2010

MISSION TRIP

March 2 - 8

Puebla, Mexico

INTRODUCTION

Each spring about 40 volunteers from throughout the Holston Conference of the United Methodist church participate in the Mexico Medical Mission, bringing medical care to over 1700 persons. Our team staffs two rural medical clinics, one in Tatoxcac and one in Ixtepec. These villages are situated in the Northern Sierra Madre Mountains in the State of Puebla. Many congregations throughout the Holston Conference support this mission with volunteers and funding. This short-term team is led by The Rev. Dr. Jim Dougherty of Knoxville, and Dr. Paul Brown, M.D., of Johnson City.

The following presentation provides all of the information for next year's VIM Team Mission Trip. Please take a few minutes to read through the information provided and prayerfully consider your participation level. Certainly, if you feel that you would like to be a voluntary part of the team, we welcome your participation. If not we also welcome and encourage your prayers, and contributions to this important ministry of our church. For more information, you may contact Jim Dougherty either via email, or phone. That information is included below.

OUR MISSION

We will be going to the villages of Tatoxcac and Ixtepec in the Eastern Sierra Madre. This mountainous corner of the state of Puebla is a picturesque area with many indigenous people who are descendants of the fierce Aztec warriors who fought the Spanish conquerors in 1517. Thankfully, they will receive us as friends who have come to offer health care to the poor of the area. The Methodist Church of Mexico operates a rural clinic in Tatoxcac, and the Methodist congregation of Ixtepec will also provide space for our work. We will be working alongside Mexican medical professionals who are also taking time off from work and volunteering their services. Daily devotions are an important part of our team meetings. Our group is organized through the United Methodist Church, but we truly welcome all who want to share in this mission of love and service.

WE NEED A DENTIST!

We are actively seeking a Dentist to join our team for this year. If you know of someone that may be interested, or for more information, please contact Jim Dougherty.

DONATIONS NEEDED

Your donations make this possible. If individuals, churches, or groups are able to support our Mexico mission, please send donations to Jim Dougherty at the address below.

GET YOUR FLU SHOTS!

The regular flu shot and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine are both now available, and everyone is advised to get them. Tetanus booster, hepatitis, typhoid, and other shots are also recommended. Ask Dr. Brown for more information.

TWO GROUPS: We will divide the team in order to serve two different villages – Tatoxcac, where a Methodist medical facility is located, and Ixtepec, a remote village in the Eastern Sierra Madre.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENT: All travelers to Mexico must have a US passport and proof of citizenship to reenter the US. So, if you want to come home again, you’ll have to get a passport. As we understand the new law, there are no exceptions.

     Passport Renewal: $75.00
     New passport if 16 or over: $100.00
    

It takes a long time to get a passport, so start the process today. Many US Post Offices have the application form.

CLICK HERE for more information regarding Passports

Personnel Needed

Physicians in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB-GYN, and Anesthesiology, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Translators, and several helpers. Our commitment is to healthcare, so a balance of skills will be needed on the team.

Mandatory Insurance

Insurance covers emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation. It covers trip interruption and partially covers cancellation (for good reason such as illness or death in family).

 USE THIS HANDY FORM TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION, 

     TO PRE-REGISTER OR TO CONTACT JIM DOUGHERTY    

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

For general information and registration, contact:

Rev. Dr. Jim Dougherty
P O Box 5103
Knoxville, TN 37928
865-687-6073(H) - 865-603-1280(C) - 865-689-4693 FAX

Email: dougherty_j@comcast.net

To register, send your $50 deposit and reservation form to Jim Dougherty at the address listed below. Make checks payable to “Fountain City United Methodist Church—Mexico Fund.” Please do not make checks payable to Jim or Paul.

Expenses
Airfare                   542
Insurance                40
Food and Lodging 300
TOTAL                   882

NOTES:
If you have credit for the unused team ticket for 2009, the total cost is $104.

If you wish to use frequent flyer miles, it’s OK for you to arrange your own transportation and meet us in Mexico City about noon. Your cost is $340 (insurance and food-lodging).

For medical or technical information, contact:

Dr. Paul Brown, Internal Medicine

Johnson City Internal Medicine

302 Med Tech Parkway

Johnson City, TN 37604

423-794-5500(O)

Due Dates

Please send your check to Jim.
• November 15, 2009 – Everyone: Please let Jim or Paul know you would like to go. We are “counting noses” and trying to recruit a balanced team.

• January 15, 2010 – This is our last day to order travel insurance and pay the travel agent for those paying full fee. Please send your team ticket money (542) by this day.

• January 15, 2010 – Those who are traveling “frequent flyer:” Please confirm your plan with us. Make sure you can arrive in Mexico around noon.
 

• February 1, 2019 – Remaining payments due: Let Jim know if your church or office is having a fund-raiser and your money will be late.

RESERVATION/INFORMATION FORM

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Weather and Clothing

Spring weather there will be much like our weather here—anywhere from frost to 80 degrees. Take jeans, sneakers, sweater, rain gear, and jacket. Wear scrubs or lab coat when “on duty.” Shorts are seldom worn in Mexico and should be conservative. Women do wear slacks in Mexico, but tank tops and bare midriffs are inappropriate. Our clothing should project an image of “camping” in the villages, “casual” in Puebla.

Living Conditions

This is a remote area with few comforts. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and possibly a compact air mattress. There is a shower and bathroom at the clinic, but hot water is in short supply. Our accommodations, however crude, will be better than the homes of the local folks, many of whom live in adobe huts with dirt floors. Mosquitoes are not a problem in the highlands of Mexico (7,000 feet).

What to Bring

In addition to your clothing, daily medication, and toiletries, you will need your passport, flashlight, sleeping bag, hand instruments, rubber gloves, medicines, BP cuff, stethoscope, and a roll of toilet paper. You may also wish to bring a pillow, earplugs, snacks, and a Swiss army knife. And by all means, bring a sense of humor.

Expectations of the Mexican Methodists

While in the village, we should not offend our Mexican Methodist colleagues by smoking, drinking, or playing cards. On the other hand, we will be invited and expected to participate in church services, singing, and social events with them.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required for entering Mexico. However, tetanus boosters, hepatitis, typhoid, and other shots will be discussed at the team meetings.

DEVOTIONS

Our devotional theme this year is “Moving Mountains” – same theme as last year. Jesus said, Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. Mk 11:23 Would you be willing to be the leader for a 5 minute devotional while we are in Mexico? Jim is preparing a list of those who might do that, and he would welcome volunteers. Please let him know. Thanks.

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