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.

Box Party @ Hugh's Dec 2nd

Box party Sun. Dec 2nd at Hugh's house. His address is 7 Ammolite, RSM, 92688. We'll have snacks to eat, because we have approx. 150 boxes to pack. People need to contact Latrice ( LJSRN @ roadrunner.com ) to let me know if they're going, so we have adequate snacks. People can bring new toys or clothing for the boxes if they desire.

Also, a final reminder that your paperwork and payment are due Dec 1st, so if you haven't mailed anything, send in your payment and paperwork IMMEDIATELY.

UPDATE: time is at 5:00pm

Download the Signup Packet Today

If it's your first time taking a trip to Mexico with us, or you invited someone to come for the first time, you can now download the signup packet at:
http://www.simpletooth.com/images/stories/independencia_forms.pdf

Those who have completed these forms on a previous trip need only send a check to secure your spot. The mailing address is listed on the first page of the packet. Future trips will be using the Saddleback PEACE signup system; details will be posted here as they are made available.

December Trip Videos

In anticipation of our upcoming December trip, here are some oldie-but-goodie videos from previous Decembers:

December 2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJH-7OeRQcs

December 2004:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKuXEcMgnBo

December 8th trip

Next Independencia trip will Sat. Dec 8th. Cost will be $70.

Those of you who have gone on the last 3 or 4 trips, should already have current paperwork with me, and all you will need to do is send me a check for $70/ea made out to "SVCC" and mail to me at the address below.

Those of you who have never gone, or haven't gone in the last 3 - 4 trips, need to contact me immediately by email or phone (preferably email) to get your paperwork that's required.

The DROP DEAD DEADLINE will be Dec. 1st for all money and paperwork to be in to me. There will be no exceptions for anyone. All paperwork and money will need to be turned into the church the next day.

Sat. the 1st or Sun the 2nd, there will be a box party for packing the kids gift boxes. Date will be decided soon. You will be required to attend for the first 30 min. (hopefully you'll stay for the entire evening...it's fun!) for an informational meeting. THIS WILL BE REQUIRED. This will also serve as the last opportunity to turn in paperwork and money. I'll have paperwork there that night for you to complete, if you haven't done it already.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO YOUR PAPERWORK THAT EVENING, YOU STILL MUST CALL OR EMAIL ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE GOING, SO THAT I CAN GET A COUNT OF HOW MANY SEATS WE WILL BE NEEDING. I MUST HEAR FROM YOU NO LATER THAN NOV. 25TH.

Be sure you provide contact info for yourself in all communications to me. All further info regarding the trip will be on this blog and once you subscribe, (subscribe in the box on the right of this page or at http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=219065) you'll be notified when there has been a new entry to the blog. Hope to hear from all of you soon. In Christ, Latrice (714) 836-8493 or cell (714)307-5620 or LJSRN {at} roadrunner.com

Noah's Baptism Video on Youtube

Thanks to Rudy Ramirez for producing this wonderful mini-documentary of a powerful story that happened during our June 2007 trip. If you can't see the video above this text, watch it on Youtube.

A Successful September Trip

We've just returned from another wonderful trip to Independencia. For the first time, I got to ride along to the Pei Pei indian reservation.

The Pei Pei are an "unreached people group" just 10 minutes drive away from our clinic. Numerous churches and organizations have come offering to help before, only to leave. We can understand their tentativeness and reluctance under these circumstances. A few of us packed up several boxes of medicines and set up a makeshift medical clinic at the reservation's church. There's a pastor residing on the reservation who is open to our efforts. Local support is crucial.

We had well-needed help from electricians Ron Link of Saddleback Church and John Goodwin of the Bridge in Corona. I'd like to thank them for their tremendous service in rebuilding the electrical system of the house. They spent 3 days down there working in the mud. Thanks to them, we will have stable, reliable power delivery for our medical and dental clinics.

On the dental front, we persevered despite the absence of many key volunteers. We were especially lacking for oral surgeons and Spanish speaking interpreters. We were able to examine around 30 people and contribute approximately $7,500 in free dentistry. Thanks go to Dr. James Kahal of Laguna Hills, and our two fine orthodontists, Dr. Chris Carter of Rancho Santa Margarita, and Dr. John Eli, soon to be in Lake Forest.

