Haiti October 9-16, 2010

Team Guide
Les Petites Filles de Catherine Déborah Luther a la Lilavois
The Catherine Deborah Luther Orphanage for Young Girls at Lilavois

Martin Luther Chapel

Haiti Lutheran Mission Society
Section 1: What Must be Done ASAP
Application, Deposit & Waiver of Liability
Passport
Health & Medications
Identification
Travel insurance
T shirts
Prayer

Section 2: Overview of Haiti Servant Event

Travel Itinerary
Transportation
Providence Guesthouse
Schedule
Traditions & Customs
Care & Concern
Safety

Section 3: Gear
Baggage
Clothing
Footwear
Hygiene
Gear/Equipment
Food
Incidentals

Section 4: Final Preparations

Pre Trip Checklist

Section 5: Appendix
Prayer Journal
Travel Liability Release
Haiti Travel Warning
French Words & Expressions
Common Creole Terms & Phrases
Newsletters

Section 1: What Must be Done ASAP

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  Application, Deposit & Waiver of Liability
 Passport
 Health & Medications
 Identification
 Travel insurance
 T shirts
 Prayer

Application, Deposit & Waiver

Please complete and turn in your signed application, $250 deposit and
signed waiver of liability form to the Martin Luther Chapel office ASAP.

Passport
If you have an updated passport you are good to go. If you need a first-time
passport or need to renew your passport, go to your county clerk’s office
ASAP to get and submit an application. You will need a passport photo. The
cost for a first-time passport application is $135. The cost for a passport
renewal is $110. If your passport needs to be expedited, the cost is an
additional $60. 1

Health & Medications

The information provided below is advisory only and should be discussed
with your family physician and/or local health department. Health
department appointments must be made ASAP so as to schedule both
Hepatitis shots (if needed) before departure.

Vaccinations currently recommended by health departments (cost $35-$55):

 Hepatitis A and A2
× A is Good for 6-12 months; A2 is good for 20 years
× A2 is a follow up shot 6 months after the A shot
× Get A shot 4-6 weeks before departure

 Tetanus
× Need this if you have not had this shot in the past 7-10 years
× For Haiti travel it is recommended if more than 7 years
 Typhoid
× Can get a shot which is good for 2 years, or:
1 Michigan offers an enhanced driver's license/state identification card to its citizens to ease security concerns and
travel times between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. The EDL acts both as a driver's license and as
a "mini-passport," eliminating the need for Michigan residents to show a passport or certified birth certificate to
leave and re-enter the U.S. The EDL contains a radio frequency identification chip with a randomly chosen number
that represents the owner. Present the card as you approach customs and the chip gets read. The computer pulls
up information about you, which is read by the customs agent. By the time you reach the booth, the agent knows
basic information about you, including your name, citizenship, residence, age, etc. Cost is $45. Available at
Secretary of State Super and Plus offices.

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 × Take a pill series which is good for 5 years

 Hepatitis B1, 2, & 3

× B1 & B2 are necessary for travel to Haiti
× B1 & B2 are given within a month of each other
× Should be started a minimum of 4 weeks prior to travel
× B3 us given 5+ months after B2 and lasts a lifetime

 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

× Recommended for those born in 1957 or later

 Malaria pills
× Ask your doctor usually chloroquine or malerone)

 Medications
× Consult with your doctor about medications (and refills) you will need
to bring with you on the trip.
× The same holds true for any medical devices, appliances or other
health aids you must travel with.
× Be sure to include eyeglasses, contact lenses and any special dental
needs in your contingency planning.

Note: Some members on previous trips have spent time in the sun or gone
to a tanning salon in advance of the trip so as to acclimate their skin to
Haiti’s intense sun.

Identification
In addition to your passport and drivers license, be sure to bring the
following forms of identification on your trip:

× Copy of passport
× Copy of airline ticket
× Health insurance card(s)
× Immunization card
× ATM card (optional)
× List of medications (drug name & dose)

Travel Insurance
Team members are encouraged to purchase traveler’s insurance, either
online through TravelEx (an agency MSU travelers utilize) or contacting
Tamara at Classic Travel in Okemos (517-349-6200) and she will purchase the
insurance for participants.
There are two levels of coverage – basic and select. See the chart below for
a summary.
TravelEx Insurance Costs

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 Age Basic Basic Select Select
w/trip cancel w/trip cancel
ins. ins.

34 & under $22 $33 $28 $49

35 – 50 $27 $42 $35 $59

51 – 60 $31 $50 $41 $63

61 – 70 N/A N/A $49 $77

Basic
$15,000 emergency medical
$15,000 sickness
$100,000 medical evacuation
Not available to persons over age 61

Select
$50,000 emergency accident and sickness
$500,000 emergency evacuation

T Shirts
Please get your preferred T shirt size turned into Louise at the Chapel ASAP.
She can be reached at mlc@martinlutherchapel.org. T shirts of identical
color will be imprinted with our team logo. It is helpful to wear these shirts
on our two travel days.

Prayer
Please pray for the safety and success of the team, those into whose care
the team is commended, the children who will be served at the orphanage,
those who support and encourage the team, our Haitian co-workers and their
families, the Haitian nation, the members of Martin Luther Chapel and
Immanuel Lutheran Church, and the Haiti Lutheran Mission Society.

Section 2: Overview of Haiti Servant Event

 Travel Itinerary
 Transportation
 Providence Guesthouse
 Schedule
 Traditions & Customs

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  Care & Concern
 Safety

Travel Itinerary
The following was booked through Classic Travel (Okemos, Michigan):
Saturday October 9
Depart Detroit via AA Flight 873 07:10 am Depart Miami via Flight 575 02:10
pm
Arrive Miami 10:10 am Arrive Port au Prince 03:10 pm

Saturday October 16
Depart Port au Prince via AA Flight 822 12:05 pm Depart Miami via AA Flight 390
07:35 pm
Arrive Miami 03:20 pm Arrive Detroit 10:35 pm

Providence Guesthouse
We will be staying at Providence Guesthouse located in the northeast section
of Port au Prince. Previous HLMS groups stayed with Gertrude at her former
guesthouse which was destroyed in the earthquake. The guesthouse is
located in a small compound near both Cite Soleil and a broad plain where
many United Nations troops and supply depots are located. Gertrude’s
compound contains the guesthouse, a separate building housing an
orphanage for about 35 special needs children, and a large courtyard. Her
guesthouse will hold approximately 12 guests, divided into men’s and
women’s sleeping rooms. There are also men’s and women’s lavatories.
There is a kitchen and dining room where breakfast and dinner are prepared
and served.

