Passport Turnaround Time

I knew that if I wanted to make the mission trip for January 19th, I had to scramble to get a passport. Mine was expired. I just got my passport back after 10 days, no expedited shipping fee. Here's how I did it:

1) I already had a passport, so I clicked on "Fill out DS-82 online" link to generate a neatly printed form to print out and mail in. The computer generated type makes it possible for the State Dept. to bar code scan or OCR the form, rather than type it in. Just like on tax forms, I made sure to add my signature to the bottom, and included two properly cropped 2" photos.
(any number of "mailbox etc" type places will take your photo for a few bucks and a few minutes)

If you lost your passport, or need to apply for your first passport, go here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
You WILL have to apply in person if you're not renewing.

2) Sent the application via overnight ExpressMail, which cuts a 7 day mailing time down to 1 day, saving me a week for the cost of about $15. (If i were to do it again, I would avoid the post office lines and do it via UPS overnight at Staples or Fedex overnight at Kinkos)

My advice is to move on this BEFORE Christmas. If you get your passport before the 19th, great. If you don't, you'll have it in time for our March trip, or any of the other dozen Mexico trips. If you have ANY interest in missions, don't put it off getting your passport any longer...if an opportunity arises, you don't want to let the lack of a passport ground you. --Vu

Passport Registration and Renewal Links

You must have a valid US passport to re-enter the United States for all future Mexico trips.
You can submit form DS-82 to renew your passport if you have your passport on hand.
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html
Read the requirements carefully before submitting. Got bad handwriting? Click on "Fill out DS-82 online" link to generate a neatly printed form to print out and mail in.

Need your first passport? Get complete information at
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

Current processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. Expedited processing will cost an additional $60, and get it down to three weeks.

Thank You for Giving Just the Same

I would personally like to thank everyone who gave so generously in the last two days. We've received at least $2,000 worth in donated toys, supplies, and hygiene items. Even though weather has forced the cancellation of our December 8th trip, I personally guarantee that your gracious gifts will reach the children of Independencia in January. Thank you -- Vu Le, DDS

Cancellation of 12/8 trip to Independencia, Mexico

I'm sorry to be the one to share this bad news, but.....here it is. Due to the severe weather that the Independencia area is expected to have on Sat., we've made the decision to cancel the trip. We will reschedule for the third Sat. in Jan. This is a bummer, I know, but the area where we go, is prone to flash flooding and we can't afford to risk going. Email me and let me know if you want your money back, or want me to hold it for the trip in January. The one possible snag to everyone who was planning to go on this trip and the problem with rescheduling it, is that in January, everyone will need to have a passport. I've reminded all of you several times this past year about getting passports, so I hope all of you did. Thank you to all of you who helped us with supplying the items needed to pack the extra boxes that we ended up needing. You all are so AWESOME!! Latrice

Cell phone and Christmas boxes

I now have a new cell phone and my number has remained the same (714)307-5620. I apologize to anyone who has tried to reach me at that number for the last week. Thank you to everyone who has answered the call to help us fill 200+ boxes that we came up short on. Many others have called offering help to pack the boxes, but we have had more people volunteer than we can use. All of you are so very faithful. We'll all be praying for Vu Le, as he is a big part of our clinic ministry in Mexico, and he's currently fighting some nasty bug that is trying to get him down. Watch for a last minute trip update from me regarding Sat. It will be put in either tomorrow or Friday. Take care, and may God bless everyone of you for being obedient to His tasks. Latrice

Latrice's Cell Phone is Down

My cell phone met with a watery death on Friday. Anyone who needs to get in touch with me should use my home phone in the evenings. Hm (714)836-8493. Latrice.