Team leaders will have the team mission completely organized.

Reality of Expectation

Some are great, others do a good job, some get by and some would like someone else to do the job for them.

Some need someone else to do the job for them, but don't know it or don't want it.

Please do your homework before you lead a team. It is important to take responsibility for the fact that very few teams are the "exact" ones that you may have led the last time. In addition, conditions in all foreign countries change - often on a daily basis.

• You should communicate with the Host Country leadership and/or the VIM Coordinator to ensure that you have received all of the team orientation materials prior to you arrival.

• If you have never led a team to the Host Country, tell the Vim Coordinator or Host Country Church leadership so.
• Inexperienced or team leaders with limited leadership capabilities should consider a co-team leader, a mission site leader, or some other combination to reduce complete reliability on ones self.
• Team leaders should develop an activity schedule with the Host Country. Where a VIM Coordinator exists, they should be allowed to be an active participant in the planning of the mission's schedule of activities. This may include framing out the initial schedule. Upon arrival, daily schedules should be reviewed and modified as necessary to meet mission objectives. VIM teams should not arrive in a Host Country without a pre-approved and agreed upon schedule of activities. Schedules can be modified, changed, or made to look like they were never done in the first place. We would not expect you to plan to make a "cross country" trip in the U.S. without first making a few plans in advance.
• The completion of your "activity schedule" and its acceptance by the Host Country ensures (or increases the possibility) that you will have sent all requested items to the Host Country in advance and within requested time frames. These items may include items such as licenses, team status makeup, advance mission funds, etc.

Team leaders will use any and all means to communicate valuable mission related information on a regular and timely basis.

Reality of Expectation

E-mail and letters do not always make it to the intended receiver.

Team leaders call and are told that the VIM Coordinator in not home.

The Host Country staff do not always speak English and the caller gives up after a few tries.

• You need to communicate with us, the Host Country leadership and/or the VIM Coordinators, in a timely, genuine and inclusive manner.
• It is important that this communication occurs throughout your mission in the Host Country.

Note: Communication will often take the form of e-mail, written letters, letters being delivered by other visiting VIM teams, and telephone calls. If you do not feel that an e-mail or letter has been responded to, repeat the process. E-mail servers are not totally reliable in foreign countries and regular mail is worse. We will acknowledge that overnight or priority mail service works reasonable well. As team leaders, this will often result in a few dollars in added expense, and you will need to have an "exact in country" address and workable telephone number. However, the effort is worthwhile if you need a timely letter or package delivered.

• We must all remember that communication is an open dialogue that does not end upon your arrival in the Host Country.
• If you need to talk to someone in the Host Country, consider learning the words that ask if the person is available. You might also want to learn the words that ask the person to have the VIM Coordinator or Church leader to return your call and remember to give your telephone number. And, you might want to use your tape recorder to listen to the response and try to understand the reply.
• Few Host Countries have answering machines to take your calls as electrical power is intermittent at best.
• We expect you to be an active participant in team planning. This responsibility often seems to be never ending. From our first contact with you through your return in the U.S., how well we communicate with each other will determine if you feel we are coordinating or leading. We prefer to coordinate. We encourage you to lead.

Team leaders will have made all of the mission project arrangements prior to purchasing tickets.

Reality of Expectation

Team leaders show up ready to work on a project and no one knows what they are expected to do when they arrive.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders understand all the financial aspects of the mission project - including post mission reports.

Reality of Expectation

Team leaders do not know how the money gets from their Conference, Church, or Group to the Host Country Church or how the money is accounted for.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team members feel that the church leadership will send them pictures on the progress of the mission site after they leave the country.

Reality of Expectation

Few pictures are received from the Church.

• You should have your Mission Project plans or a project status report (if an active project) prior to your decision to advance mission funds to the Host Country. The Church understands this is important, and as a partnership relationship, you should expect that this becomes a reality.