Note:

1. Providence supplies a bed, sheets, pillow, and towel for each guest
2. The guesthouse has wireless broadband internet
3. Providence supplies clean, bottled water for all its guests
4. We will need to bring our own electric fans (optional)
5. You may leave worn clothing to be laundered and distributed to others

Contact Information:
Gertrude Bien-Aime, Proprietor
Providence Guesthouse/Notre Maison Orphanage
Route Nationale # 1 Sarthe 45 Prolonge Rue Camarade # 3, Port au Prince,
Haiti
gertrude_azor66@hotmail.com
Local phone: 011-509-34-09-42-96
Old website: http://www.providenceguesthouse.org/

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Note: The above address for Providence Guesthouse is the one you will need
to put on your Haiti immigration form given to you before we land in Port au
Prince.

Schedule
We have found it helps productivity, morale, safety and our general esprit if
we devise and adhere to a schedule. Here is a suggested schedule:

Saturday October 9
Travel day & settle at Providence Guesthouse
Sunday October 10
Worship Service
Tour of earthquake damage

Monday October 11
Lilavois Orphanage
Sisters of Charity Children’s Hospital (optional)

Tuesday October 12
Lilavois Orphanage
Mother Theresa’s Home for the Dying (optional)

Wednesday October 13
Lilavois Orphanage
VBS

Thursday October 14
Lilavois Orphanage
Haitian Dinner at Isidor Home

Friday October 15
Lilavois Orphanage
Pack Up

Saturday October 16
Lookout Point Excursion (early/optional)
Travel day & return home

General Daily Schedule

× Arise
× Breakfast at Guesthouse
× Group devotions
× Depart for Orphanage
× Work
× Lunch (on own)
× Work
× Return to Guesthouse
× Dinner at Guesthouse (or Isidor Home)
× Service activity, rest or free time

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 × Group devotions
× Lights out

Traditions & Customs

Despite being the poorest nation in the western hemisphere (a distinction
even before the earthquake) there are certain Haitian traditions and customs
worth noting and respecting.

Attire
Women dress modestly in this sub-tropical climate. While some women wear
shorts (and many children do) they are usually not “short shorts” and
clothing like halter tops and tank tops are seldom seen. Most adult women
wear knee-length skirts/dresses or pants/capris/jeans. Men wear jeans and
pants but seldom shorts. It seems as if everyone in Haiti goes to Sunday
worship service. Women mostly wear dresses or skirts. Men typically wear
suits or slacks, dress shirt and tie. In sum, anything worn that is skimpy or
revealing is generally considered impolite.

Taking Pictures
While taking pictures is a “must” for every team member (and we like to
combine and exchange photos on our return to help tell our story), it is
generally considered impolite to take pictures of Haitians without their prior
consent. Usually, just pointing at your camera while smiling and nodding at
your intended subject(s) and then waiting for a return nod is all that it takes.
Still, either because of modesty, privacy or, perhaps, voodoo teachings,
some nationals will not give their consent which we must respect.

Tipping
Haitians appreciate tipping for even the smallest acts of service but they do
not necessarily expect it. We generally encourage team members to bring
several $1 bills (bring U.S. bills as they are more valuable than Haitian
currency and they are frequently used in Haitian-to-Haitian transactions).
Tips of $1-3 are generally sufficient but larger tips may be warranted based
on your experience, sensibilities and the kind of service rendered. The
average Haitian subsists on about $1 a day.

Bartering
We won’t have much of a chance to shop but in dealing with souvenir sellers
and street vendors, bartering is expected. Many speak enough English that
you won’t need to worry about translation. All transactions will be in U.S.
dollars. Currently, the rate of exchange is 40.29 Haitian Gourdes to $1 U.S.

Care & Concern

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 A. Team members are encouraged to watch out for one another, both in
terms of knowing that everyone is accounted for, but also in terms of
how other members are physically and emotionally holding up. For
example—you want to keep an eye on your “buddy” to make sure he
or she is getting enough water or taking a break when needed.
Another example – if a team member seems disturbed by something
they’ve seen (e.g. the chronic, widespread poverty or the level of
devastation from the earthquake) please find a private moment to
seek them out and reach out to them. Devotions are also a good time
to debrief and becalm ourselves.

B. Being in Haiti can affect everyone differently. Haiti is a nation of

beautiful, beguiling and dignified people. Though deforested, the
landscapes still possess much beauty. It is also a land of extreme
poverty. We need to remind ourselves that Haiti is a nation that God
created and loves deeply. We try, as individuals and as a group, to be
respectful, open and not judgmental of the people or their
circumstances. We also try, however, to understand that we each
process things subjectively.

C. Some of what our team may see and experience can be unsettling,
even troubling. Team members may find that these sights and
experiences create a kind of sensory overload. We seek mutual
patience and comradery at such times.

D. Mutual respect, consideration, openness and support of all our team

members in their week-long journey as members of the Haiti Servant
Event team is a blessing that we treasure.

Safety
Based on the experience of previous trips to Haiti and the mission trip
template developed by Martin Luther Chapel and the Haiti Lutheran Mission
Society, the following practices are recommended:

Group integrity
While every effort is made to respect and accommodate the personal space
of each member, remaining in fairly close proximity to the team as a whole is
pretty essential to individual safety. Leaving the orphanage or guesthouse
compound alone, or even with another person or two, is discouraged. Even
going to church, or visiting the Sisters of Charity children’s hospital or home
for the dying, for example, the best practice is to stay in or near the group.
We use a buddy system where with every major group daily movement we
account for our buddy.

Guesthouse

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Gertrude has 1-2 men assigned to keep watch over the guesthouse and
orphanage compound all night every night. Like many of the structures in
Haiti, these buildings are surrounded by high walls, as are the buildings that
make up the Lilavois orphanage compound. Notre Maison (Gertrude’s
orphanage) may actually derive an unintended safety benefit from the fact
that all of the children there are special needs (some Haitians regard such
children’s conditions resulting from voodoo).

Surface Transportation
Our driver, Leonard, navigates his 22-passenger bus with an encyclopedic
knowledge of roads and lanes. He has been driving for HLMS mission groups
for at least 15 years. He frequently varies the routes he drives to and from
the guesthouse and orphanage. He also uses an informal system of friends
who serve as sentinels-with-cell-phones to stay on top of developments and
help chart spontaneous route changes.2 Leonard is the brother of Elucie
Louis who serves as general contractor for all HLMS projects.
Lilavois Orphanage
When our team goes to work at the orphanage, there will be approximately
20 people working together (our team plus Haitian workers) in a 300’ x 150’
enclosure surrounded by a 10 foot high perimeter wall. The orphanage is
situated about an hour’s drive northeast from Port au Prince on a broad, flat
central plain fringed on either side by low, dun-colored mountains.

Port au Prince Airport

1. Sticking close together for arriving at and departing from the airport is
important. It can be somewhat chaotic there, especially getting all the
bags together, through customs and accounted for on arrival as well as
the long, hot queue for departure.

2. We have often, if fancifully, described our group as a giant amoeba,

moving in concert through the din going on around us.

3. We order brightly colored T-shirts (same color) primarily to wear for our
airport arrivals and departures so as to make quick visual identification
possible.

