Long Term Volunteer
Orientation Manual
An Informational Guide for New Volunteers
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Dear Volunteer,
First and foremost we want to thank you for your decision to
volunteer your service with the Montaña de Luz mission in Nueva
Esperanza, Honduras. On behalf of the MdL Board and staff, know
that we are excited to have you join our team! We know that the
experience you are about to embark on will be peppered with
moments of joy, laughter, and at times, difficult challenges. Many
who visit us for a week as part of a service team find that coming to
Montaña de Luz is a life-altering experience.
During your time here we invite you to fully immerse yourself in your
surroundings and in the Honduran culture. Take the time to get to
know the children and the staff, share in local community activities,
eat new foods and be open to what this new experience has to offer!
This guide is intended to help you prepare for your time in Honduras.
If you have any additional questions in the time leading up to your
departure, please feel free to talk with us directly. Please know that
you can come to us to ask for any type of advice or assistance that
you might need. We value the service you will be providing our
mission and we want to provide you with the needed support and
encouragement as well!
Again, we thank you for your time and commitment to the children of
Montaña de Luz. We look forward to the journey ahead!
With Appreciation and Anticipation,
The Administrative Team of Montaña de Luz
Erika Shell Castro, Executive Director
Kristen Mallory, In Country Director
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SHORT HISTORY OF MONTAÑA DE LUZ:
The doors of Montaña de Luz first opened in 2001 as a home and hospice for children with
HIV/AIDS in Honduras. With the increased accessibility of antiretroviral therapy drugs, it thankfully
now serves primarily as a home for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The focus now is
not only on providing quality nutrition and medical care, but also on equipping children with the
skills and education they need to eventually reintegrate into society and lead meaningful and
productive lives.
MISSION:
Montaña de Luz is a place of hope and healing for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Honduras. Our
goal is to offer and implement:
Unconditional Love:
By accepting the children as they are and embracing them with loving support, encouragement,
guidance and grace;
By offering forgiveness whenever it is necessary;
By reflecting the unconditional love of God in all that we say and do.
Honesty:
By speaking with sincerity and encouraging both the employees and the children to be honest
regardless of the circumstances or the consequences.
Integrity:
By creating a sense of self-worth in the staff as well as the children;
By holding them to a higher standard of behavior and work ethic;
By teaching the value of honor in both word and deed.
Patience:
By being gracious as the children go through the many stages of childhood and adolescence;
By offering a listening ear in times of distress as well as times of joy.
Nutrition:
By providing them with a balanced nutritional diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, protein,
and dairy foods that are prepared in a health conscious manner;
By providing clean, potable water.
Cleanliness:
By first and foremost teaching the value of cleanliness;
By offering hot showers, appropriate toiletries and personal care products, clean towels and clean
clothes, as well as a clean living environment.
Medicine:
By providing constant and consistent medical attention in the way of pro-active care;
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By providing anti-retroviral therapy, antibiotics, and various other medications as well as vitamins
and re-active care;
By providing prescription medications, clinical and hospital treatment, and full-time nursing care.
Family:
By simultaneously moving away from an environment of institutional care while moving towards a
more natural and nurturing family environment;
By creating and maintaining relationships that foster responsibility as well as accountability;
By encouraging an atmosphere of kinship rather than a traditional “ workplace” for our staff.
By supporting relationships with family of origin whenever possible and appropriate.
Education:
By insuring a formal as well as informal education for all of our children;
By enrolling them in classes with other children from surrounding neighborhoods when appropriate,
providing home schooling for those children who learn best in a more intimate learning environment
and vocational training as an option for older youth.
By providing them with the necessary uniforms, schools supplies, and fees;
By offering an informal pre-school program for our littlest ones with the aim of fostering creativity
and the desire to learn;
By striving to make every encounter between staff and children a valuable learning experience.
Values:
Teaching children the values listed above by example and life-lessons;
By upholding the children’s understanding of their own rights not only as children in MdL, but as
citizens of Honduras, while also comprehending the responsibilities that come along with these
rights;
By maintaining a level of consistency with respect to what is and what is not acceptable behavior,
language, attire, etc.
