Yes, emergency contact numbers and the hotel/host home phone number will be provided to you 1-2 weeks before the departure date.

The trip leader for your destination will be the contact for any specific questions.  If you have not already been contacted by your trip leader please feel free to send an email to HIMM@HIMMonline.org or refer to our discussion page.  We have a forum dedicated to each destination.  You may refer to the forum for any questions or read other questions that may have been posted.

United States currency is acceptable at most tourist shops, hotels and airports. You will obtain the best rate of exchange by using a Visa/MasterCard for any purchase in the local country you are visiting. You should also bring some cash in small denominations for any small purchases, souvenir shopping and meals during our two travel days at the airports.  If you pay in cash, you will receive change in the local currency.

You are not responsible for your own health and accident insurance while traveling overseas. HIMM will organize and provide this coverage for the trip. It will include emergency evacuation for medical, natural disasters and civil unrest.  For our  physicians HIMM will provide medical malpractice.

You can consult with your doctor or go to the website for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov to get advice on what (if any) vaccinations are needed while abroad.

If you have glasses or contact lenses, bring along an extra pair. If you have prescription medication, make sure you bring enough to last during your time abroad. Make sure to carry the correctly labeled containers so it won’t be mistaken for illegal drugs.

You will be visiting destinations that have been either been established or previously visited by HIMM board members.  A special in-country coordinator and translator will be responsible for overseeing the trip and keeping abreast of any news that could affect your visit. Should any developments occur during your trip that warrant concern, every precaution is taken to ensure your safety. Our first priority will always be your well being.

Out of respect for the local culture, we dress modestly on our trips. For surgery days we recommend medical scrubs.  It is not only comfortable but differentiates you from the locals as a missionary their to serve.  Since most of the countries are tropical in climate, it’s advisable to wear lightweight shirts and pants and closed-toe shoes during the day.

We strongly suggest packing one carry-on bag plus one small tote bag/back pack to avoid any delays at the airports. Please make sure to follow the zip lock bag rules for liquids.  Prior to your trip we strongly suggest giving a photocopy of your passport to the trip leader as well as an emergency contact that will not be traveling with you.  Any specific items needed for the trip will be communicated to you by the trip leader.

HIMM has special lodging arrangements in the countries we visit. Depending upon your destination, your quarters will be either a home provided by our host or a hotel. The cost of the trip includes sharing a room. If you desire private accommodations, there is an additional cost.

HIMM is a ministry that is centered on relationship by serving the “least of these”. We strongly desire and pray that each child and family we serve come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. As we focus on serving and building lasting relationships, we use that as a platform to share God’s love and His desire for us to know and be known by Him. We share the Gospel to others by sharing our lives. As Paul writes, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” -1 Thessalonians 2:8 However, we do not withhold help or services from any child or home based on religion. We serve all children alike regardless of their faith or creed and do not require any child to adhere to Christian faith in order to receive our services.