• You should expect that you will have an approved list of mission project expenses at least two weeks before your departure from the U.S.
• Do not assume that costs will be the same as last year. Inflation in most Host Countries are problematic at best. It should be the responsibility of the team leader to verify expenses.
• Expenses that are transportation related are often the most difficult to predict. The Church will make every effort to control these expenses and send a list of expected expenses to the team's leadership, or where a VIM Coordinator exists, to them for distribution to the team leader.
• Upon your arrival, the mission site should be ready for your team to begin work. Communication on this phase of your mission experience becomes critical as the date of your arrival nears. Do not take anything for granted. Plan and confirm in advance.
• You should receive support from the church community and they should encourage your participation at every level while you are participating on your mission.
• You are entitled to an accounting of your financial resources.
• As a team leader, do not assume that you will receive a financial report that looks like something you might get in the U.S. If you desire or need special documentation, ask for it in advance. If you have a specific format that you "need" or if you "need it in English", it is expected that the team leader will communicate this necessity "prior to" sending funds to the Host Country.
• Stewardship is understood by everyone, but documentation is often a "cultural" expectation. Communication becomes critical to everyone to avoid misunderstandings and possible conflicts.

• You should expect a follow-up on any special activities centered around your mission project.
• As a team leader, it is important to communicate your interest and what you may want to receive.
• There may be costs associated with sending materials to the team leader by the leadership of the Host Country. Every effort should be made to clarify who is responsible for these costs, and where possible, advance the costs to cover the related expenses.

Team leaders will treat the UMVIM Coordinators as partners.

Reality of Expectation

I've been there before. Its my team, and please just get me in and out of the Country.

People forget things may have changed since their last visit to the Host Country.

• You need to feel that you can ask for help when you feel you need it. We will advise as requested, and where appropriate, we will do our best to allow you to give the answers to your team members. We are Coordinators, leaders, or facilitators, we want you to be the team leader.
• Where we feel it necessary to offer help or strongly encourage you or a team member to do something, we would request that it be taken in a spirit of cooperation. Our first concern is for the safety of the team. There may be times when our vision of safety conflicts with what you what to do, or has been done in the past. When a team leader experiences such a conflicting situation, we encourage that individual to talk with the Host Country leadership or the VIM Coordinator in a private setting to determine what areas they may mutually agree upon.
• Host Country Church leadership will not always give you advise or tell you when you have done something wrong or that something has offended them. Team leaders and members should be sensitive as they listen and look at what is not being said when they are in the Host Country.

Team leaders will coordinate - in advance what gifts and supplies they intend to bring into the country.

Reality of Expectation

Supplies show up at the airport and are frequently left with the coordinator to distribute.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders will not bring " junk" into the host country.

Team leaders feel that the Host Country is poor and that anything they bring will have value, even if it is outdated by their own standards.

Reality of Expectation

Outdated equipment is brought into the Host Country and must be thrown away.

Outdate medications are illegal to bring into the Host Country and are often not used.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders will let the Host Country determine its needs and allow them to distribute the donated money and supplies to the people who they have determined are in need.

Reality of Expectation

Team leaders and members distribute goods as they want to. One frequent comment: "Its our stuff and we can give it to whom ever we want to."

First a simple rule or understanding - we all know that the needs of the Host Country and the people that the Host Country Church serves are great. We would like to suggest the following guidelines as you prepare to ship or bring your items into the Host Country.

• Medical Supplies - If you are bringing items into the Host Country you must observe the Host Country's guidelines for the drug's expiration date. Many foreign countries require that drugs have at least one year remaining on the drug's expiration date to be eligible to be brought into the country.

• We offer another - non-qualitative guideline. If you would not give the medication to your child, or to an aging parent or grand parent, do not bring it into the Host Country.
• Medications are readily available (with appropriate expiration dates) to be brought into the Host Country for use by those who need them.
• Ask the Host Country what medications they need. Too many "surplus" or out dated medical supplies must be thrown away. This wastes your valuable resources and gives the Host Country the perception that they are a dumping ground for your unwanted medicine or supplies.
• Determine whom or what organization in the Host Country will be responsible for the pickup and distribution of the Medical Supplies. In addition, the team leader should determine who will be responsible for any Customs expenses (if incurred).