4. Keeping the group together as we leave the terminal and make our
way to Leonard’s bus is especially important. Porters and would-be
porters try mightily to separate out individual members from the group
so as to earn money schlepping bags. This is strongly discouraged
because of the need for group integrity. When approaches are made to
individual team members, just keep pointing to the designated group
leader who will work with designated porters.

2 Despite Haiti’s extreme poverty, it sometimes seems as if everyone has a cell phone, just like in the U.S.

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 5. There may be children and adults who lost limbs, eyesight or were
disfigured by fire in the earthquake seeking alms as we make our way
from the terminal to Leonard’s bus. It is usually best to keep pointing
to the group leader as you move ever forward. This keeps the group
advancing – and together – which are important safety factors. The
moment anyone pulls out a dollar bill at this particular venue (the
airport), even for the best of reasons, several dozen folks will descend
on that individual.

6. When we leave the terminal, we need to gather our bags onto carts
(we’ll need 2 or 3 of these). The designated group leader needs to
lead the way towards Leonard’s bus which may be relatively close or
may be relatively far. One person needs to push each cart and another
person needs to help guide each cart front. One or two people need to
take responsibility for the rear of the group and help keep things
moving forward and in visual contact with the designated leader. They
also need to keep counting the colored T shirts ahead of them.

7. We need to account for everyone’s bags and carry-ons before

venturing outside the terminal and again once we start loading them
onto Leonard’s bus.
U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince
From the U.S. State Department/Haiti website: For emergencies involving
American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit
of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at Boulevard du 15 Octobre,
Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti; telephone (509) 2-229-8000; after hours
emergency telephone (509) 2-229-8000; ACS Unit fax (509) 2-229-8027; and
e-mail at acspap@state.gov. For further information, go to Warden Message
100 (issued June 25, 2010): http://haiti.usembassy.gov/warden-messages-
2010/travelers-arriving-from-u.s.-targeted-by-criminals-25-june-2010 and
Warden Message 101 (issued June 30, 2010):
http://haiti.usembassy.gov/warden-messages-2010/warden-message-no.-101.

Martin Luther Chapel

Pastor David Dressel is the primary contact person during our absence. He
can be reached at (517) 332-0778 and his email is dresseld@msu.edu. He is
the person we will contact in an emergency and who family members should
be in contact with during such time.

Haiti Lutheran Mission Society, USA

HLMS is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. The executive director is Dick
Buethe. His contact phone is 402-474-2063 and his email is
rnnbuethe@yahoo.com. The HLMS website is http://www.haitilutheran.org/
(inexplicably this site is mostly inactive, but it has good background
information). HLMS also has a Facebook page which appears to be
somewhat more active.

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Section 3: Gear

 Baggage
 Clothing
 Footwear
 Hygiene
 Gear/Equipment
 Food
 Incidentals

Baggage
American Airlines allows passengers to check two 50-lb bags and one 40-lb
carry-on without additional charge. Based on experience, the most practical
checked luggage to bring are large canvas or nylon duffle-type bags because
they are relatively inexpensive, weigh little and durable. Air travel inside the
U.S. can be hard on luggage; travel to and from Haiti can be downright
bruising. For certain things it may be necessary for our group to share one
hard-sided bag but unless you’re devoted to a set of luggage, we
recommend you leave your nice stuff begin and go with the duffle-type. For
your carry-on, a large back-pack seems to work well but whatever you prefer
to travel with (and take to the orphanage each day) rules. Remember that
your carry-on/backpack is also what you use to and from the orphanage each
day.
It is important to weigh your bags and carry on before you depart for Metro
Airport to ensure you are within limits. Overweight bags will cost from $50 to
$100 additional at the ticket counter.

Note: Make sure to tag your bags and carry-on before you leave for Metro
Airport as well as mark them with matching colored cloth-strips used by all
team members (usually the color matches our T shirts).

Carry-On & Security Screening

For information about what American Airlines permits for carry-on baggage,
please refer to:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/carryOnAllowance.jsp.

According to the American Airline website, the following points apply to the
contents of your carry-on:

The following items may be transported in carry-on baggage only if in a 3.4-

oz container or smaller and transported in a one-quart clear, plastic, zip-top
bag. Otherwise, these items must be packed in checked baggage.

× Toiletries – shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, perfume, shaving foam,

aerosols, deodorant, eye care products

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 × Cosmetic products – perfume, hair spray/gel, lip gloss, mascara, nail
polish, makeup removers/cleansers, foundation
× Non-solid food items – soups, syrups, pressurized food containers
(cheese or whipped cream), gelatin, pudding, yogurt
× Liquid soaps, sanitizers, bath oils, bubble bath
× Any creams, ointments or lotions
× All other liquids/gels not listed here

To simplify your security screening for carry-on bags:

× Place all liquid containers in a separate clear plastic, zip-top bag no

larger than 8in x 8in (20cm x 20cm) or is quart size. Items must fit in
the bag comfortably so that it closes completely.
× Individual liquid containers should be no larger than 3.4 ounces/100
ml.
× Remove the plastic bag from the cabin bag at the security checkpoint
for separate x-ray screening.
× Customers carrying liquids in their cabin bags may be subject to
secondary searches before boarding.

Note: It is recommended that you put your medications in your carry-on.

Leaving them in your checked bags can sometimes result in their loss while
out of your sight. The same holds true for valuables like cash, cameras,
rings, etc.

Clothing
Experience shows that the following points are worth noting:

1. Bring clothing you would not mind leaving in Haiti

2. Bring clothing you are okay with getting grungy and roughed up
3. Pack light (work clothes, casual wear, Sunday attire)
4. As hard as it can sometimes be, try not to overpack
5. It will be hot (in October Haiti averages 90’s days and 70’s nights) and
humid

Clothing Suggestions:
(space for notes/additional suggestions)
All:
Accessories (belts, etc) _________________________________________
Athletic socks _________________________________________
Ball cap or hat _________________________________________
Bandanas/headbands/doo-rags
_________________________________________
Jeans (lightweight)
_________________________________________
Lightweight PJs _________________________________________

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Lightweight, short-sleeved shirts
_________________________________________
Rain slick (disposable kind)
_________________________________________
Shorts, bermudas, cutoffs
_________________________________________
Sweatshirt, sweater, windbreaker
_________________________________________
T shirts _________________________________________

Men:
Sunday slacks, shirt & tie
_________________________________________

Women:
Sunday dress/skirt & top
_________________________________________

Discouraged:
Æ Bikini tops or bottoms _______________________________
Æ Most jewelry
_______________________________
Æ Shirts with questionable language/symbols
_______________________________
Æ Short-shorts
_______________________________
Æ Short skirts/dresses
_______________________________
Æ Tank tops, halter tops _______________________________

Footwear
Wear closed-toe shoes when you are not at the Guesthouse. Haiti is a very
dusty place, with open sewers in many of the streets, roadsides and
walkways. There are lots of uneven surfaces, and jagged concrete rubble is
everywhere. You will probably be most comfortable if you wear broken-in
work boots and/or old-but-sturdy tennis shoes. Sandals can be worn to
Church and flip-flops/shower shoes at the Guesthouse.
Hygiene
This is an important subject because if care and precaution is taken, a great
number of unpleasantries can be avoided.

