Update on Medical Mission Trip to Tacloban, Philippines (Part 3)

We're only a few more days away from the start of our medical mission trip to Tacloban, Philippines.

We're excited for what is shaping up to be a well-organized and coordinated outreach effort to assist those still very much in need of help after Typhoon Haiyan.

Here's an update from Fr. Anthony.

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Dear Vietnamese Houston Medical Mission team,

We are only less than a week from our mission. If you are like me, I am somewhat nervous and excited at the same time.

Now, for the info update.

1. As of now, our fundraising efforts collect about $75K.

2. Purchase: shipment has arrived Tacloban from Manila. It includes 5000 children gifts, 1800 adult gifts, and medications.

3. Hotel and lodging.

• You should already know your hotel stay in Manila (if booking w Mai Linh or booking by yourselves) for both BEFORE and AFTER the mission week. 
• As for Tacloban, we will stay at Dr. Salazar's brother's house. We will have folding cots for everyone. Please bring your own towels, sheets, and pillow if necessary.

4. Food will be catered to our house. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I asked Dr. Salazar to make sure nice dinner so our people can enjoy and relax after a hard working day. It costs about $17/day/person ($4+4+9).

• HT Huyen Viet asked for vegie food for himself. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know now. We will try our best to accommodate.
• We already bring along 3 thung mi goi (90 goi, just in case anyone need it). 

5. We will have our uniform/team T-shirts. Each person will get 2 T-shirts for changing for 5 working days.

6. Working. We will work at different locations each day. Dr. Salazar chose locations where people need help the most. The farthest village to travel to is 3 hours each way. We will travel in 2 vans and a truck.

7. Packing.

• toiletry: shampoo, toothbrush, shaver, soap.. for your personal need.
• clothes for 10 days (or duration of your stay) includes underwears, socks, shirts, pants, sleepwear. Keep in mind it is hot (80s degree F) and rainy, just like Vietnam. 
• Shoes (now not sure if you need boots because they are too heavy and bulky, but use your own judgment). Maybe comfortable tennis shoes would be good.
• Mosquito spray.
• sunblock?
• Again, each person will get 2 Team T-shirts for working during days.

8. Questions.

• Does anyone have 3-4 walkie-talkie that you can bring along? For communication between trucks for fun and maybe for work also.
• any special needs or suggestions?

Fr. Tam