• School supplies - Determine who in the Host Country will be responsible for the pickup and distribution of the School supplies. In addition, determine who will be responsible for any Customs expenses (if incurred).
• Computers - As we near the year 2000, and beyond, we all need to be aware of the limitations of existing computer hardware. Yes, computers will still work in the year 2000. However, some programs will give the user problems. We would ask that as you prepare to donate computer hardware, programs, printers, etc. that you observe the following:

• Unless otherwise approved in advance by the Host Country that as a minimum only 486 or newer computers with Windows 95 (with Y2K patches) be shipped.
• A supply of usable programs must be installed on the computers or the installation disks should be included with the shipment. Too often a computer will not be able to be used because the printer disks are not shipped. This will reduce a computer to a toy or result in it being discarded before its usable life has been reached.
• Printers should be new enough, or have been on the market long enough to allow the ribbons, ink cartridges, or toners & drums to be readily available. If you have the resources to ship the printer supplies, do so. If not, it would be of great value to identify a resource(s) that the supplies could be purchased.
• Monitors should work and be configured to the computer they are being shipped to be connected to. If the monitors are shipped in bulk, a copy of the monitors instillation disks should be included with the shipment.

• Gifts - The needs are great, the gifts are limited, and we seldom know who needs our limited resources the most. Unless you "positively" know who needs the gifts you are bringing into the Host Country, we encourage you to make the "gift" through the Host Country church leadership. You may still be able to direct the gift to "your" intended receiver. However, we need to remember that the Church knows the needs of their members and the community it serves better than we do. The choice is usually yours, but we encourage you to understand that you may be setting a precedent that can and will not be acceptable to the many VIM teams that follow you.
• Special Donated Items - If you are bringing items that have been donated, we encourage you to acquire a letter from the Host Country Church or VIM Coordinator requesting the items. In the absence of such a letter, one from your Conference or Church should be drafted and hand carried by the team leader stating that the items have been donated to the Host Country Church. While not accepted in every foreign country, these letters (when written on Conference or Church stationary) has proven to be of value when questioned by Customs Officials.

Team leaders will have had sufficient training or orientation meetings in the U.S. to ensure that team members are prepared to be "in-mission" in the host country.

Reality of Expectation

VIM Team goals are not explained to all team members.

Not all team members made it to orientation meetings

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders will be knowledgeable of the Host Country and the Host Church

Reality of Expectation

Team leaders and members do not know the basics.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders know where to search for valuable information before they contact the Host Country or the VIM Coordinator.

Reality of Expectation

They don't

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Serious Injuries never occur on the mission site so we don't need to plan for them.

Reality of Expectation

Team members Personal Insurance does not "usually" cover all injuries or medical evacuations from Host Countries.

• As part of your team orientations, we expect that you will have provided information about the Host Country and what might be expected with respect to health, safety, transportation and the limited resources such as water, electricity, food selections, etc.

• As team leader you should take time to acquaint yourself with the Home Page of the VIM Coordinators (If one exists) and encourage your team members to do so as well. One sample home page can be located at http://gbgm-umc.org/missionvolunteers/haiti These home pages list such important items as general guidelines for sending and hosting VIM teams, Insurance forms, sample applications, do and don'ts for specific locations, history on the host country, history of the Host Country Church, pictures and much more. After the team leader reviews the contents of the home pages, they may feel it is appropriate to designate a person to print and distribute selected information.
• To the extent possible, we encourage all team leaders to share the mission team's schedule of planned activities with all team members. When preparing this schedule, please take the time to include the location of where you will be staying, and any available telephone numbers. A copy of this schedule should be left with your Conference, Church and family members in the U.S.
• As part of your orientation, you should inform the team members that they will be receiving an on-site orientation by a Host Country leader and/or VIM Coordinator. This orientation will usually occur during the evening on the day the VIM team arrives.
• As a team leader you should look to the GBGM Home page for Country Specific information. This may include the listing of advance specials, recent articles, mission emphasis, etc.
• Comment: Even great communicators repeat their messages to ensure that everyone knows what they are trying to say. As communicators or leaders we understand that the most effective learning takes place when three types of training mediums are used - Verbal, Written, and Pictorial. If you have the ability to use these three training tools, it will enhance your efforts and your effectiveness.