Life Skills:
By offering a supportive presence as they process new lessons and have new experiences;
By being present as well as patient with them when questions arise;
By sharing the joy and passion of our work with them, inviting them to a new understanding of
responsibility.
Self-Worth:
By instilling in them awareness that they are special;
By being gracious to them, despite their faults, but encouraging them to always be better;
By empowering them with a sense of positive identity, belonging and purpose.
As a volunteer, we expect that you do your best to follow these values that we attempt to uphold. We
also encourage you to push these ideas farther and strive to always improve in whatever area you are
serving.
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TRAVEL TO HONDUDRAS AND MONTAÑA DE LUZ
Airline Ticketing:
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Individuals who will be volunteering for Montaña de Luz will purchase and pay for their
roundtrip airfare. Please confirm your flight information with us as soon as possible so we
can make arrangements to pick you up from the airport. We recommend using United, Delta
or American Airlines into the Tegucigalpa airport (TGU). The airport is about an hour and a
half drive from MdL.
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Together with the Montaña de Luz staff, you will decide upon an arrival and departure dates
that work best for both parties.
Honduran Policy/Entry and Exit Ticket Requirements
• In June 2006, Honduras entered a “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement”
with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of
the four countries may travel freely across land borders from one of the countries to any of the
others without completing entry and exit formalities at immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens
and other eligible foreign nationals who legally enter any of the four countries may similarly
travel among “CA-4” countries without obtaining additional visas or tourist entry permits for
the other three countries.
• Immigration officials at the port of entry determine the length of stay, up to 90 days. Foreign
tourists who wish to stay longer than the stay initially granted for their stay may apply for a 30
day one time extension from local immigration authorities in the country where the traveler is
physically present or travel outside of Honduras and re-enter with a new 90 day visa. If you
do not leave Honduras before your visa expires to either the US or another country in Central
America are subject to fines (possibly several hundred dollars!) upon leaving the country.
• MDL facilitates all Long Term Volunteers in applying for a 1 year visa through the
government. MDL is not responsible for visa costs or associated costs due to travel.
• Honduran law requires visitors to pay an exit tax of approximately $40 USD (please confirm
as this cost changes) prior to leaving the country. LTV’s are responsible for this cost.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following Immunizations:
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Malaria Preventative. Get a prescription from your physician and take according to the
instructions. It is usually started two weeks prior to your trip. Long term volunteers will
want to consult with your physician on how often to take this.
Tetanus (should be updated every ten years).
Typhoid.
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Hepatitis Types A and B.
Please consult your physician regarding immunizations and preventative medications or any other
health concerns you may have.
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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
You are required to have the following pieces of personal identification:
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Passport. All foreign citizens are required to have passports for entry into Honduras. If
you DO NOT have a passport, you will not be allowed to leave the U.S. You can acquire a
Passport Application by visiting your local Post Office. Follow directions carefully and
DO NOT SIGN the application until you are standing in front of the representative at the
Post Office. Cost will be about $110 and it will take up to eight weeks. If necessary, for
an additional fee the turn around time will be reduced to three to four weeks. If you do
have a valid passport, it must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
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Required back-up I.D. You should have a copy of the inside page of your passport which
includes your picture and personal information. It should be carried separately from your
passport so that both are not lost. Please provide a copy of this page to MDL for our
records and leave one copy with a family member in case of emergency.
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Immigration Form. This will be given to you by the airlines during your flight prior to
entering Honduras. When you fill out the portion that asks for your intended address,
please write:
Montaña de Luz, Aldea Nueva Esperanza, Morocelí, El Paraíso
Purpose: Other/Mission
MONEY AND CURRENCY
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You will want to inform your bank that you will be out of the country so that they do not
freeze your account due to suspected fraud.
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Do not bring traveler’s checks. They are difficult to cash.
