Visiting Haiti
We love visitors at the CBT. American Christian visitors help our ministry in many
ways: sharing their Christian maturity with the younger church here, teaching
classes, helping with projects around the CBT campus, benevolent and medical
projects and encouraging the students and missionaries.
We love visitors at the CBT. American Christian visitors help our ministry in many
ways: sharing their Christian maturity with the younger church here, teaching
classes, helping with projects around the CBT campus, benevolent and medical
projects and encouraging the students and missionaries.
Staying at the CBT
At the CBT, we provide one large meal a day
(usually in the evening) of Haitian food, sleeping
quarters with bedding and linens, bathroom
facilities, drinking water and cold sodas. Groups
bring their own food and snacks for breakfast
and lunch. If needed, we can provide
transportation with our driver, Moise, in our big
Daihatsu truck.
Photos of visitor accommodations
At the CBT, we provide one large meal a day
(usually in the evening) of Haitian food, sleeping
quarters with bedding and linens, bathroom
facilities, drinking water and cold sodas. Groups
bring their own food and snacks for breakfast
and lunch. If needed, we can provide
transportation with our driver, Moise, in our big
Daihatsu truck.
Photos of visitor accommodations
Visitor
Information
Information
Adapting to Haiti
From HAITI: INFORMATION FOR SHORT-TERM MISSIONARIES
by Meg and Wilbert Merzilus
Haiti - Land of Contrast
Many visitors comment that Haiti is a land of extreme contrasts. The beautiful,
tropical climate and the sparkling blue water surrounding the island of Hispaniola
all bring forth images of a tropical paradise. The extreme poverty, disease, and
human suffering however are overwhelming. Spiritually, the Haitian people are
generally hungry for the Gospel, but the fear and superstition inherent in voodoo
dominates the lives of most common people and restrains them from progress.
Entry Regulations
If you are an American citizen, you will need a valid US Passport in order to enter
Haiti. If you do not already have one, please apply for one immediately. It is a
good idea to make a copy of the first page of your Passport and carry it separately
in the event your Passport is lost or stolen.
Upon entering Haiti, you will be given a tourist card which grants you permission to
be in the country. Please keep this card with your Passport.
If you are not a US citizen, you should check with the Haitian Consulate in
Washington DC to find out what kinds of documents are required for your entry
into Haiti.
Climate/Dress
Haiti's tropical climate is usually hot. Some areas of the country are very dry and
arid. The Cap-Haitien area, however, is somewhat lush and often humid. The
months of November/December and May/June are the rainy seasons. Other times
you should expect clear skies and sunshine. Temperatures in the winter usually
reach 85 degrees and in the summer in the 90's. Please keep this in mind when
you pack. Cool cotton t-shirts and sport-shirts are good for men and cool dresses
and skirts are good for women. People here, especially Christians, are
conservative in their dress. They expect women to wear skirts or dresses (at least
knee-length) and men to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. When working
on construction projects or on casual outings, men may wear shorts. Woman may
wear sleeveless tops or blouses (with small armholes and no spaghetti straps)
except for worship services when sleeves are required. Groups may bring a
bathing suit for the beach and shorts for when they are in their dorms for the
night.
There are some other things that most Christians in Hait regard as inappropriate:
tatoos, multiple ear piercings and/or other body piercings
Culture
There are many differences between the Haitian and North-American cultures. For
you, as a visitor, it is good to keep these differences in mind.
Food
The Haitian diet is made up of a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat.
One of the most common dishes is rice and beans, served with chicken, fish, or
meat. Please try the food, even if it is unfamiliar to you. At the same time, you may
like to pack some snacks from home. Please remember to bring a canteen or water
bottle.
Money Exchange
The Haitian unit of currency is the Haitian gourde. At present, there are 37 Haitian
gourdes to every US dollar. You will be given the opportunity to change money for
souvenirs, snacks, etc. Please remember that in Haiti, single dollar bills are
changed at a lower rate than fives, tens, and twenties. Travelers checks are
acceptable, but exchange at a lower rate.
Health Concerns
Since Haiti is a tropical country and since many places lack proper sanitation, it is
important to take extra precautions. Malaria is a concern for many. You should
consult your family doctor regarding whether or not you should take malaria
prophylaxis. Also, ask your doctor or public health officials if they recommend
taking shots for hepatitis and typhoid. Please make certain your polio and tetanus
vaccines are up to date. While in Haiti, use mosquito repellent. Do not drink any
water or ice that has not been treated. Do not eat foods sold on the street and
make certain you wash your hands with soap regularly. Moist towelettes are a
useful item to carry with you when traveling. If at any time you are not feeling
well, please inform your group leader. We have an excellent doctor available.
Things to Expect
Common Questions:
You may want to bring extra money for souvenirs ranging from $2-$50 or more,
and other miscellaneous expenses.
If your group is involved in a work project or VBS, you may need to bring supplies.
Your group leader should confirm with us exactly what you should be prepared to
bring.
Generally, personal items are allowed in Haiti. If you are bringing supplies or items
to be donated, especially medicines, please let us know in advance.
We can arrange for you to have laundry done with a day or two's advance notice.
This is actually a good way to provide a job for someone. Be prepared to pay a
few dollars for this service.