Miscellaneous:

• Gratuities in most Host Countries are part of their culture - they are expected for almost every level of service. As a guide, gratuities generally average 10% for such items as meals and other areas where "tipping" would be done in the U.S. A few other examples are:

• Luggage handling upon your arrival at the Host Country Airport is usually around $1.00 to $1.50 per large "heavy" box or suitcase and $1.00 for the medium ones. Team leaders or members should plan to have this money available at the Airport upon their arrival. Preferably, the team leader will have all the money for this expense and will pay one person at the airport.
• Gratuities for the Guest House or Host Country staff will be encouraged by the VIM Coordinators prior to your leaving. There is no rule, but the average dollar amount per team member in Haiti has been approximately $8.00. As always, you should feel that you have received this level of service and let your Hosts know if you do not. Note: gratuities for the staff at the Host Country should be paid to the Host Country leadership or to the VIM Coordinator. We do not encourage "special" or selected gratuities to individuals.
• Gratuities are also paid to the interpreter(s) assigned to your VIM team. Teams have generally paid gratuities in the 10 to 20% range. Again, this is a guide - the amount is up to you. We encourage you to talk with the leadership of the Host Country before you pay any gratuities. This will remove any embarrassment or problems that may be purely cultural in nature.

• All VIM Team members should purchase short-tem VIM Insurance that is available from the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) and some Jurisdictional Conferences. At $.65 per day, no team member should be allowed to go on a mission team without it.
• This insurance provides payments towards medical evacuations, medical injuries payments, & life insurance coverage.
• The insurance application may be found and printed by going to the following Home Page http://gbgm-umc.org/missionvolunteers/haiti or contacting GBGM directly.

Team leaders and team members will plan (in advance) who will lead worship and provide daily devotions.

Reality of Expectation

Worship planning gets left to the last area to be given attention.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders and team members will know what is expected of them for Sunday worship services.

Reality of Expectation

They think the Host Country Church or VIM Coordinator has taken care of this for them.

• We encourage teams to plan their spiritual development prior to their arrival. This may include a spiritual leader, planned devotion time, music, etc. Teams should understand the value of worship in the Host Country and the time that will be spent together on this part of their mission experience.

• It is generally an accepted part of worship that a group prayer be a part of our thanks to God before each meal. We encourage teams to plan for this part of their worship. You may want to plan a musical prayer for worship, learn a Host Country song, or just plan how you will lead the prayer.

Worship in the Host Country

• Team leaders and team members should consider Sunday Worship as part of their being "in-mission" and plan for the experience.
• When possible, the Host Country will generally expect that if there are ordained pastors in the mission team that they will make themselves available to lead a worship service.

• All worship service(s) should be planned in advance.

• The necessity for an acceptable interpreter should be determined.

• The number of services that will ordained pastor will be expected to participate in will be know in advance of the team's arrival.

• Worship inclusion takes many forms. The leadership of the team should ensure that they plan for any special services.
• Services may include a special communion service
• A special gathering of church leaders may be assembled.
• Teams may be expected to participate in a Sunday School or Bible study.

• The Church is expected to communicate their worship expectations of the visiting mission team prior to their arrival.

Note: If the Host Country Church does not provide a list of expectations, do not assume that they do not have expectations.

Team leaders and team members understand their role as short tem missionaries representing their Conference or Church and also representing the Host Country Church.

Reality of Expectation

The term missionary has not been explained or the team member feels that they are "not" really missionaries.

Team leaders and team members do not understand or remember that they are also representing the Host Country Church while they are on the mission site.

• We understand you are Missionaries, even if some team members do not understand the significance of this distinction. In that role, you are guests - missionaries - a visitor to whom hospitality is extended and also expected in return.
• Remember that while you are on the mission site, the community does not know where you are from, your background, or even what denomination of church you attend. They see you as you present yourself. And, they see you as a Missionary representing the Host Country Church.
• Please encourage your team members to treat the facility, the staff and the facility rules with respect.
• As team leader, you set the tone when it comes to "being on time" for scheduled activities. There are activities that are time sensitive. We need you to work to ensure that your team members are on time for these activities.
• Host Countries have many dedicated people to assist you. However, your team member's cooperation to maintain the areas that you use in a reasonable state of cleanliness will always be valued.
• Everyone needs to be willing to share the facility with each other.
• We do not always know when something is "broke". If you find something that needs attention, please encourage your team members to report the problem(s) (as soon as possible) to the leadership of the location you are staying or to the VIM coordinators.
• NOTE: Prior to entering the Host Country, you should verify (from the Host Country Church or VIM Coordinator) if you will be entering as a "Missionary or Visitor." The status may be technical but it may minimize any political or immigration problems.