The following principles are important:

× Wash your hands with premoistened disinfectant wipes as often as you

can

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 × Wipe the top of a bottle or can with disinfectant wipes before drinking

× Do not drink any water except from the 5 gallon dispenser at the
Guesthouse

× Do not brush your teeth with tap water/allow shower water into your
mouth

× It is okay to drink bottled soda (if you wipe the top before drinking)

× Avoid contact with any animals and do not feed stray dogs (rabies)

× Going barefoot is not recommended

× Purchasing food, fruit or water from street vendors is strongly

discouraged

Incidentals3
Among the incidentals and toiletry items to consider bringing are:

Aloe or sunburn spray _________________________________________

Anti- diarrheal medicine _________________________________________
Antihistamine _________________________________________
Baby powder/talc _________________________________________
Anti-bacterial hand soap
_________________________________________
Basic first aid supplies4 _________________________________________
Brush/comb _________________________________________
Bug repellent (permitherin)5 _________________________________________
Chapstick _________________________________________
Deodorant _________________________________________
Electrolyte supplement _________________________________________
Eye care products
_________________________________________
Hand towels
_________________________________________

3 In addition to first aid items, many of these items can be coordinated amongst team members so as to reduce
weight.

4 The team should coordinate first aid items to prevent duplication and lighten the overall weight of our supplies.
First aid supplies used most often on past Haiti trips include: bandaids, peroxide, alcohol wipes, afterbite, gauze,
large bandages, neosporiu, vitamin E, urea-based instant ice, scissors, needle & thread, tweezers, ace bandages,
antibiotics, cornpads, Tums, Alka Seltzer

5 Deet is not favored in the U.S. but on previous Haiti trips it really helped to keep the bugs & mosquitos away.

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Intestinal upset medicine6
_________________________________________
Laxative medicine
_________________________________________
Medications7
_________________________________________
Muscle & joint ointment _________________________________________
Pain medication _________________________________________
Purell, pre-moistened hand wipes
_________________________________________
Shampoo _________________________________________
Shaving supplies _________________________________________
Sunblock (spf 35 or higher) _________________________________________
Surplus medications
_________________________________________
Toothpaste _________________________________________
Toothbrush/container _________________________________________
Travel-sized lotions (Home for Dying)
_________________________________________
Travel TP (for use at orphanage/on road)
_________________________________________
Vitamins _________________________________________
Washcloths _________________________________________
Water bottle (collapsible or lightweight)
_________________________________________
Water purification tablets (contingency)
_________________________________________

Gear/Equipment
Backpack, duffel or musette bag for carry-on
_________________________________
Bandanas/doo-rag
_________________________________
Bible _________________________________
Bottle opener _________________________________
Camera & extra batteries
_________________________________

6 The typical prescription medication for this ailment that doctors prescribe is ciprofloxacin. There have been
reports that use of this drug with certain anti-malarial drugs is problematic. In March, a number of our team
members used Pepto Bismol because of these reports. Consult your doctor.

7 There is conflicting advice on travelling with prescription medications. One school says bring the medications in
their original bottles/packages as this can help quickly identify and explain medications to customs officials and
police. Another school says to only bring what you need along with a medication list to help reduce bulk and
weight.

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Cards, Frisbee, etc
_________________________________
Clothesline/pins _________________________________
Cell phone/charger
_________________________________
Clip on reading light _________________________________
Devotion materials (if any)
_________________________________
Dust mask _________________________________
Extension cord(s) _________________________________
Fan (lightweight) _________________________________
Flashlight _________________________________
Garbage bag(s) _________________________________
Glasses (extra pair/s) _________________________________
Gloves (latex)
_________________________________
Journal, pens, pencils _________________________________
Money belt _________________________________
Mosquito netting _________________________________
Sunglasses (and spare) _________________________________
Towel _________________________________
Water container (1/2/5 gal)
_________________________________
Work gloves (rubber palmed) _________________________________
Ziplock bags (extra)
_________________________________

Other Gear to be Packed:

VBS supplies8
Food for Haitian co-workers
Relief supplies (clothing, health, other)
Small tools

Food
Other than during airline travel, your breakfast and dinner is provided as part
of your Providence Guesthouse stay. Team members pack their own lunches
for the week. We always bring extra food to share with our Haitian co-
workers. They usually eat some during lunch and take the rest home to their
families. What food one brings is necessarily subjective. Some examples of
non-perishable foods brought on previous trips include:

Protein
8 The VBS leader(s) is responsible for deciding what needs to be taken. Pre-made food packets using small Ziplock
bags seem to work well. Other things that have been used in conjunction with the theme and./or Bible lesson
include: silly string, balloons, Tootsie Pops, crafting supplies, crosses, much more. Like dollar bills at the airport,
it’s best to consolidate to help maintain fairness and order.

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Beef, chicken or turkey jerky
Chicken chunks in foil pouches
Devilled ham or chicken
Energy bars
Military MRE’s (available at PX stores)
Pepperoni slices
Peanut butter
Pre-cooked bacon
Spam
Summer sausage
Tuna fish in foil pouches
Waxed encased cheese (small size)

Fruit & Vegetables

Dried fruits (apricots, bananas, etc)
Fruit cups
Raisins, craisins, prunes
Sun dried tomatoes

Snacks
Cereal bars
Chex Mix
Crackers
Granola bars
Kraft cheese (spray can)
Nuts
Pop tarts
Pretzels
Red licorice
Trail mix

Drink
Boxed or foiled juices
Electrolyte supplement
Gatorade powder mix
Lemonade/punch powder mix
Tea bags (sun tea)

Other
Foil condiment packets
Pita bread

Section 4: Final Preparations

 Pre Trip Checklist

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Pre-Trip Checklist

Some questions to ask of yourself as you finalize packing:

 Do I have the medications/refills that I need?

 Do I have/have I been taking my malaria medication?
 Am I familiar with the American Airlines baggage & carry-on
restrictions?
 Have I shared emergency contact information with family/friends?
 Do I have all my baggage tagged, including my Haiti Team identifier?
 Have I weighed (and re-weighed) my baggage and carry-on?
 Am I taking anything I am prepared to lose, have stolen or be
damaged?
 Am I prepared for a cold, the flu, stomach upset, constipation and
minor pain?

Departure Date Checklist:

 Airline voucher
 Airline carry-on restrictions
 Bible
 Copy of passport
 Copy of phone tree
 Devotion list
 Passport, ID, cash, heath cards
 Personal & malaria medications
 Shots record
 Team Guide

Section 5: Appendix

 Prayer Journal
 Release of Liability
 French Words & Expressions
 Common Creole Terms & Phrases
 Newsletters

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 Sample Prayer Journal from 2008

Prayer Journal for Haiti Lutheran Mission Project

February 29 - March 9, 2008

We invite you to pray daily with us and for us as we travel on this mission trip to be with God’s people
in Haiti. We’ll work, have fun, grow in community, and learn in His Word. We value your presence
with us in thought and prayer.