From HAITI: INFORMATION FOR SHORT-TERM MISSIONARIES
by Meg and Wilbert Merzilus
Haiti - Land of Contrast
Many visitors comment that Haiti is a land of extreme contrasts. The beautiful,
tropical climate and the sparkling blue water surrounding the island of Hispaniola
all bring forth images of a tropical paradise. The extreme poverty, disease, and
human suffering however are overwhelming. Spiritually, the Haitian people are
generally hungry for the Gospel, but the fear and superstition inherent in voodoo
dominates the lives of most common people and restrains them from progress.
Entry Regulations
If you are an American citizen, you will need a valid US Passport in order to enter
Haiti. If you do not already have one, please apply for one immediately. It is a
good idea to make a copy of the first page of your Passport and carry it separately
in the event your Passport is lost or stolen.
Upon entering Haiti, you will be given a tourist card which grants you permission to
be in the country. Please keep this card with your Passport.
If you are not a US citizen, you should check with the Haitian Consulate in
Washington DC to find out what kinds of documents are required for your entry
into Haiti.
Climate/Dress
Haiti's tropical climate is usually hot. Some areas of the country are very dry and
arid. The Cap-Haitien area, however, is somewhat lush and often humid. The
months of November/December and May/June are the rainy seasons. Other times
you should expect clear skies and sunshine. Temperatures in the winter usually
reach 85 degrees and in the summer in the 90's. Please keep this in mind when
you pack. Cool cotton t-shirts and sport-shirts are good for men and cool dresses
and skirts are good for women. People here, especially Christians, are
conservative in their dress. They expect women to wear skirts or dresses (at least
knee-length) and men to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. When working
on construction projects or on casual outings, men may wear shorts. Woman may
wear sleeveless tops or blouses (with small armholes and no spaghetti straps)
except for worship services when sleeves are required. Groups may bring a
bathing suit for the beach and shorts for when they are in their dorms for the
night.
There are some other things that most Christians in Hait regard as inappropriate:
tatoos, multiple ear piercings and/or other body piercings
Culture
There are many differences between the Haitian and North-American cultures. For
you, as a visitor, it is good to keep these differences in mind.
Food
The Haitian diet is made up of a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat.
One of the most common dishes is rice and beans, served with chicken, fish, or
meat. Please try the food, even if it is unfamiliar to you. At the same time, you may
like to pack some snacks from home. Please remember to bring a canteen or water
bottle.
Money Exchange
The Haitian unit of currency is the Haitian gourde. At present, there are 37 Haitian
gourdes to every US dollar. You will be given the opportunity to change money for
souvenirs, snacks, etc. Please remember that in Haiti, single dollar bills are
changed at a lower rate than fives, tens, and twenties. Travelers checks are
acceptable, but exchange at a lower rate.
Health Concerns
Since Haiti is a tropical country and since many places lack proper sanitation, it is
important to take extra precautions. Malaria is a concern for many. You should
consult your family doctor regarding whether or not you should take malaria
prophylaxis. Also, ask your doctor or public health officials if they recommend
taking shots for hepatitis and typhoid. Please make certain your polio and tetanus
vaccines are up to date. While in Haiti, use mosquito repellent. Do not drink any
water or ice that has not been treated. Do not eat foods sold on the street and
make certain you wash your hands with soap regularly. Moist towelettes are a
useful item to carry with you when traveling. If at any time you are not feeling
well, please inform your group leader. We have an excellent doctor available.
Things to Expect
- A warm welcome from your Haitian brothers and sisters
- Delays in the work due to unexpected variables
- The opportunity to meet with different missionaries involved in all kinds of
ministries - Bumpy roads and frequent flats
- The opportunity to share a song, teach a lesson or to preach in a church
service; this is considered a privilege. Please come prepared.
Common Questions:
- How much money will I need?
You may want to bring extra money for souvenirs ranging from $2-$50 or more,
and other miscellaneous expenses.
- Does our group need to bring tools or supplies?
If your group is involved in a work project or VBS, you may need to bring supplies.
Your group leader should confirm with us exactly what you should be prepared to
bring.
- Will we have to pay customs duties on items we bring into Haiti?
Generally, personal items are allowed in Haiti. If you are bringing supplies or items
to be donated, especially medicines, please let us know in advance.
- Will there be a place to wash clothes?
We can arrange for you to have laundry done with a day or two's advance notice.
This is actually a good way to provide a job for someone. Be prepared to pay a
few dollars for this service.
Haitian culture focuses much more on
inter-personal relationships. When
working with a group of people, it is
important to take time to greet
everyone. This may be in the form of a
smile and a "Bonjour" or in the form of a
handshake. Make certain you
acknowledge everyone before you begin
working.
Time schedules are much more flexible
and relaxed in Haiti. Avoid
over-scheduling and be flexible with
your time.
inter-personal relationships. When
working with a group of people, it is
important to take time to greet
everyone. This may be in the form of a
smile and a "Bonjour" or in the form of a
handshake. Make certain you
acknowledge everyone before you begin
working.
Time schedules are much more flexible
and relaxed in Haiti. Avoid
over-scheduling and be flexible with
your time.
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