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Upon arrival at the airport in Honduras, you may exchange American dollars for “Lempira.”
The current exchange rate of Lempiras to dollars varies. Please go on-line to see the current
exchange rate.
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You will have access to ATM machines in Tegucigalpa, the capital city. Many restaurants and
gas stations do accept credit/debit cards, but we recommend that you keep a small amount of
cash at all times. No more than $50.00 USD (in Lempira) is recommended.
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Long term volunteers will be given a monthly stipend of $100. We strongly recommend that
LTV’s organize a personal fundraising campaign prior to coming to Montaña de Luz with a
goal of $4,000-$6,000 for the year you will be volunteering. MdL does not require that you
fundraise, however, you may find that the $100 stipend may not cover more than basic needs
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and may not cover any additional travel expenses you may incur throughout the year. We do
have fundraising tool kit with sample letters etc. available upon request.
COMMUNICATION
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Long Term volunteers may be given a cell phone to use during your volunteer experience if
one is available and it is needed to fulfill your work responsibilities. If you are not given a cell
phone, you can purchase one with your own money if desired. Cell phones can range from
$25.00 USD and up. If you choose to bring your own phone, please make those arrangements
with your US service provider in advance. It would be cheaper to make use of the Honduran
phone vs. extend your service plan in the US.
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Cell phones in Honduras do not require you to purchase a plan. You actually buy time (saldo)
to add to your phone. Phone calls can be made nationally or internationally.
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Personal calls should be paid for by the volunteer. MdL cell phones are for MdL work related
needs only.
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‘Saldo’ is reasonably priced. $5.00 USD can usually get you around 25 minutes of talk time.
All incoming calls are free.
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Montaña de Luz does have access to the Internet via Ethernet and wireless connections. If you
are able to bring a personal laptop computer, it is highly recommended, but not required.
However, please understand that due to our own economical limitations, you may not have
access to a computer which is specifically for your use. Free wireless is available at MdL, but
currently not available in the community or in volunteer housing in the community.
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The postal service here in Honduras is not reliable or consistent. Furthermore, mail does not
get delivered to Montaña de Luz directly. However, we do have a post office box (see below.)
Please note that the best way for you to receive items (such as prescriptions, care packages,
greeting cards) is to have them shipped to the US office in Worthington, Ohio. When service
teams come to Montaña de Luz, the trip leader will pack those items in their suitcase
(provided there is space). If you have letters you would like to have mailed stateside, our
service team leader can take them back.
Address in Honduras:
Montaña de Luz
P.O. Box 3847
Tegucigalpa MDC
Honduras, C.A.
Address in the U.S.:
Montaña de Luz
P.O. Box 410
Worthington, OH43085
Ask your family and friends to use this address.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
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Parasites and microorganisms can cause many health problems including diarrhea and other
intestinal disorders. To remain healthy, it is important that you carefully follow the directions
below.
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WATER: All water at Montaña de Luz is safe to drink. However, tap water is unsafe to drink
in most places outside of Montaña de Luz.
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FOOD: As a volunteer at Montaña de Luz, your meals will be provided while you are at MdL
on-site. You will be responsible for purchasing food and meals during non-work hours.
Honduran food is primarily comprised of beans, rice, eggs, chicken, and fresh fruits and
vegetables and is not spicy. If you have specific dietary needs, please discuss this with the incountry director prior to your departure.
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TOILET TISSUE: In Honduras (and many other countries in Central America), tissue is not
flushed down the commode, but is deposited in a container next to it.
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SHOES: Closed-toed shoes are often necessary in many circumstances as a preventative
against parasites, infection, and foot injuries. Sandals and flip flops are okay while relaxing.
Never go barefoot (more in “clothing” section).
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SUN/HEAT: The temperature can reach 90 degrees in the heat of the day and occasionally
higher in the months of April-August. Even if you don’t usually sunburn, bring sunscreen and
lip protection (SPF 15 or above is recommended). To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of
fluids. Clean drinking water is best unless Gatorade is available. It is important to replace
fluids you lose when perspiring. You lose a lot more than you think, so be conscious of the
need to drink much more than at home. We recommend you bring a water bottle.
