You will be living in Jacintoville, which is about 8 miles west of Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is located at the southern tip of Belize.

Communal living, indoor restroom facilities, moderate living conditions. (Interns live in the same building as Staff and orphans. The women interns room together, and the men interns room together). Punta Gorda town is about 15 minutes away from LOL campus. Christianity is accepted in Belize.

Working hours are roughly from 6:30am to 8:30pm
-Breakfast/morning duties: 6:30am-8:00am
-Devotions: 8:00am-9:00am
-Morning Duties: 9:00-12:00 pm
-Lunch: 12:00pm-1:00pm
-Afternoon Duties: 1:00pm-6:00pm
-Dinner: 6:00pm-7:00pm
-Evening Duties: 7:00pm-8:30pm

There are breaks and off hours throughout the day. You will have two days off during the week.
Everyone works on the weekend.

The work you will be doing includes, but is not limited to the following:

Ladies – cooking, childcare, administrative work, homeschooling, cleaning, hosting teams, and construction.

Men – construction, vehicle maintenance, lawn care, administrative work, hosting teams, childcare, homeschooling, and cooking.

Interns have several opportunities to participate in ministry while at LOL:
- Share their testimony of salvation
- Assist in hosting short-term teams
- Hiking to villages to serve and minister
- Assist with worship both for LOL and at the local churches
- Participate in the Sunday school, youth group or adult ministry at the local churches

We pray that the time that you have in the internship program would be a time to focus on your relationship with God. For that reason we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
- No dating allowed until both of the individuals have been with LOL for one year.
- After one year’s time all relationships are to be approved by Jervis and Melissa.

This training will include, but not be limited to these main categories:

Team playing—Learn how to:

Operate in the unity of vision.

Recognize the diversity of skills amongst each individual player and combine them to walk in unity.

Discover the pathway to walk in victory, through loyalty and commitment, as a dedicated leader.

Cultivate a Godly attitude through service.

The Office of an Armor Bearer:

Learn the three components of an armor bearer through studying their position, spirit and duties.

The Law of Navigation:

Learn how to become a better leader by strengthening your leadership abilities.

How to Study the Bible:

Learn to ignite the desire for an intimate relationship with Christ.

Establish an unshakable foundation to create godly life patterns.

You will be given the practical tools to know how to delve deep into the hidden secrets of God.

Learn to pray, seek, study and discover the mysteries of God

You will be given instruction on how to use practical tools to accurately study the Bible

1. Read LOL Ministry mission statement & core values, beliefs, and internship program information.

2. Submit completed internship application online.

3. Submit recent headshot photo to mfisher@lolministry.com

4. Referral Forms. E-mail the following link to 3 non-relatives, that you have known a minimum of 1 year. Completed forms are automatically sent to LOL.
http://form.jotform.co/form/22416979135864

Steps 1-4 must be completed and approved prior to proceeding to additional steps. You will receive an email at this time.

After approval of steps 1-4, an Application Fee of $100 is required (please send check to LOL Ministry, 501 Weld County Road 48, Berthoud, CO 80513. Write your name in memo line.)

Steps 5-7 are forms that need to be read, signed and emailed to mfisher@lolministry.com. Please keep the originals you will need to bring them upon approval to volunteer with LOL.

5. National Background Check Permission Slip Download Here (PDF File)

6. Medical Clearance Form Download Here (PDF File)

7. Code of Conduct Agreement Download Here (PDF File)

8. Interview

All finances for the time of your stay are due before you arrive to Belize.

$450 per month:
Includes food, lodging & visa fees
Not included: transportation to Belize, gas for leisure travel, snacks, medical care, personal items, and spending money.

Generally it is best to start raising funds 4 to 6 months in advance.