We also invite your prayers for three other mission teams from Martin Luther Chapel traveling to
Phoenix, El Paso and Nicaragua.

During our week in Haiti we will focus on the theme of Galatians 5:13:

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather,
serve one another in love."

Even before we leave on February 29th, we invite you to pray for our mission trip preparations.

Please include a prayer of thanksgiving for all from Martin Luther Chapel and others outside our
church

home who helped plan and prepare for these mission trips. The response to letters from mission

participants asking for financial support was overwhelming! A special prayer of thanksgiving to those
who

supported our trip with donated goods, financially and to all those who support us in prayer! Thank
you!

Friday, February 29th 2008 (Day of travel)

† Please pray for our safety in travel, for ease in making connecting flights and retrieving luggage.
We have two groups traveling to Port au Prince, Haiti
† Group One (Rich, Judy and Kate Bearup; Keith and Kim Waller) will be leaving from Detroit very
early Friday, February 29, on American Airlines, Flight 2079 at 6:50 a.m. through Chicago and
to Miami, arriving in Port Au Prince, 4:00 p.m.
† Group Two (Katie Beth Hammond, Kris Martin, Kristina Miller, Lauren Paluta and Andrew Temme)
departing Detroit on Friday, February 29, on Northwest Airlines, Flight 0250 at 9:07 p.m.
through Fort Lauderdale (long lay over) arriving in Port au Prince 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 1.
† Please pray that we all are in good health as we travel.
† Pray that our hearts and minds are prepared for service to God and going forth as His
ambassadors and carrying the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
† Pray that loved ones at home may be kept safe and healthy while we are away.

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 † Pray for our driver, Leonard Isidor, who will meet us at the airport and take us daily to and from
the worksite, to the beach and to hospitals and orphanage for visits. Pray for the health and
safety of his family and for safety in our travels with him.
† Pray for Gertrude Bien-Aime Azor who is our host at Providence Guest House in Port au Prince
where we will stay. Pray for her work with the Sisters of Mercy in Haiti and the orphanage, Notre
Maison, for severely handicapped children, which is under her direction. Pray for Gertrude's
mission of mentoring young women of Haiti, as she helps prepare them with skills in sewing and
needlework.
† Pray for Jean Rodnel Cherisme (TiJean), a young man who works with us at the job site. He is a
restavek (child slave) who was sold by his father to his older sister to care for her and her three
children.

Saturday, March 1st 2008.

† Schedule: Breakfast, devotions (held daily in the morning and evening and led alternately by a
team member), pick up Group Two at airport, sort and ready for distribution our hand-carried gifts
for orphanage, children's hospital, home for the dying and Delmas Lutheran Church No. 89.
† Schedule: Pick up Group Two from Port au Prince Airport at 10:45 am.
† Pray that all remember that as servants our days cannot be entirely planned. We must be
prepared for change and surprise and be ready to do God's work in God's way.
† Schedule: Making final preparation for VBS at worksite Thursday and Friday.
† Schedule: Prepare schedule of visitations during the week: Notre Maison, orphanage for special
needs children, Grace Children's Hospital and Mother Theresa's Home for the Dying.
† Schedule: Evening devotion and team preparation of music for Sunday church service.

Sunday, March 2nd 2008

† Pray for us as we have a morning of worship (in Creole) at Delmas Lutheran Church No. 89, in Port
au Prince. Pray for strong yet humble voices as we share a group song with the congregation in
thanks to God and the opportunity to be with these Christian brothers and sisters.
† Please pray that God grants us strength to be ourselves as we meet new people from a different
cultural background.
† Please pray for Pastor Jean Louis, Pastor at Delmas Church and his sister, Elucie. Elucie also
serves as work coordinator for mission workers and accompanies us to worksite.
† Pray that our travel to the American beach for an afternoon of swimming and beach time will be
safe. Give wisdom for all to protect against too much sun.

Monday, March 3rd 2008 (Our real mission begins)

† Pray that God may renew our focus on what we need to do to serve Him.
† Please pray that we may encounter receptive hearts to those we strive to help. May we, and
they, be open to the Gospel.
† Ask God to bless our time with the Haitian youth and the witness we share with them.
† Please pray for our relationship with Jesus, that we are able to give joyfully of ourselves while
sharing God’s love.
† Pray that we may be able to adapt and be flexible to all the challenges and changes that we may
face.

Tuesday, March 4th 2008

† Ask God to give our group cooperation, a spirit of hard work and teamwork while we serve the
people of Haiti.
† Give thanks for the continued blessing of the freedom of religion that the Haitian people have.

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 † Pray for the countless numbers of Haitians that lose their way in their practice of Voodoo.
† Please pray that we may enjoy our time touring Haiti, while learning about a new country and
culture.

Wednesday, March 5th 2008

† As we meet new people, pray that our actions and our words would be reflections of Christ and
others would be strengthened and encouraged by us.
† Please pray for our group that we may support, love and build each other up during this time of
service.
† Pray that as we help others learn more about Jesus, we also continue to grow in His word.
Especially keep our Bible study time lifted up to God.
† Pray that as we meet those in poverty and despair that we meet them with humility, gratitude
and a message of HOPE.

Thursday, March 6th, 2008

† Pray that our VBS activities reach hearts and minds of those that need to hear in spite of the
language barrier.
† Pray that, in the flurry of events and opportunities upon us, we continue to remember the true
meaning of being a servant and follower of Jesus.
† Please pray that we do not become too easily discouraged or tired in our activities.
† Pray for the soldiers with the United Nations forces that continue to work in Haiti to protect
citizens against outbreak of civil unrest and violence. Pray for their safety and for the families of
soldiers separated from their loved ones.
† Please pray that God consistently extends His love through our thoughts, works, and prayers.
† Pray for the completion of the 42-bed orphanage in Lilavois (which our team worked on during
the 2007 trip).
† Pray for the children of Haiti left orphaned where Aids or TB takes their parents at an early age.

Friday, March 7th 2008

† Pray that God would continue to watch over us as we continue to travel around Haiti and as we
share Jesus in VBS in word and action.
† Pray for missionaries around the world and that they may be encouraged to continue to spread
God’s world.
† Please pray that we may be filled with the Holy Spirit and be focused on the Word, especially in
our daily Bible study.
† Pray that all participants will experience how mission trips are always changing and how we are
being used where God needs us!! Help us to SEE God's Hand working through us!!!.