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CONTACT LENSES/EYEWEAR: If you wear contacts or glasses, be sure to bring a backup pair. Contact solution is only available in the capital, so it is best to bring an extra bottle
down with you. Take special precautions to protect your eyes from blowing dirt when
outside.
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Long term volunteers are provided basic health coverage for their stay in Honduras.
Additional information will be provided prior to departure or upon request.
LIVING CONDITIONS
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Volunteers will live on-site at Montaña de Luz in our guest housing for the first month of their
volunteer experience. After this time period, you will meet with the in country director to
determine if it would be a better fit for you to move into the community with either a host
family or, depending upon availability, staff housing. All staff and long term volunteers who
are provided housing as part of their compensation must agree to abide by and sign the MDL
housing agreement attached. * see attached document.
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During your volunteer experience, you will be provided bedding and towels. It is not
necessary to pack these items. Basic toiletries will also be provided (shampoo, conditioner,
soap, toothpaste).
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CLOTHING
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Honduran culture is different from ours. Out of respect for the Hondurans, it is important that
we comply with their clothing standards. We are ambassadors for our country and will be
viewed as such. Not complying with their dress code will offend some and could be a
stumbling block to developing relations. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 90's so cool,
comfortable clothing is appropriate. 100% cotton items are best. However, we do have cold
spells in November, December, and January, so we recommend packing a few long sleeve
shirts and a fleece or sweatshirt in order to keep warm. Please review the service team
orientation handbook on our website for the best idea of what essentials are needed:
www.montanadeluz.org
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SPECIFICS FOR MEN: Lightweight pants, slacks, and jeans are acceptable. Shorts may be
worn for sleepwear or for playing sports. Short sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or tank tops are okay
(but nothing ripped or torn). We recommend that volunteers bring one pair of athletic/closedtoed shoes, one pair sandals, flip flops and one pair of ‘casual’ shoes. Shirts, tops, caps, etc.,
must not contain any questionable designs or logos promoting alcohol or cigarettes. Never go
shirtless.
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SPECIFICS FOR WOMEN: Lightweight pants, capris, jeans, or slacks are appropriate.
Dresses and/or skirts can be worn, however, please be sure they are knee length or longer.
Knee length shorts may be worn as well. Blouses, T-shirts and thick-strapped tank tops are
acceptable. Please do not bring thin-strapped tank tops, tube tops, or shirts that expose
midriffs or are low cut. Take extra caution to be aware if a slip is needed under a skirt. Shirts,
tops, caps, etc., must not contain any questionable designs or logos promoting alcohol or
cigarettes. We recommend that you bring athletic/closed-toed shoes, one pair of sandals, a
pair of flip flops and one pair of ‘casual’ shoes.
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MODESTY FIRST: In selecting and wearing your clothing and sleepwear, keep modesty in
mind first. You must wear proper clothing at all times. The executive staff has the right to ask
that you change into more modest clothing if necessary.
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MAKEUP AND JEWELRY: Makeup and jewelry are signs of affluence and can invite
thievery. We suggest you leave all jewelry at home. An inexpensive watch and earrings (not
gold) are acceptable. Again, we ask that volunteers keep makeup modest and tasteful.
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LAUNDRY: Volunteers are welcome to do laundry by hand on-site or use the washer and
dryer at MdL when it is not in use.
PACKING
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CHECKED LUGGAGE: Most airlines allow individuals to check only one bag on
international flights. There is an additional charge for a second bag. Standard suitcases or a
duffle bag with wheels work best. Checked luggage cannot exceed 50 pounds. Please check
the airline’s baggage policies.