Tax deductible donations can be:

1) Mailed to:
LOLM
501 WCR 48
Berthoud, CO 80513

2) Submitted online at http://www.lolministry.com/donations/

Fundraising ideas:

-Do a “Donation Only” Car Wash
-Yard Sale
-Bake Sale
-Housecleaning
-Mowing Lawns
-Babysitting
-Check with local organizations if there is a way you can fundraise through serving their company (ex. Sonic, Krispy Cream Donuts, etc)
-Mail out a support letter

Tips for writing a support letter:
-Briefly share what God has been doing in your life
-Briefly share how God lead you to LOL ministry
-Briefly share about LOL (i.e. it is a children’s home in Belize)
-Share a Bible verse or quote that supports your call
-Humbly ask if they will support you either financially or in prayer (share the amount that you must raise)
-Include the requirements for sending a tax-deductible donation
-Include a pre-addressed and post-stamped envelope for easy mailing
-Follow up any received donations with a phone call or hand-written “Thank-you” letter
-Be creative! Remember to check with the police department on laws regarding fundraising on public property.

Make sure your passport is and will remain current for your time in Belize.

Information including how to apply for, renew, correct or change, passports can be found on the website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/

We recommended the following sites for purchasing your flights to and from Belize:
-CheapOAir (http://www.cheapoair.com/)
-Trip Base (http://www.tripbase.com/)
-United/Continental (http://www.united.com/)
-Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com/)
-Fare Compare (http://www.farecompare.com)
-LowFares.com (http://www.lowfares.com)

-The Belize City airport code is BZE

- From Belize City to Punta Gorda: It is preferred that you take the flight from Belize City Airport to Punta Gorda on the small plane with Tropic Air. The flight cost about $140US each way. LOL will book your flight here and give you the confirmation code and instructions.

REQUIRED:

(Many of these items are unobtainable or highly difficult to find in Belize.)

Current Passport

Original signed National Background Check Permission Slip, Medical Clearance Form, and Code of Conduct Agreement.

Bible

Journal: 3-ring binder 1½”

Books:
1.The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Brother Yun by Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway
2. Loyalty: The Reach of the Noble Heart by Bob Sorge
3. Dreaming with God: Secrets to Redesigning your World Through God’s Creative Flow by James W. Goil and Bill Johnson
4. If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat by John Ortberg

Shoes. It is best to bring a few pairs of shoes:
-Flip-flops
-Good walking shoes (tennis shoes)
-Water shoes (Teva, Havaianna, Solomon Fast Dry, etc)
-Shoes for hiking (these can be tennis shoes, but make sure they are separate from the water shoes. The hikes to the villages are often extremely muddy and the water shoes slip off.)
-Shoes suitable for church

Clothing. Because you are representing LOL, we ask that you adhere to all dress code attire through your entire stay in Belize. It is important to understand that you are coming to another culture and there can be outfits that are offensive.

Women’s attire:

-Tops: t-shirts, tank-tops (NO spaghetti strap, strapless or halter tops, NO backless, low-cut or tops exposing the midriff)

-Bottoms: jeans, Bermuda shorts, capris or skirts (knee-length or longer)

-Swimsuit - Modest one-piece with swim shorts/skirt, tankini or a dark colored tank top over a two-piece with swim shorts/skirt.

-Tops and bottoms that you don’t mind getting dirty or ruined (for hiking and construction)

-Church attire-dress or skirt and casual top, no shoulders shown in church.

Women, please review the following document- Girls Dress Code Pictures (PDF File) to see pictures of is appropriate for women’s clothing.

Men’s attire:

-Tops: t-shirts

-Bottoms: jeans, shorts (knee-length or longer)

-Swimsuit

-Tops and bottoms that you don’t mind getting dirty or ruined (for hiking and construction)

-Church attire (casual short sleeve dress shirt, nice jeans or casual dress pants or shorts)

Seasonal attire:

Men and women please review the following document with additional information about the weather in Belize, and a more in-depth list of clothing items.