Saturday, March 8th, 2007

† Pray for the country of Haiti and its natural resources and the affects of deforestation which has
been depleted and turned to charcoal for cooking, leaving mountains brown, beautiful still, but
absent of green vegetation.
† Pray for the many who have left their homeland and all they have to live and work in Haiti to help
built the country by helping with agricultural development and water purification.
† Ask God for determination and perseverance of all who labor for the souls of the many in Haiti.
† Pray for our mission team that we may leave a lasting impression of the God we serve, as we say
our "good bys" to the old and new friends we've made.
† Pray that we are eager to share our faith in love and that we are open to new opportunities for
ministry.

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 † Pray for our safe travel as we return to Michigan. Again, we ask for ease in making connecting
flights and retrieving luggage. Group One leaving Port au Prince at 12:00 noon, American Airlines,
Flight 1988 to Fort Lauderdale and through to Chicago to spend the night. Group Two leaving Port
au Prince at 1:40 p.m., American Airlines Flight 0822 to Miami and departure to Detroit. Arriving
Detroit 10:50 p.m.
† Pray for those traveling to retrieve students and return them to East Lansing.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

† Group One leaves Chicago at 7:25 a.m., American Airlines Flight 1766 for Detroit
† Retrieve cars and head for home sweet home.
† Praise to God for our opportunity to serve in Haiti.
† Give thanks for safety and health during our trip.
† Give us great joy with our families, friends and coworkers as we share our new experiences with
them.
† May God give us courage to press onward and formulate new goals for our personal mission
opportunities right here at home.
† May we remember God first and foremost in our hearts and minds and thank Him for all the
blessings we have re-discovered as a result of this trip.

We thank God for your sincere prayers and daily support. Your financial gifts were such a blessing. We appreciate
your participation in this meaningful journey. We are blessed to have had you as a part of our team. Without you,
our trip would have been impossible.

May all praise and glory be given to God alone!

MARTIN LUTHER CHAPEL

TRAVEL LIABILITY RELEASE FORM

I, __________________________ (name), understand that . . .

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o Participating in Martin Luther Chapel’s servant event to Haiti (October 9 –
16, 2010) is elective and that I could encounter health and/or safety risks as
a result of that decision.

o It is my responsibility to assess all of the risks associated with traveling to

Haiti including those mentioned in the attached U. S. Department of State
Travel Warning dated July 19, 2010 (that was current information as of
6/24/10), and that I am at liberty to change my mind about participating at
any time before departing for Port-au-Prince. I affirm that I have completed
that assessment and have decided to participate in Martin Luther Chapel’s
Haiti servant event.

o It is my responsibility to maintain a current knowledge of travel and

medical advisories, or other risks until my departure and while I am in Haiti.

o It is my responsibility to notify the team leadership if I learn of anything

that would alter the risks to others or me at any time.

o The team leaders and ministry of Martin Luther Chapel cannot predict or
prevent me from becoming involved in acts of crime or violence during my
trip in Haiti, and while they will do everything in their power to aid and assist
me if trouble arises, I also understand that they may not be able to give aid
or intervene in such circumstances.

o To the best of my knowledge my health is good enough to undertake this

trip. If I have any question about my health, I will visit my physician and
discuss this trip before I go. In addition, I understand that I may undergo
types of exertion that I am not used to including strenuous exercise in the
direct heat of the Caribbean sun. I understand that medical care and
facilities might not be readily available and that they probably will not meet
the standards expected in the United States, therefore I have purchased
medical insurance to provide for my evacuation and treatment in the U.S. in
case of illness or injury.

I agree to . . .

o Act in a responsible way while in Haiti and to follow the directions of the
team leadership to minimize risks to myself and other members of the team,
and I agree to submit to the team leaders’ judgment and/or correction if my
behavior is called into question.

o Release and hold harmless Martin Luther Chapel and all its officers,
agents and staff for any and all claims and costs due to any liability, injury or
damage which might occur as a result of my international experience,
associated travel and living arrangement.

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 Because it could be in my best interests, I agree to . . .

o Allow the team leadership to release personal information about me to the

U.S. State Department or other agencies if they believe that it would be in
my best interest.

_______________________________ ______________________________

Signature of mission volunteer Printed name of mission volunteer

_______________________________ ______________________________

Signature of witness Date

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Travel Warning

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Haiti
June 24, 2010
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti in the aftermath of the January 12
earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince. This replaces the Travel Warning for Haiti dated March 15,
2010, and provides updated information for U.S. citizens in Haiti.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti. The January 12
earthquake caused significant damage to key infrastructure and access to basic services remains
limited. The country continues to experience shortages of food, drinking water, transportation and
adequate shelter. The earthquake significantly reduced the capacity of Port-au-Prince’s medical
facilities and inadequate public sanitation poses serious health risks. While the Embassy's ability to
provide emergency consular services has improved in the months following the earthquake, it is still
limited. The level of violent crime in Port-au-Prince, including murder and kidnapping, remains high.

Those wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that despite their good intentions, travel
to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need on the
ground. Those wishing to volunteer their services are advised that Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) are reporting that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited. Cash donations are
the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti. Cash allows established organizations to
purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake
without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial
contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment,
and space. Cash donations also support Haiti's local economy and ensure that culturally and
environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered. The following website has information on how to
assist in the Haiti earthquake relief effort: http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake

U.S. citizens who intend to work for an organization involved in relief efforts in Haiti should be aware
that living conditions are difficult, and the availability of food supplies, clean drinking water and
adequate shelter in Haiti is limited. U.S. citizens seeking work with a relief organization should confirm
before traveling to Haiti that the organization has the capability to provide food, water, transportation,
and shelter for its paid and volunteer workers. All relief organizations should have a security plan in
place for their personnel.

Strong aftershocks are likely for months after an earthquake. In the event of an aftershock, persons
outside should avoid falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings and
other structures that may collapse. If indoors, take shelter beside furniture, not underneath. Avoid

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damaged buildings and downed power lines. Do not use matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame
in case there are disrupted gas lines.

U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti despite this warning are reminded that there remains a
persistent danger of violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and kidnapping. In particular,
there have been a number of recent cases in which travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights from
the United States were attacked and robbed while traveling in cars away from the airport. At least two
American citizens have been shot and killed in such incidents in recent months. Police authorities
believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the United States, following them,
and attacking once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging
transportation from the airport. Most kidnappings are criminal in nature, and the kidnappers make no
distinctions of nationality, race, gender, or age. Some kidnap victims have been killed, shot, sexually
assaulted, or physically abused. While the capacity and capabilities of the Haitian National Police have
improved since 2006, the presence of UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) peacekeeping troops and UN-
formed police units remain critical to maintaining an adequate level of security throughout the country.
The lack of civil protections in Haiti, as well as the limited capability of local law enforcement to resolve
crime, further compounds the security threat to American citizens.

