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 directors.
Staying at the CBT
At the CBT, we provide one large meal a day of Haitian food (usually in the evening), sleeping quarters with bedding and linens, bathroom facilities, drinking water and cold sodas. Groups bring their own snacks and food for breakfast and lunch. If needed, we can provide transportation in our big truck.
Photos of visitor accommodations
Rates for staying at the CBT:
Currently, we ask $20 US per night to stay at the school. This includes drinks, a meal and paying the laundry and cleaning ladies. You are not required to pay anything else for the stay (unless you need some extra laundry done or another extra service).
We ask $50 US a day for use of the truck. You pay for the fuel that is used. If you wish to tip the driver that is up to you, but it is not necessary. There is no charge for picking you up at the airport and running errands around town.
Please send a check at least two months in advance to our Abilene office for these items. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Linda Randall.
Adapting to Haiti
From HAITI: INFORMATION FOR SHORT-TERM MISSIONARIES
by Meg 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. (Note: Haiti now requires an tax of $10 US in cash on arrival and $60 US in cash at the airport on departure.)
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 Haiti regard as inappropriate: tattoos, multiple ear piercings and/or other body piercings. Therefore, we request that men not wear earrings and that women not wear multiple earrings in one ear. Other body piercings and tattoos should not be visible. It is important to follow these guidelines while at CBT and while traveling in Haiti.”
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 149 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
Please read and share with your group.
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.
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 Christians 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. Note: Haiti now requires a tax of $10 US in cash on entry and $60 US in cash at the airport on departure.
? 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.