Seasons in Belize (PDF File)

Additional required items:

- High Efficiency Laundry detergent- HE detergent only can be used in LOL washers. It cannot be purchased in Belize. Please make sure you calculate an adequate amount for your stay
-Hat
-Sunglasses
-Alarm clock, battery operated
-Water bottle (i.e. Nalgene, Camelback)
-Flashlight
-Water proof head lamp
-First Aid: antibiotic ointment, Band-Aids, hydrocortisone cream, Anti-itch cream for bites (Tiger Balm and Chigger X work best), anti-diarrhea medication, etc.
-Medicine: Advil, Tylenol, cold and flu, throat lozenges, heartburn, etc.
-Personal Toiletries
-Contacts and solution if needed (it is recommended to bring extra contacts)
-Bug spray/ Citronella bracelets
-Sun screen and Aloe Vera

Optional Items: (Items with an asterisk are recommended)

-Snacks*
-Hydration packets for individual water bottles (i.e. Gatorade)*
-Flavored water packets for individual water bottles (i.e. Crystal Light)*
-Emergen-C, Vitamin-C packs or Vitamin-C pills*
-Personal fan: ONLY battery operated
-Pillow (you will be provided with one at LOL)
-Extra blanket (you will be provided with one at LOL)
-Snorkel equipment
-Shower shoes
-Coffee and creamer
-Laptop (occasional Wi-Fi internet access)*

Required Hiking Team Equipment:

(Please remember that all items have to be carried, so keep it light)
-Hiking Backpack
-Protein/Energy bars and snacks
-Water purification tablets or Water-purification light
-Small travel-size toiletries
-Proper hiking shoes (they will get wet, muddy; a worn-in pair of tennis shoes works best)

Optional Hiking Equipment:

-Waterproof pack cover
-Mosquito Net for sleeping
-Light raincoat
-Light foam pad for sleeping
-Travel pillow
-Individual hydration packets (i.e. Gatorade)
-Ziplock bags to put your belongings in that you do not want to get wet

-Drugs, alcohol or any tobacco products.
-Drug, alcohol or any tobacco paraphernalia.
-Secular music, magazines or books.

NOTE: Expensive jewelry is wear at your own risk.

Where will I be living in Belize?

You will be living in Jacintoville, which is about 8 miles west of Punta Gorda, which is located at the southern tip of Belize.

Are laundry care and cleaning services provided?

Washers are provided for once-a-week washing. These washers only take High Efficiency (HE) detergent. You are responsible for washing your own laundry.

You will need to provide your own laundry detergent. You will need to purchase HE detergent before coming to Belize, as it is expensive here and can only be purchased in Belmopan or Belize City (3-5 hour drive from Punta Gorda); it is not assured that HE detergent will be obtainable in either city if you choose to wait and purchase it here.

LOL provides clothes lines for you to hang laundry. We do have dryers, however use of the dryers is an additional $5 USD/use.

You will be responsible for washing your own sheets and towels. It is expected that you
keep your personal living area (bedroom and bathroom) neat and clean. LOL provides all
cleaning products, however, you will be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of
your personal area.

Are the outlets the same as in North America?

Yes. We have the same outlets as the United States and Canada (standard 110volts outlet). Adapters are not necessary.

Should I worry about power surges?

We do have power surges that could either damage or ruin electronics. We recommend that you do not keep anything plugged in overnight or during a storm.

You can purchase power surge outlet protectors for your personal electronics if you would like.

What amenities are provided by LOL?

Sheets and Bedding
Internet access/use of desktop computer (only one available)
3 meals/day, 7 days/week

Not provided by LOL:
Personal snacks
Personal hygiene/care products
General medications (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, Cough/Cold medicine, throat lozenges, etc.)
Laundry detergent (must be HE)

Do I need to obtain a visa? If so, how much is the visa?

By entering Belize you are automatically given a 30-day visa. After your 30 days expire, LOL will take you to the immigration office in Punta Gorda where you will renew your visa every 30 days.