While MINUSTAH remains fully deployed and is assisting the Government of Haiti in providing security,
travel is always hazardous within Port-au-Prince. U.S. Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-
imposed curfew and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew.
Some areas are off-limits to Embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-Prince. The
Embassy restricts travel by its staff to some areas outside of Port-au-Prince because of the prevailing
road, weather, or security conditions. This may constrain our ability to provide emergency services to
U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations and violence may occasionally limit Embassy
operations to emergency services, even within Port-au-Prince.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Haiti despite this Travel Warning are urged to register their travel
through the State Department's travel registration website. The Embassy of the United States Port-au-
Prince Haiti is located at Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti, telephone: (509) (2) 229-
8000, facsimile: (509) (2) 229-8027, email: acspap@state.gov American Citizens Services Unit office
hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and
local holidays. After hours, weekend & holidays: Please call Post One (U.S. Marine Guard) at (509) (2)
229-8000. The Marine guard will connect you with the Embassy Duty Officer.

While the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency consular services is limited, registration will enable
receipt of warden messages via email. Current information on safety and security can also be
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United
States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.

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French Words & Expressions

à la belle étoile under the beautiful star: in the open air at night
a bientot see you soon
à la bonne heure at a good time: well and good: all right
aujourd’hui today
beau geste a graceful or magnanimous gesture
beaucoup
beaux yeux beautiful eyes: beauty of face
belle a popular and attractive girl
bete noire a person or thing strongly detested or avoided
bien sur of course
bien vu well regarded
bon mot a clever remark: witticism
bonne chance luck
bonne foi good faith
bonne journee have a good day
bonne nuit good night
bonne sois good evening
ça va sans dire it goes without saying
capable de tout capable of anything: unpredictable
ca me plait I like it
ca ne fait rien it doesn’t matter
ca vas/d’accord OK/agreed
cela se pronounce comment how is that pronounced?
cela depend that depends
cela m’est egal I don’t mind
c'est autre chose that's a different thing
c’est aussi petit/grand que it’s as small/big as
c’est bien that’s fine
c'est la vie that's life: that's how things happen
c’est un peu comme it’s a bit like
c’est une sorte de it’s sort of
c’est plus court/long que it’s shorter/longer than
chacun à son gout everyone to his taste
cherchez la femme look for the woman
combien how much/many
comme ci, comme ça so-so
comment dit-on cela en francais/anglais how do you say that in French/English
comment how
comment allez vous how are you?
compagnon de voyage traveling companion
corps d'elite a group of the best people in a category
coup de maître masterstroke
coup d'essai experiment: trial
cri de Coeur a passionate outcry
d'accord in accord: agreed
de bonne grace with good grace: willingly
de mal en pis from bad to worse
dernier cri the newest fashion
desoler sorry
Dieu vous garde God keep you
ecclaircies lightning
en ami as a friend
en famille in or with one's family: at home: informally

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en plein air in the open air
est-ce que vous parlais angalis do you speak English?
est-ce que vous pouvrez m’aider can you help me?
fait accompli accomplished fact
felicitations congratulations
fer-de-lance a large extremely venomous pit viper of Central and So. America
fils son
folie de grandeur delusion of greatness: megalomania
garde du corps bodyguard
gens d'église church people: clergy
homme d'esprit man of wit
honnête homme honest man
ici on parle français French is spoken here
il fait beau it’s nice
il fait chaud it’s hot
it fait frois it’s cold
il neige it’s snowy
il pleut it’s rainy
il y a du vent it’s windy
il n’y apas de quois You’re welcome
j’ai oublie le mot pour I have forgotten the word for
je ne sais pas I don’t know
je ne sais quoi something that cannot be adequately described or expressed
je ne comprend spas I don’t understand
je veux I want
je voudrais I’d like
Joyeuses Paques Happy Easter
j'y suis, j'y reste here I am, here I remain
la reine le veut the queen wills it
l’apres midi afternoon
le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point the heart has its reasons that
reason knows nothing of
laissez-mos tranquille leave me alone
le matin morning
l'union fait la force union makes strength
nous verrons ce que nous verrons we shall see what we shall see
nuit blanche white night: a sleepless night
ou where
ou est where is
par excellence being the best of a kind: preeminent
parler plus lentement, s’il vous plais please speak slower
place aux dames (make) room for the ladies
plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose the more that changes, the more it's the
same thing
pourquoi why?
Pouvez vous expliquer cela, s’il vous plait could you explain that please
prenez/prends garde take care
prochain next
quand when
quel domage that’s a shame
qu’est-ce que c’est what’s that?
Qu’est-ce que cela veut dire? What does that mean?
raison d'etre reason or justification for existence
sans doute without doubt
sans souci without worry

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si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait! if youth only knew, if age only could!.
s'il vous plait if you please
tant mieux so much the better
toujours perdrix always partridge: too much of a good thing
tout à vous wholly yours: at your service
tout ensemble all together
un orage storm
vive la reine long live the queen
vive le roi long live the king
voilà tout that's all
voici her is/are
voulez-vous m’ecrirecela, s’il vous plait would you write that down please
vrais true

il/s he/they il est he is

elle/s she/they elle est she is
nous we les them
le/la him/her nous sommes we are
ca it/that ils sont/elle sont they are
c’est it is eux them
moi me

petit small/short bas low

grand large/tall haut high
jeune young leger light
vieux/vielle old lourd heavy
fort strong propre clean
faible weak sale dirty
plein full proche near
vide empty facile easy
sec dry difficile hard
bon good pauvre poor
mauvais bad riche rich
nouveau new heureux happy
plus more tout/e all
fatigue tired moins less
triste sad tres very
est is sain healthy
fait does; makes malade ill
avait had gentil kind
etre (to) be dit said
avoir (to) have dire (to) say
prendre (to) take entendre (to) hear
aller to go donner (to) give
croire (to) believe trouver (to) find
perdu lost savoir to know
arriver (to) arrive parler (to) speak
demande asks nous avon we have
ecrit writes quitter to leave
arreter (to) stop je viens I am coming

noir black
blanc white
gris grey
rouge red

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jaune yellow
bleu blue
orange orange
rose pink
vert green
brun brown
violet purple

lundi Monday
mardi Tuesday
mercredi Wednesday
jeudi Thursday
vendredi Friday
samedi Saturday
dimanche Sunday

l’ete summer
l’hiver winter
l’automne autumn
le printemps spring

janvier January
fevrier February
mars March
avril April
mai May
juin June
juillet July
aout August
septembre September
octobre October
novembre November
decembre December

un vache cow
un cochon pig
un cheval horse
un oiseau bird

Creole Words & Expressions

Bonjou! - Good morning!