Dr. Kahal took his wife and three daughters, proving that this is truly a trip for the whole family. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds for a our trip. Check out our cool slideshow for more photos of our trip.

Last Minute details for the 9/22 Mexico trip

1. Meet at Lower Lot, 3 AM sharp. We will meet at the lower parking lot, which is the 1st lot to the left off of Saddleback Pkwy. There will be a sign at the entrance to the lot. Pls be there at 3AM SHARP!

2. BYO Food. Members of the Avelino's church will be preparing lunch. If you do not want to eat that food, you will need to bring a sack lunch. EVERYONE will need to bring a sack dinner, as we will not be stopping on the way home (this is per our instructions from the church.) There will be snacks provided on the bus.

3. Dress in layers. You may bring a blanket and/or a pillow as we have a small group going and will have more room than usual to spread out.

4. Bring Empty Suitcases. If you have access to an empty suitcase, pls bring it so that any equipment going can be packed in the cases. This will facilitate our border crossing and help to decrease interest with the Mexican border staff. You'll get the suitcase back when we get home.

5. Donate Food You Would Eat Yourself. You may bring food items for the food bank, including baby food, diapers, nutritional drinks, formula, etc. Pls don't bring your unwanted, unfamiliar or expired food items. (no cupboard cleaning) Also, we need plastic grocery sacks and large Zip-Lock type bags. Do not bring used clothing, toys, medicines unless you have gotten the ok from me or some other leadership team member.

6. Label all personal items clearly, so that hopefully you get home with what you took with you. Things happen, so pls don't bring down valuable items, and limit how much cash you bring.

7. Watch your Kids. If you bring down minors, you are fully responsible to watch those kids. Don't assume that because you see a lot of adults around, that they are watching out for your kids.

8. Dress modestly. Pls do not wear spaghetti straps, tank tops, shorts that end more than a hand's breadth above the top of the knee. Pls no cleavage, ladies, and gentlemen, no posterior cleavage, either.

9. Go with an open heart and an open mind. Don't go down with preconceived ideas of how things should go or what should be accomplished. This is Christ's ministry, not ours. He defines "ministry" and "success." He blesses us with an opportunity to serve and love His sheep of another pasture. A smile or a hug, a small act of kindness may well be what He has you there for.


Thank you all and see you there,

Latrice Sarver

New address: peacetrip.org

We now have a new address, www.peacetrip.org. Tell a friend.

September 22nd Trip Information

Well, it's that time again, time to rev up and ready ourselves for our next clinic trip. This should have been out to you three weeks ago, but like always, I'm playing catch up. I'm going to try to keep this as short as possible, but I have a lot to cover. If something doesn't seem clear to you, e-mail me and I'll attempt to clarify it for you. The date will be here before we know it, so please make a start at putting things together for the trip in the way of food for the bank, saving bags, etc. Here are the details:

1. Please start saving plastic or paper grocery sacks to use in the pharmacy for filling medication orders and in the food bank to sack up food items.

2. Bring your food, diapers (adult and kids), baby formula, nutritional drinks (ie Boost, Ensure, and store brands are usually cheaper and are just as good). Pls don't clean out your cupboards of such delicacies as pickled artichoke hearts, etc. We're talking foods that our Mexican friends are familiar with, like beans, rice, canned fruits and veg., powdered or canned milk, juice… you get the idea. Big Costco amounts are ok as we can divide it up into smaller quantities, if necessary.

3. School starts in Sept., so this is a good time to take school supplies for the kids. You could bring items in bulk, but if you're willing, set up kits for individual kids. This will save time down there.

4. We will need gallon size ZipLock bags for the food bank.

5. WE NEED SUITCASES AND/OR LARGE HEAVY DUFFLE BAGS. On the June trip, for the first time in awhile, we had some difficulties getting across the border into Mexico with the equipment we had brought. Medical, dental equipment and tools, stimulates a lot more red tape than a bus belly full of suitcases. We came close to having to leave some very expensive donated dental equipment at the border or send someone back into the States with it. These suitcases don't have to be in perfect condition, so check your own garage or attic, ask your extended family and friends for donations, and pay attention when driving by yard sales. NOW THIS PART IS VERY IMPORTANT! WE DO NOT HAVE ANY AVAILABLE STORAGE OF OUR OWN ANY WHERE, SO THESE SUITCASES WILL NEED TO RESIDE AT YOUR HOUSE OR BUSINESS AND BE BROUGHT TO THE CHURCH ON THE MORNINGS WE LEAVE TO BE FILLED. AFTER THE TRIP, THEY WILL NEED TO GO HOME WITH YOU. WE CAN USE ANY SIZE, BUT ESPECIALLY MED, LARGE AND EXTRA LARGE (ie foot lockers, trunks).