Team leaders will understand the issues of international travel at the Host Country airport.

Reality of Expectation

Even if the team leader knows, they do not often communicate this to team members. What we frequently hear is "I've been there, I know what to expect and I know how to get my team members out of the Host Country."

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders and team members expect the arrival and departure from the airport will be as smooth as any major airport in the U.S. After all, they do arrive in the Host Country on a Major Airline.

Reality of Expectation

Hundreds of people crowd the departure and arrival areas of international airports in the hopes of getting some of your money for luggage handling or a simple handout. You may not be a target, but you feel like one.

As a rule, you will exit the plane and be directed to clear immigrations upon your arrival at the airport. Prior to your departing the plane you will have been given a temporary visa form that will ask you where you will be staying, the purpose of your visit, etc. On this form, everyone should list the address of the location you will be staying while you are in the Host Country. For example, if you were staying in Haiti, you would list the Methodist Guest House, Delmas 105, Petion-Ville, and give the telephone number of the place you are staying. You will need to give this information to each team member before they board the airplane for departure. Note: a small business size card can hold this and other valuable information that you may want to be readably available to your team members.

• After clearing immigrations, you will find your luggage and move through the Custom's line before exiting the airport. If there is any guideline to help you during this stage, it would be to be honest, polite and courteous, and know the contents of your luggage.

• You should have pre-arranged who will greet you at the airport and what to expect when you depart the airport. Some Host Countries will not allow the Coordinators into the terminal areas and as such, you should know this in advance of your arrival.

• It is the team leader's responsibility to report any missing luggage to the airline that provided you travel and to determine when the missing luggage may become available. Should their be missing luggage, it will be necessary to schedule its pickup with the Host Country leadership and/or the VIM Coordinator.

• After you have cleared Customs, you or the VIM Coordinator will select "one" (1) person to be "in-charge" of the transporting of your luggage to the Host Country and/or VIM Coordinator's vehicle.

• The Team leader should not pay any luggage gratuities until all of the luggage is on the vehicle and every team member is safely inside the vehicle.

• As noted, the VIM Coordinators may not be allowed into the airport. If they are not inside the terminal area, they will greet you after you exit the airport or as you reach the exit area of the departing location of the airport.
• NOTE: Prior to packing your team's luggage and prior to deciding what "uniform" or style of clothing you will travel in, you should verify with the Host Country Church or VIM Coordinator if the "team" approach might present any problems upon arrival.

Host Country International Airport - Departure:

• As a group (usually over 10 people) luggage is assigned to one person. New luggage tags will be provided for every piece of checked luggage. Note: The team leader should pick up enough "extra" luggage tags at the U.S. airport to place on the returning team's luggage. Generally the team leader's address or the host church's address will be used for this purpose.
• Team Leaders should plan for their departure before they arrive in the Host Country.
• Groups and/or individual team members will receive an exit orientation prior to the time they leave the Host Country or the Guest House they are staying in.
• Teams will generally arrive at the airport two & one half hours before departure.
• Small Groups require similar attention, but frequently must stand in long lines and wait their turn.
• Carry on luggage should meet the same airline guidelines as during your arrival. If you were able to carry walking sticks and pictures under your arms into the Host Country, then feel free to make similar arrangements for your departure.
• See NOTE above!

Team leaders and team members will have an appreciation for meals in the Host Country - what is served, how much, and when.

Reality of Expectation

Members are late for meals, complain about the amount served, and want a variety of main dishes at each meal.

After looking at the meal, someone may say: "I'm a Vegetarian!"

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders and team members will understand that they may have to follow a few rules while they are in-mission in the Host Country.

Reality of Expectation

What difference does it matter if I have one cigarette on the work site, or have a beer. I am entitled to a few personal things.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Postage stamps will be available and the staff will mail all post cards and mail back to the U.S.