Busy schedules make it easy to forget about renewing your visa. Failure to renew your visa on the specified date could result in expulsion from the country. It is recommended to put a reminder in your calendar for a few days before your visa expires each month so as to avoid missing your renewal date. The immigration office is closed on weekends and international holidays, so if your renewal date lands on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday you will need to renew your visa before your specified date.

If you are committed for a year, LOL will have you apply for a work visa that is good for one year. You will renew your 30-day visa every month until you receive your work visa.

The expenses for monthly and work visas are built in to your tuition. You will not be expected to pay extra for the renewal of a monthly visa or for the work visa application.

How much does an internship cost per month?

$450 US: covers 3 meals/day, 7 days/week and living amenities (water, electricity, internet)

Does not include:
-transportation from Belize City Intl. Airport to Punta Gorda: $220 one-way flight
-personal snacks and restaurant expenses
-personal groceries/living items
-gas for personal travel
-electricity for dryers: LOL provides clothes lines for you to hang laundry. Use of dryers is a $5 charge/use.

How much money should I bring for extracurricular activities and spending money?

No more than $100 US per month.

-If you go snorkeling with teams it would cost you $75 US.

-Restaurants cost any where between $4-$15 US. Prices will vary depending on restaurant and personal preference.

-Trips to Blue Creek, Boom Creek and other surrounding attractions cost between $15-$30 US for gas.

-Trips to Placencia cost $9 US round trip on the regular bus. For the express bus it is $11 US round trip. To drive a personal vehicle it is $100 US. This price does not factor in any expenses while in Placencia.

What is the US/Belize dollar exchange ratio?

The USD to BZD exchange ratio is 2:1; for example, if something costs $30 US it will be $60 BZ. The USD is accepted in Belize; however change will be administered in BZD.

If I get financial supporters how can they sponsor me monthly, or give a one-time donation?

Tax deductible donations can be:

1) Mailed to:
LOLM
501 WCR 48
Berthoud, CO 80513

Donations are tax deductible ONLY if they are sent as a check and your name does not appear anywhere on the check. It is best for your supporters to attach a note separate from the check saying that the donation is for you. DO NOT have them write your name on the memo line as it causes problems with the IRS if your name appears anywhere on the check.

2) Submitted online at http://www.lolministry.com/donations/. Supporters can go to the “donate” section for the internship program; they can attach a note saying that the donation is for you. You will be notified once the donation is processed by LOL.

What city do I fly in to?

You will fly from the airport nearest you to Belize International Airport (airport code BZE) located in Belize City. From there you will take a one-hour flight via charter plane (serviced by Tropic Air) to Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is a 15 minute drive from LOL Ministry. A representative of LOL will pick you up from the Punta Gorda airport.

How do I book flights from Belize City to Punta Gorda?

LOL will book your flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda. After going through customs at BZE ask to be directed to the Tropic Air ticket counter. They will have your flight confirmation and ticket; you will simply need to pay for the flight at this time.

What are the general prices for airline tickets?

Tickets to Belize City vary in price depending on your location of departure and season. Generally tickets range between $500-$1,000 US.

The estimated cost for a flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda is $140 US one-way, or a round-trip roughly $240 US.

What can I expect when going through customs?

It is recommended to carry extra cash (USD is acceptable) in case you have to pay duty for any items that you are bringing in to the country.

If LOL has asked you to bring any items for the ministry you will either be provided with money for duty expenses before you come, or you will be reimbursed after you arrive.

How should I fill out the immigration forms and any other forms administered on the plane?

You should have all of the information needed in order to complete the immigration form. If you have never seen an immigration form, follow this link to get an idea of how the form will look. It might be a good idea to print this sample form and fill it out so all you have to do is copy the information onto the actual form when it is given to you on the plane. (Note that this form is for the US, however, the Belizean form is similar.)