Bonswa! - Good afternoon!/Evening! (used after 11 AM)

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Komon ou ye? - How are you?
N'ap boule! (most common greeting and response) - Good!
Wi - Yes
yo - they, them
Non - No
Mesi - Thanks
Anmwe! - Help!
Non, mesi - No, thanks
Souple - Please
Merite - You're welcome
Pa gen pwoblem - No problem
Oke - OK
Eskize mwen - Excuse me
Mwen regret sa - I'm sorry
Gen... - There is/are...
Pa genyen! - There is/are not any!
Mwen pa genyen! - I don't have any!
Sekonsa! - That's right!
Piti piti - A little bit
Anpil - A lot
Gen anpil... - There are a lot of...
Isit - Here
La - There
Tout bagay anfom? - Is everything OK?
Pa kounye-a - Not now
Toupatou - Everywhere
Anyen - Nothing
Preske - Almost
Atansyon! - Attention!/Watch out!
Prese prese! - Hurry!
Dife! - Fire!
Rete! - Stop!
Kounye-a - Now
Nou ap chache... - We are looking for...
Souple, ban mwen... - Please give me...
Separe sa ant nou - Divide this among you
Ye - Yesterday
Jodia - Today
Demen - Tomorrow
Maten an - This morning
Apremidi a - This afternoon
Aswe a - This evening
lendi - Monday
madi - Tuesday
mekredi - Wednesday
jedi - Thursday
vandredi - Friday
samdi - Saturday
dimanch - Sunday
Ou byen? - You OK?
Mwen pa two byen - I'm not too well
Mwen malad - I'm sick
Te gen yon aksidan - There was an accident
Nou bezwen yon dokte/yon mis touswit -We need a doctor/a nurse right now
Kote Iopital Ia? - Where is the hospital?
Kote Ii ou fe mal? - Where does it hurt you?
Li ansent - She's pregnant
Mwen pa ka manje/domi - I cannot eat/sleep
Mwengendjare - I have diarrhea
Mwen anvi vonmi - I feel nauseated
Tout ko mwen cho - My whole body is hot

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Mwen toudi - I'm dizzy
Nou bezwen pansman/koton - We need bandages/cotton
Mwen bezwen yon bagay pi blese sa a – I need something for this cut
Ou gen SIDA - You have AIDS
Mwen grangou - I'm hungry
Mwen swaf anpil - I'm very thirsty
Nou ta vle manje - We would like to eat
Konben - How much?/How many?
Poukisa? - Why?
Kote? - Where?
Kisa? - What?
Kile? - When?
Ki moun? - Who?
Kijan? - How?
Kiles? - Which?
Eske gen...? - Is/Are there...?
Eske ou gen...? - Do you have...?
Eske ou ka ede nou, souple? - Can you help us please?
Kote nou ka achte...? - Where can we buy...?
Eske ou ka di mwen...? - Can you tell me
montre - show
ban - give
Ki moun ki Ia? - Who is there?
Kisa ou vIe? - What do you want?
Kisa ou ta vIa? - What would you like?
Kisa ou ap fe Ia? - What are you doing there?
Kisa sa a ye? - What is that?
Sa k'genyen? - What's the matter?
Kisa pi nou fe? - What must we do?
Eske ou te we...? - Have you seen...?
Eske ou pale angle/franse? - Do you speak English/French?
Ki moun isit ki pale angle? - Who speaks English here?
Ou konprann? - You understand?
Kij an yo rele sa an kreyol? - What do they call that in Creole?
Kij an yo di...an kreyol? - How do they say... in Creole?
Kisa ou bezouen? - What do you need?
Kisa ki rive ou? - What happened to you?
Ki kote li ale? - Where did he go?
Kilaj ou? - How old are you?
Kote ou rete? - Where do you live?
Eske ou gen petit? - Do you have any children?
Kote nou ye? - Where are we?
genyen - to have
chita - to sit
manje - to eat
rete - to stop
kouri - to run
kouche - to lie down
vini - to come
ale/prale - to go
ban - to give
rete trankil - to be quiet
pran - to get, receive
leve - to get up
sede - to give up
touye - to kill
frape - to hit
kache - to hide
konnen - to know
manti - to lie (not truth)
gade - to look

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koupe - to cut
kwit-manje, fe-manje - to cook
fimen - to smoke
atake - to attack
ban pemi - to authorize
kri - to shout, yell, scream
achte - to buy
fe-apel - to call, name
netwaye - to clean
femen - to close
fose - to coerce, force
fini - to finish
obeyi - to obey
fe - konfyans - to trust
console - to comfort
pati - to leave, depart
mouri - to die
fe-desen - to draw, sketch
bwe - to drink
tonbe - to drop, fall
mete abo - embark, load, board
atoure - to surround
ranfose - to enforce
ou - you, your
mwen - I, me, my, mine
nou - us, our, you (plural)
Ii - him, her, his, hers

Kote Iopital Ia? Where is the hospital? (creole)

Mwen toudi I’m dizzy (creole)
Mwen regret sa I’m sorry (creole)
Prese! Hurry, hurry! (creole)
Dife! Fire! (creole)
Separe sa ant nou Divide this among you (creole)
Rete! Stop! (creole)
Nou ap chache We are looking for (creole)
Ou byen? You OK? (creole)
Mwen pa two byen I’m not too well (creole)
Mwengendjare I have diarrhea (creole)
Mwen grangou I’m hungry (creole)
Mwen swaf anpil I’m thirsty (creole)
Poukisa? Why?
Kote? Where?
Kisa? What?
Kile? When?
Ki moun? Who?
Kijan? How?
Kiles? Which?
Eske ou gen? Do you have?
Montre Show
Kisa ou vie? What do you want?
Kisa sa a ye? What is that?
Kisa pi nou fe? What must we do?
Ou konprann? You understand?
Kij an yo rele sa an kreyol? What do they call that in kreyole?
Kisa ki rive ou? What happened to you?
Kilaj ou? How old are you?
Kote nou ye? Where are we?

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

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Creole is written phonetically. Each letter is pronounced, and each word is spelled as it is pronounced.
Creole has only been recognized as the second official language (along with French) of Haiti in the last
few years. Therefore, there are many different ways in which the Haitians write and spell Creole words.
There is an official standard that has been set, and this standard will be maintained in this publication.
The following is a pronunciation guide using this standard; most of the sounds
are French.

ch-share chache-to look for

o-claw fo-strong
e-aim ede-to aid, help
ou-you ou-you
e-leg mesi-thank you
r-(not rolled) respire-to breathe
g-go gen-to have
I-see isit-here
s-(always s) prese-in a hurry
j-(avoid the d sound) jou-day
y-yes pye-foot
o-toe zo-bone

There are nasal sounds in Creole just as there are nasal sounds in French, which are pronounced
partially through the nose, but without the "n" itself pronounced (a rare exception to the general
pronunciation rule of pronouncing every letter). Some English equivalents which come close to the
nasal sounds are as follows:

an-alms dan-tooth
en-chopin pen-bread
on-don't bon-good
A. When a nasal sound is followed by another "n", or "m," the nasal sound is pronounced, then the "n"
or "m" is pronounced separately.
B. If an accent is placed over the vowel, there is no nasal sound.
C. In never indicates a nasal sound.
The letter c is only used in the ch combination.
The letter k is used for the hard sound.
The letter s is used for the soft sound.