Reality of Expectation

Stamps are not available unless purchased in advance and it usually means an extra trip to mail letters or post cards.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders and team members expect that the vehicles they travel in will be Air conditioned and there will be plenty of leg room.

Reality of Expectation

Not all vehicles have air conditioning and there are times that overcrowding can not be avoided.

Meals are one of those "time sensitive activities". You need to ensure that your team members will be on time for meals. The time and effort made by those who have prepared your meals deserves the respect you would give a fine chef in a gourmet restaurant.

• For most of your meals, there will always be enough food for everyone. However as a courtesy to others, we should remember to take a conservative size food portion and then go back for an additional serving after everyone has been served.
• One final note on meals. Some time ago, we were given a suggestion on meals to share with short term missionaries. The "short story" or lesson follows. Everyone should experience at least one meal similar to the poorest person in the country. This means that you may experience a meal of limited amounts, or (while we do not encourage it) miss a meal all together. Often the people who fix your meals will never eat at the level you do while you are in mission in the Host Country.
• Team leaders must communicate Vegetarian needs to the Cost Country "before" the team arrives, not after the individual sees what has been prepared for them. I don't eat meat means very little to most Host Country cooks.

Being Hosted as Missionaries or Guests:

• We will ensure that your team members are treated like the Missionaries or guests that they are - a visitor to whom hospitality is extended and also expected in return.

• We will work to ensure that the facility and the staff functions in a manner that meets your team's needs and expectations.
• Should your team members require special needs, such as dietary consideration or handicap access, this should be communicated to the Host Country or VIM Coordinator well in advance of your arrival in the country.
• We will work to ensure that services are provided on time for all scheduled activities.
• We will work to maintain the facility in a reasonable state of cleanliness.
• We will work to repair malfunctions or problems (when reported to the Host Country leadership and/or the VIM Coordinators) as soon as possible.
• As a rule, personal items are the responsibility of the team leader or individual. Such items as medications, bug spray, band aids, stamps, pens, pencils, etc should be brought into the Host Country by the team leader. Special requests - such as in-country stamps should be communicated in advance to the VIM Coordinator or Host Country leadership.
• Host Country expectations will be available for all team leaders and team members.
• Host Country guest house rules and guidelines will be available and posted for all team leaders and team members.

Transportation:

• We will work to ensure that your team is transported safely and according to a pre-established schedules.

• We will transport all team members and provide information on the Host Country during mission encounter visits to selected locations.
• We will direct the daily schedules of all drivers.
• We will request that team leaders or team members do not ask the driver to deviate from their assigned schedule without first clearing the request with the VIM Coordinator or Host Country leadership.
• Vehicles require extensive maintenance and there may be times that less than optimal transportation is available. When this occurs, we ask for your patience and understanding.

Team leaders will be the same person who arranged the project.

Reality of Expectation

Team leaders often assume the project from the Sending Country leadership and are not familiar with the total mission project.

The Sending Country leadership feels they need to be in direct contact with the Host Country and forget who is leading the team.

Communication with the Host Country Leadership is handed down to the Mission Team leader upon their arrival in the Host Country.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

Team leaders understand who gets paid what, and when for all in-country mission related expenses.

Reality of Expectation

Too much or too little money is brought into the Host Country for expenses.

Expectation - UMVIM Coordinator and/or Host Country Church

That church leaders will be available to spend an evening with the mission team.

Reality of Expectation

Church leaders are very busy individuals and are not always available.

• It is expected that you will have been communicating with the leadership of the Host Country before your arrival in the Country.

• It is expected that your mission project or schedule of mission experiences will have been approved before you purchase your airline tickets to the Host Country.
• It is expected that you will know at least the name of the individual representing the church in the location that your team will be working in mission. If possible, you should have written a brief note or letter to the Host Country's representative about yourself and your team's objectives.
• Note: Prior to your departure, determine from the Host Country Church or VIM Coordinator if you need any special invitation form the Host Country Bishop, President (or Church Official) and if every team member needs a copy of this invitation.

Note: Church leadership changes on a regular basic. Each and every mission team has a unique status of goals and expectations. No two teams are exactly alike - even if the same team members return to the Host Country for a repeat visit.