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CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: We recommend that you visit the airline website for all
luggage/carry on guidelines. As a general guideline, remember that one carry one, like a
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tote/back pack must be able to fit under the seat and the other must be able to fit in the
overhead compartment. Be sure to pack any and all items in your carry on bag that you will
need for 48 hours, including medicines, eye glasses/contact lenses, etc. Sometimes checked
luggage may be delayed a day or two. Remember to pack larger than 3.5 oz. liquids in your
checked luggage. If you bring bug spray (we can provide basic repellant), it must be in your
checked luggage.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
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BEING SENT HOME: If you create a serious problem at Montaña de Luz, you will be
required to return home immediately at your own expense. The executive staff has complete
authority to administer this type of action if they deem it necessary as a way of upholding the
mission and values of MdL. The use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco is unacceptable on MdL
grounds at any time. If you do choose to drink or smoke, please be discreet about it in the
community. Nueva Esperanza is a very small community (350 people) and people are
watching you all the time.
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IF YOU ARE A SMOKER: Please be aware that you may not smoke within MdL grounds.
You may have the chance to leave in the evenings while staying on-site, but please be discreet
and never allow children to follow you while you step out for a smoke.
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INVITATIONS TO THE U.S. (or any other country of origin): Do not invite any
Hondurans to the U.S. (or any other country of origin) Be aware that normal friendly
comments are easily misconstrued as actual invitations such as: “It would be nice to have you
visit the “X” country,” or “You should come to ”X” country.” In addition to the fact that
passports and visas are nearly impossible for average Honduran people to obtain, coming to
the U.S. (or other countries) may hinder their desire and vision to minister in their own
culture.
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CULTURE: Each country has its own unique culture – the pattern of behavior and rules
regarding what is and is not accepted or expected. While in Honduras, always remember
that you are a guest in their country and an ambassador of your own. Act with
appropriate humility, respect, and sensitivity, even if some customs or attitudes strike you
as different or even contrary to your own. Please keep in mind that if you come from a
culture focused that is more “task oriented” and focused on getting things done as quickly
as possible, you may find that there is greater focus on interpersonal relationships here in
Honduras. Also, please remember that while many Hondurans do not speak English,
others might understand a fair amount. Words of criticism can hurt and offend. As a
volunteer it is very important that you come with an attitude of service, flexibility and
humility. It is important to honor the on-site staff for their experience while sharing your
own skills and experience. Be aware that in developing countries it is not uncommon to
defer to the person perceived to have power. We are committed to a positive work
environment for all and value the contributions of both our LTV’s and our Honduran
staff.
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LOCAL FRIENDSHIPS: One of the most valuable experiences you can have while
living abroad is establishing friendships with people from your host country. We
encourage you to establish friendships with the people in the community but be aware
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that it is a small community and as a non-Honduran you will stand out and be watched
(even when you don’t realize it!) and gossiped about. Be careful not to share information
about MDL, the children or employees with people in the community. Always remember
that you are volunteering for a faith based organization and you represent Montana de
Luz at all times. Be very discreet about sharing personal information… Latino culture is
more discreet about personal information than US American or European cultures
typically are.
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A FEW RULES OF ETIQUETTE TO FOLLOW
o Do not refer to the Hondurans as “natives,” ignoring their cherished nationality.
Simply use the term “Hondurans.”
o Always be polite and courteous (even in restaurants or while shopping with
aggressive merchants). Go out of your way to initiate greeting and shaking hands.
o Always say “Con permiso” when entering a room or business.
o Greet Hondurans (“Good Morning” or “How are you?”) before asking even
simple questions such as directions or assistance.
o Never assume that someone doesn’t understand or speak English.
o For the most part, and in this area in particular, you will find that Hondurans are
open and interested in building relationships with visitors. However, this is not
something to be assumed. As is true of all relationships, the strongest are built
over time as you gain mutual respect for one another. Our staff, in particular, are
warm, friendly and are always eager to learn.
o Be careful when dealing with the opposite sex. Some Hondurans may confuse
ordinary friendliness with something more. Since this type of misunderstanding is
common, there is no such thing as “harmless” flirting, so please don’t do it.
o Hondurans do not usually us the ‘tu’ form when speaking Spanish, even with
children or friends. It is customary to address everyone with the ‘usted’ form. Not
doing so can be perceived as being disrespectful or inappropriately intimate.