6. There is going to be a work trip down on Aug. 18th. We will be assessing what projects will be done either on the 18th or on Sept 22nd, and we'll also be determining what supplies will need to come down with us to complete the projects on the next trip. If this is your "thing", contact Hugh Robinson by email and let him know your specialty. Hand tools will be very useful, things (like hand power saws, drills, screw drivers). We ask that YOU LABEL THEM WELL, AND BRING THEM IN SUITCASES OR DUFFLE BAGS to avoid the issues discussed in #5 above. I'll include Hugh's email at the bottom of these instructions. Some projects in the planning stages are water system improvements, running power to the shed, building a pony wall on the patio, plumbing issues in the bathrooms in the house, etc.

The following are some house keeping issues and registration details.

1. DRESS CODE: Please remember who you represent while you're down there and dress appropriately and sensibly. Dress in layers, so that you can peel off or apply more layers as needed, while working and on the bus. NO OPEN TOED SHOES, SPAGHETTI STRAPS, BELLY SHIRTS OR LOW CUT TOPS. IF YOU WEAR SLEEVELESS SHIRTS, BE SURE THEY COVER EVERYTHING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED.
Remember, it's a service trip, and we don't want to offend anybody, so keep it modest.

2. MOTION SICKNESS: If you know that you have a tendency to get nauseous while in a vehicle, please pre-treat yourself with some type of medication. If for some reason, you're un-willing or unable to take medication, be sure you look out the front windshield of the bus, whenever possible, don't sleep or read (unless it's a medicated sleep), and keep the vent above your head open so that it doesn't get to hot or stuffy. Also, be sure you don't sit anywhere near Alan, as he is one of those sympathetic vomit victims and will lose his stomach contents if he even hears someone throw up. If there's a chance you may toss your cookies, ask me for a "just in case the unimaginable happens barf bag". We will have them on all trips from now on. In this case, better safe than sorry speaks volumes. SERIOUSLY, PLEASE DON'T LET THIS KEEP YOU FROM PARTICIPATING. We'll deal with it.

3. SECURING YOUR VALUABLES: The bedroom on the right at the end of the hall is where everyone should be leaving their things. Our people will be back in that area the whole day and they'll keep tabs on your stuff. There will be a table back there for that purpose. Please, don't bring anything of value that you don't really need, because no matter how careful we are, "stuff" can happen. Leave your "bling!bling!" at home.

4. RESTROOMS: There are three bathrooms in the house. There is a bathroom in the main portion of the house where the medical patients are seen, a second and a third in the two back bedrooms. These may need to be closed for a short period to make minor repairs, if it doesn't get finished on the work weekend, but other than that, they are there for our use only. Please do not direct patients to these facilities. ALSO, PLEASE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO THROW TOILET PAPER IN THE TRASH RATHER THAN FLUSHING IT. This seems to go against the grain, but if you flush it, it will wreck the plumbing systems down there, not only on our campus, but anywhere in Mexico.

5. MEALS/FOOD: Last trip, we tried something new, and it didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped. This is plan "B" and we hope it will work out better. Pastor Avelino will have some people from his church cook for us again like they did in June. That meal will be served as our midday meal. You are responsible for getting your break to eat once the meal is ready. For the evening meal, we will all need to bring a sack meal. This meal will be eaten on the bus on our way back. We will not be doing AM/PM or any food stops (including McDONALD'S at the U.S. border). Before the whining begins, let me explain the pro's of doing it this way. We will be able to work longer and still be able to get back home by our usual time of 10pm-12am. Every single trip, there are people that we do not have time to see. It's better to sacrifice a hot meal in the evening, and see more patients, than it is to eat a hot meal some where on the way home. By the end of the day, most people are exhausted and just really want to get home and fall into bed. This way, we'll eat in route so no time is lost. There will be drinks and snacks for both the morning and evening drive, but these will be light snacks at best, and will in no way qualify as a meal. Come prepared.

