the most economical and up to date in their information.

Q: Will I get sick from the food or water?

A: Please use caution in the foods you eat. Make sure foods are well cooked and hot. Do not eat any fruits or vegetables that cannot be peeled. Only consume drinks such as coke or bottled water or drinks made w/boiled water such as tea and coffee. You will have a lunch to take with you each day from the hotel, but we suggest that you bring some protein or granola bars to snack on.  Please do not drink any tap water, use it to brush your teeth, or open your mouth in the shower. That being said, don’t panic if you do, just remember to be more careful the next time.

Q: Where will we be staying?

A: You will be staying in Belizian hotels in preferred locations. They are different from hotels in the U.S., but we have chosen the best hotels we can find that offer the services we need, are affordable and are in relatively close proximity to your service destination. Some of the communities do not have hotels in close proximity that we are comfortable with, so you may have to travel a good  distance each day to reach the community you are working in.

Q: What will we be doing in Belize?

A: Building relationships and sharing the love of Christ is the focus of all service trips. You will be working in one of Dream514 communities as part of the medical team or you could be doing projects within the community. You will be working with the Belizian people and the relationships are as important as the project. Teams may also have the opportunity to attend a Belizian church.

Q: What will we do at night when we return to the hotel?

A: This is down time for the team to relax and process what you have experienced during the day.  The team will have dinner together and spend some time debriefing the day. This is a great time for you to spend time processing the day with other members of the team and regroup for the next day.  You will be tired so plenty of rest is suggested.

Q: What if I don’t know the language?

A: Spanish is the official language in Belize, however some people only speak their native dialect.  Most of the children who are in school also speak English.

Q: Can I give my personal contact information to the people I meet in Belize?

A: Personal contact information should NOT be given to anyone.

Q: Will we have the opportunity to shop while we are in Belize?

A: There may be an opportunity to shop, but we can’t guarantee this to happen. Souvenirs can be purchased at the airport upon departure

 

Where is Belize?


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