• It is expected that you and your team members will adhere to the guidelines suggested by the church while you are in the Host Country. Many of these guidelines are not part of the "do(s) and don't(s) that are frequently sent to team leaders.

• Among the guidelines frequently given little consideration are smoking and alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, it is usually assumed that everyone knows what is expected and we often leave these areas alone.
• Communication must occur long before arrival and continue throughout your mission experience.
• As a reminder, electronic and written communication needs to be confirmed to be communication. Do not assume because you have written or sent an e-mail that the church has received it. You must have a response - written or verbal, before you can assume that you have actually communicated.

Finances - Host Country Church

• You must determine the lead time that project money takes to be available for use in the Host Country.

• Determine how long it takes you to get your project money from your Conference or Church to each place that it will "stop" and be recorded or forwarded. Understanding this financial trail will also give you an understanding of the complexity of the financial process and ensure that you have the means to "track down" funds that may not arrive in time to begin your mission in the Host Country.

• We recommend that all project money be sent to the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) and that these funds be sent to the Host Country for their use on the mission project.
• All project money needs to be clearly identified. This includes where the funds are to be sent, who the funds should be directed to, the name of the project, and the date that the funds "must be in the Host Country".

• Note: for most Host Countries, the funds should be in the country at least 45 days before they are needed to buy materials or to pay for mission related expenses.

• Note if you use the GBGM to record and forward mission finances, we encourage each team leader to send a confirming letter to the leadership of the Host Country informing them that the money has been advanced. It is also recommended that where a VIM Coordinator exists that they also receive a copy of this letter.

• If you choose not to use the GBGM to facilitate your team's financial transactions, you should make every effort to ensure that the funds arrive safe, and on time in the office of the leadership of church of the Host Country.

• You are encouraged to communicate your needs to the Host Country's leadership or the VIM Coordinator (if one exists) if you plan to send your funds outside the "normal" channels.

• The church of the Host Country will be supportive and will be receptive to any special needs that your Conference, Church, or your team has with regards to financial transfers.
• It should be assumed and understood that each party will conduct themselves in a professional and supportive relationship that is consistent with Christians Values and appropriate to the guidelines of Host Country Church

The medical personnel on Mission teams will be welcomed by everyone at the clinics where are working and they don't need to prove they are physicians, nurses, or licensed professionals

Reality of Expectation

Medical certification needs to be sent to the Host Country in Advance of the team's arrival.

Some staff at the clinics see medical personnel as competition. They see more work for them and they are frequently slowed down from doing their normal routine.

Teams can be as large as the guest house can accommodate. If we sign up first, we should have total access to the facility.

Reality of Expectation

Team size of 10 to 12 persons provides the greatest opportunity for optimal mission experience in the Host Country.

Large team size requires special transportation considerations.

Team leaders and team members will understand the limited capabilities of the Host Country Guest House to meet their needs.

Reality of Expectation

The Host Country Guest House staff is limited and team leaders did not purchase all of their time or the ability to direct their work when the team decided to stay in Host Country.

Team members expect to be sleeping in semi-private rooms.

Reality of Expectation

Team members often sleep in camp style rooms in bunk beds.

There is an expectation that it will be quiet during night time hours.

Reality of Expectation

Dogs bark, rosters crow, turkeys cackle, cats (do what cats do), people sing, cars backfire, and occasionally a gun shot echos in the distance.

Team leaders will understand that changes in schedules create difficulties that extend beyond the VIM team members.

Reality of Expectation

Changes create opportunities and problems. Comments like: "you're not being flexible enough" creates tension to all parties.

Team Leaders and team members believe that Travelers checks can be cashed anywhere in the World.

Reality of Expectation

Banks do not always cash travelers checks and there are few businesses that will cash travelers checks unless you intend to spend a major part of the transaction in their business.

Team Leaders and team members expect that the Host Country leadership will have a sufficient supply of local currency available for their mission.

Reality of Expectation

To have local currency available, the Host Country must borrow it from another account, take it out of operating revenue, or advance it themselves.

Team Leaders and team members expect that everything they left last year will be available for them when they return.

Reality of Expectation

Tools get lost, broken, or given to Host Country workers on the mission site.

Your turn to fill in an Expectation!

Reality of Expectation

What do you Expect the Reality to be?