6. OFF-SITE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE: The Sept trip we will be doing a satellite clinic out on the PaiPai (spelling??) Indian Reservation. This clinic is our door into their lives and culture. It will allow us to treat the physical illnesses of their body, but more importantly the illnesses of their hearts, through the sharing of Christ's. They are an unreached people group and this is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for us to become more intimately involved with them. We have made a commitment to the Pastor on the reservation to bring our med/dental people to them on their home turf. Start praying now that the Lord will open many doors through this first clinic.

7. PASSPORTS: Passports will be required for passage across the U.S. border starting JAN. 1, 2008. Since this is going to affect thousands of people, you need to get the process underway ASAP. In the past, once your paperwork was submitted to the government, it took anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to receive your passport, provided that no snags occurred. The influx of people requesting passports has already jumped tremendously, and instead of weeks, it can take months. WE BEG THAT IF YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A PASSPORT, PLEASE MAKE THIS A PRIORITY. WE DON'T WANT TO DO WITHOUT KEY PEOPLE (OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER) WHEN WE START OUR 2008 CLINIC SCHEDULE BECAUSE YOU PROCRASTINATED ON THIS. Everything you need, including forms and instructions, can be found on the internet.

8. REGISTRATION PROCESS: Registration will be done as it has been in the past. For your seat to be reserved, I must have the following in my possession by the deadline of Sept. 8th :
(A) Personal Information Form,(B) Medical Release/Authorization Form (C) Liability Release Form (D) Check made out to SVCC for $70. Once I have these items, then and only then is your bus seat reserved. If you have been down to Independency from Dec. 2006 thru the June trip 2007, I probably have these forms already, and I just need your check. Anyone who hasn't gone down with us during this time frame, will need to contact me by email so that I can mail or fax you the forms. WHEN YOU EMAIL ME, BE SURE TO SPELL OUT YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER. IT ISN'T HELPFUL TO GET AN E-MAIL SENT BY "POOKIE'S PRINCE". I NEED YOUR FULL NAME AND CONTACT INFO. Seats are limited, so if you don't want to be disappointed, please contact me ASAP.

NOTE: I HAVE A NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS, SO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS BOOK NOW. My address is LJSRN(at)roadrunner.com
Hugh Robinson's e-mail address is hughcr(at)sbcglobal.net I look forward to hearing from many of you very soon. Tell your friends, and remember, you don't have to be a medical or dental professional.

In Christ,
Latrice

Fall and Winter Trip Dates

We will be returning to Independencia on September 22nd and December 8th. People of all backgrounds and ages are invited to come join us. To help us plan, please let us know as early as possible if you are going.

Looking back: December 2006 trip

I love December trips the most. For those who haven't seen it yet, here's a YouTube video from pictures of our December 2006 trip. It's a few months old, but if you weren't there in December, it gives you something to look forward to next Christmas. Watch it here.

New Larger Slideshow

I had to move the June slideshow for technical reasons back to my simpletooth site. There's still a small preview version to the right. The good news is that the full page show is even larger. Check it out here.

June Trip Dental Production

I found our clinic trip records, and here's the exact dental production for the June trip:

• 32 Fillings (~$200 value)
  
• 10 Cleanings (~$200 value) - these were grossly underestimated by Ellen's count
• 47 Exams (~$100 value)
• 57 Extractions (~$300 value)

All told, we produced at least $29,200 of free dentistry in a six hour clinic shift, using donated equipment, supplies and labor. Way to go, team! --Vu

Noah's Baptism

Many of us (myself included) were blissfully unaware of a small miracle that happened during the last trip. Hugh and others found a severely malnourished and deformed little boy in the back of a truck. What follows is a small miracle.

Warning: some graphic imagery, 25 minute running time. A lot of Spanish, but it's pretty easy to figure out what's going on. PC users, you must have Apple Quicktime installed to watch it.

Watch the video on Rudy's site.

A Great Trip

We've just returned from a great trip to Independencia. Our dental team was able to see at least 47 patients, producing $29,000 in free dentistry--a one-day clinic record. Thanks to everyone for all your hard work!