Circle of Love Foundation Mission Trip Information

What does a Medical Mission Trip Cost?

Costs vary depending on the location of the trip, the season, airfares and what the trip entails.  Trips to Africa and Asia usually cost about $2500 due to the airfare, Guatemala is usually $1500 or less.  Circle of Love Foundation tries to keep all trips under $2500.

Flight Arrangements

Circle of Love Foundation will arrange all international flights.  Our airfares are calculated based on originating in Chicago.  We can accommodate other cities of origin and will try to do so without passing on the cost to the participant if possible.  We will also try to accommodate different departure or return dates if notice is given at the time the trip is scheduled. Participants should be aware that deviations from the group schedule may result in loss of group rates and these charges will be passed on to them.  It is recommended that you sign up for frequent flyer miles on whatever airline we use for the main portion of the trip.

Travel Documents

We advise all team members to carry a second form of photo identification such as a driver?s license in addition to their passport.  If your passport is lost or stolen you will have some form of ID to verify your personal details.  Please be aware that your passport must have at least two blank pages and must not expire for 6 months after your anticipated return from the trip.

Accommodations and Transportation

Accommodations are based on double occupancy of rooms.  Baths with running water, hot water if possible, will be sought.  Team members should be aware that this is not available in all locations.  Transportation to the site of the medical outreach and back to the hotel each day is covered in the team members trip costs.  Meals are covered during the outreach and whenever the team is eating together, except while in transit and on the shopping/sightseeing days.  Laundry, phone calls, shopping, ans hotel tips are not covered.

Money

The trip participation fee covers international airfare, ground transportation in country, hotel and meals in country, visas, and exit fees. Transportation to O?Hare airport is usually arranged for those with a Rockford departure.  We usually come home on the Van Galder bus. Participants from other cities will need to arrange their own ground transportation to the airport from which they are departing. The trip fee does not cover the cost of a passport, immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, meals not taken with the team or in transit, hotel maid tips, phone call, laundry or shopping. For these purposes, cash will be needed.  It is recommended that you bring new US currency in hundred dollar or twenty dollar denominations.  These can be cashed at international airport currency exchanges or at big city banks.  Most places will not take traveler?s checks.  You may be able to get cash from an ATM machine using your credit card and pin.  Upscale shops will take credit card is big cities.  Small shops and flea markets deal only in local currency.  Ask you team leader when would be the best time to exchange money.  You will only need about $100 excluding shopping.  Shopping gives you the opportunity to acquire unique gifts inexpensively and we try to allow some time for this.

Luggage Restrictions

You are allowed one checked bag not over 66 inches in L X W X H.  It should not weigh more than 50 pounds.   You are also allowed a carry on bag and a small personal item such as a purse, small backpack or briefcase.  You will be asked to check a second checked bag for Circle of Love Foundation.  These will contain medicine, medical supplies, glasses or ministry materials. This helps us reduce shipping costs thereby reducing the overall cost of the mission trip.  Do not bring expensive jewelry, expensive electronic items, or anything else that would devastate you if it were lost or stolen. 

Medicine

You should bring any personal medicine that you need to take and any personal medicine that you might anticipate needing.  It may not be possible to replace any lost medicine.  Make sure your medicine is carried in you personal carry on  during your flights.  Refrigeration is available at most sites.  Personal medicine requiring refrigeration should be packed in your carry on with a freezer block.  You will need to bring your own wash cloth and toiletries at all sites and it is advisable to bring you own towel to Sudan and India. 

Clothing

Most trip destinations are to places where the climate is hotter than our Midwest climate. Light summer clothing with several long sleeve shirts that can be layered as well as a jacket for evening is recommended.  Scrubs are appropriate attire for the medical clinics except in Sudan where women should wear long, modest skirts.  If you don?t have scrubs, there is no need to buy them.  Casual clothing such as jeans or chinos with tee shirts or polo shirts are appropriate.  Ladies should bring at least one skirt or dress to wear to church or at any upscale dining adventure we may have.  Guys should bring at least one dress shirt.  A tie will not be necessary unless you are preaching.  Jackets will not be necessary.  Shorts may not be worn at clinic or during ministry time.  Modest shorts may be appropriate while lounging at the hotel after hours, at the pool or beach if there is one, or on the sightseeing days in certain locations.  Always ask before wearing shorts and be prepared to hear ?NO?. Sleeveless blouses are inappropriate in some locations.  No tube tops or spaghetti straps at any location. If it is rainy season, an umbrella or rain poncho will be needed.

Participation Fee

The participation fee will be determined at least 3 months in advance.  A $200 deposit or registration fee is required at the time of sign up.  This will be applied to your trip.  All money is nonrefundable under IRS rules because it is a tax-deductible charitable gift.  If you must cancel a trip, any money paid can be transferred to a new trip if taken within one year. It can also be transferred to another person.  One half the fee is required 60 days prior to the trip.  The complete fee is due 30 days before the trip. 

Code of Conduct

Circle of Love Foundation is a medical and evangelistic missions organization.  Our reason for being is to provide relief of human suffering through quality medical care and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in the world who have not yet heard .Participants are asked to respect the evangelistic thrust of this ministry by agreeing to refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, foul language and unbecoming attitudes. The authority of the team leader must be respected at all times, especially overseas where the safety of the whole group may depend on it.  Circle of Love Foundation reserves the right to terminate a team member?s participation for any cause deemed just by the team leader.  The member would then be release to return home alone with all inherent risks and will be responsible to pay any additional expenses that this may create.