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PICTURE TAKING: By all means bring your camera, but please always ask before
taking someone’s picture. Some people do not want their pictures taken.
o In order to protect our children, we ask that you please refrain from taking
pictures of them unless you have permission from the executive staff. With
dozens of groups coming to Montaña de Luz annually, our kids begin to feel like
animals in a zoo.
o We ask that any pictures you do have, you use the utmost discretion in how you
choose to share them. For the children’s privacy, please do not post their photos
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on public sites or use their names if posted to a private site.
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GIVING TO THE POOR: You may be approached by beggars. Our policy is that we
usually do not give to beggars.
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GIVING GIFTS TO HONDURANS: Never arbitrarily give things away to Hondurans.
We do not want them to look to volunteers as the sole provider of their needs. If you want
to give some of your personal belongings or other gifts, you must check with the
executive staff first, and they will advise you of an appropriate way to do this. This
includes candy, balloons, bubble gum, crayons, clothing, money and any other item.
Giving things away can easily result in an out-of-control ‘mob scene.’ It is very
important not to add to the disempowerment of people by creating a “begging mentality.”
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DONATIONS: Work with the staff in determining how best to distribute donated
candies, treats or trinkets that service teams may have brought. There may be the
occasion to use these types of treats as incentives or rewards.
SAFETY
Safety has always been a top priority for Montaña de Luz. We work hard at providing a safe and
secure environment as well as ensuring that the children, staff and volunteers feel safe at all
times. MdL is a fenced in, gated and guarded facility . A guard is on duty at all times. The team
of guards make a practice of walking the grounds throughout the day and night. MdL uses its
own vehicles and drivers for all transportation, but if public transportation is used, it is only
during daylight and with multiple staff. MdL communicates regularly with other missions and
non-profit organizations regarding any current news articles or other notices that pertain to safety
issues for its residents and guests. We also keep a close watch on any government travel
advisories and follow their recommendations. We do not allow our volunteers to travel alone.
Any safety concerns you may have can be discussed with the staff. They will listen and provide
support. We ask that everyone use good judgment and caution at all times.
SUPPORT
We want you to have a wonderful experience volunteering for MDL. Please bring any and all
concerns to the attention of the in-country Director and if needed to the Executive Director. We
have built 1 week of time off quarterly into all LTV’s schedules to explore Honduras and Central
America, return home for a visit or just rest and relaxation! You are welcome to host family and
friends at MDL, we ask that they consider a donation of $25 per day, per person to offset the cost
of food and housing. Please consult with the in-country Director before making plans to assure
there are no conflicts. We recommend that you research the history of Honduras before you
arrive and two books that have been recommended reading for LTV’s are: Enrique’s Journey,
Coffee Saved My Life and Culture Matters. Also, please review the HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet
attached.
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Important Contact Information:
The United States Embassy:
Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Telephone: 011-504-236-9320 or 011-504-238-5114
Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
American Citizens Services Unit Fax: 011-504-238-4357
For Current Travel Advisory status: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1135.html
Mission Location:
Montana de Luz
Nueva Esperanza
Moroceli, El Paraiso
Erika Shell Castro
Executive Director
Montana de Luz
PO Box 410
Worthington, Ohio 43085
Cell 614-403-8755
Home 614-272-6810
Email: [email protected]
Ruth DeYoe
Service Team Director
Cell # in Honduras: 011-504-9962-2576
Cell in US: 386-793-6151
Email: [email protected]
Laurie Mottice
US Office Administrator
Office Phone: 614-848-8077
Email: [email protected]
Danielle Forsman
Financial Administrator
Cell: 614-284-4202
[email protected]
Kristen Mallory
In-Country Director
011-504-9521-6444
Email: [email protected]
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Map of Honduras
NuevaEsperanza/MdL
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