2012
MISSION TRIP
Saturday, March 24
to Sunday, April 1, 2012
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309 East Broadway Avenue Maryville, TN 37804 Phone: (865) 982-6192 FAX: (865) 982-6142 e-mail: office@broadwayumc.net |
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This web page is provided by the Outreach/Missions Ministry of Broadway UMC a proud participant in the Mexico Medical Mission |
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2012 MISSION TRIP
Saturday, March 24 to Sunday, April 1, 2012 |
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INTRODUCTION
Each spring about 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. |
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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.
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We have come up with a more palatable schedule this year – a Saturday to the following Sunday. This schedule allows us to work longer in the villages during the week so that we can include a "Free" day.
Please let us know if you are interested – call, write, or email Jim at the address below. To those who respond, we will send regular updated information.
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HEAR FROM YOU SOON ------------ Use the form provided to contact Jim Dougherty, or see the addresses and phone numbers provided below. |
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.
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).
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USE THIS HANDY FORM TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION, TO PRE-REGISTER OR TO CONTACT JIM DOUGHERTY |
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REGISTRATION INFORMATION
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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, Paul or Marta.
BIG DEADLINE ON JANUARY 20… |
COSTS AND DEADLINES: Team ticket (US Air) from either Knoxville or Tricities $770 Jan. 20, 2012
Food, travel, and lodging in Mexico; Travel insurance $350 Feb. 15, 2012
Total Due $1120
Checks payable to “Fountain City United Methodist Church—Mexico Fund” Your meals and sightseeing in Puebla (Mar. 31) will be at your own expense.
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TEAM MEETING AND PACKING
PARTY WHAT HAPPENS AT THE TEAM MEETING?
1.) We will copy your medical license and notarize it.
AN ANSWER TO ANY CONCERNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE DRUG WAR IN MEXICO About 90% of the deaths reported in Mexico by the US media are concentrated along the border. The other 10% have been scattered, chiefly in Michoacán, west of Mexico City, and in the resorts of Cancun and Acapulco. Tourists have NOT been targeted. Most of the deaths are members of various drug gangs, but some casualties have resulted from innocent people being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thankfully, there has been no reported violence in the area where our team will be working.
Mexico City is a huge city. Like any large city, one has to take reasonable precautions. I will explain this more fully at the team meeting. We will need to “be careful,” just as if we were going to New York or Atlanta. If we didn’t believe it to be “reasonably safe,” we would not be going.
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Weather and Clothing Tatoxcac and Ixtepec are above 5,000 feet in altitude in the Sierra Madre. March weather is like October here—anywhere from 35 to 90 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. 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 (6,000 feet). Vaccinations Vaccinations are not required for entering Mexico. However, tetanus boosters, hepatitis, typhoid, and other shots will be discussed at the team meetings.
What to Bring In addition to your clothing, daily medication, and toiletries, you will need your passport, flashlight, sleeping bag, and a roll of toilet paper. Physicians and nurses may need hand instruments, rubber gloves, medicines, BP cuff, and stethoscope. You may also wish to bring a pillow, earplugs, snacks, and a Swiss army knife. |
Daily Devotions Daily devotions are an important part of our team meetings. Our group is organized through the United Methodist Church, but we welcome all who share this mission of love and service.
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.
Medical Spanish
Our Medical Spanish pages are also available on request. Let us know if you want to receive it. It is especially good for those who know some Spanish already, but would like to brush up on medical vocabulary. We will, of course, provide translators to assist you. |
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