Tips for filling out the questions:

-The primary reason for this trip is business: NO
-I am (We are) bringing (a-c): NO
-I am (We are) carrying currencies or monetary instruments over $10,000BZ…: NO
-I have…commercial merchandise…that are not considered personal effects: NO
-Visitors: the total value of all articles that will remain in Belize is…: $0.00

You will also be given another form called an embarkation form. This form will ask you questions about where you are going in Belize, how long you will be staying, and etc. Here are some tips for completing the embarkation form.

-Your nationality: US Citizen
-Address: San Felipe Road (yes, it is just a road…no number or anything)
-District: Toledo
-City/Town: Punta Gorda
-Village: Jacintoville
-Intended length of stay: 1 month (remember, we will be renewing your visas monthly, so to make it easier for you in immigration, only put 1 month)
-Flight Number: check your itinerary
-Port of Disembarkation (where you are coming from): name the last city that you left from the states to Belize (ex: Denver-Houston-Belize = port of embark.: Houston)
-Purpose of Visit: leisure/vacation (this is easier than putting ministry—you will be asked many questions that you may not have the answers to if you claim either ministry or evangelism).

What vaccinations are required?
Here are the recommended immunizations through the CDC website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belize.htm

Are general medications provided?

LOL asks that you bring any personal medications that you might need. Recommendations include but are not limited to Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, Cough/Cold medicine, allergy medication, throat lozenges, etc.

LOL asks that you bring a personal First Aid kit including extra Band-Aids, triple antibiotic cream, alcohol/hydrogen peroxide and any other medical supplies that you might need.

Do I need to have a medical clearance before I come?

Yes. You will need to visit your family practitioner for a physical exam. Have them write a note saying that you are in good health and medically prepared to live in a different country.

Should I get travelers or health insurance?

Travelers and/or health insurance is highly recommended. There is a free clinic located about 10 minutes from LOL, but if you require a hospital visit you will be responsible for any medical bills that may be charged.

What if I get in an accident or get injured?

Hillside Clinic is located in Eldridge, a village about 10 minutes from LOL. This is a free clinic consisting of doctors and nurses (mainly from the states and Canada) who donate their services.

There is a hospital in Punta Gorda. It is about a 20 minute drive from LOL. Should you suffer an injury or illness that cannot be treated at Hillside Clinic, LOL will take you to the hospital in PG.

Do you have Wireless Internet?

Internet access is provided; however, it is often slow or does not function properly due to power outages. It is wireless so you can have your laptop. It is important to let your family and friends know that you will be working through the day and can only call or text on your times off. Also, our electricity and internet are not reliable; we could have 5 days with no electricity, so they need to be aware of that so they don’t get worried if they don’t hear from you.

You will also be required to download a monitoring program on your personal laptop to ensure inappropriate websites are not being accessed.

Phone calls: do you use Skype? What is best?

You can use Skype, however, we have to use a VPN converter and therefore you can only use it on a designated LOL computer. Skype does not function the same as in the states; it is not very reliable.

The IPod 4G or higher has the Face Time app and Text Free app. You can Face Time with friends and family who have Face Time on an IPod, IPhone, IPad or MAC computer.

The newer MAC computers are equipped with Face Time as well. Face Time can be downloaded onto older MAC computers for a $30 US charge.

You can bring your cell phone and get it unlocked here for an estimated $50 US charge. To activate your phone under a BZ number is an additional estimated $50 US. Incoming calls are free for you (they do cost your calling party). The phone plan works by purchasing minutes on a prepaid phone card and then activating the card by entering a code into your phone. In other words, you do not have a set number of minutes per month. Instead you purchase the minutes in advance and then when they run out you must purchase another phone card. The BZ phone companies run occasional specials so that you can purchase double or triple minutes for the standard card amount.

You can use your stateside number but this is very expensive.

You can get an international phone. While this is less expensive than using your stateside phone it is still more expensive than getting a BZ number.

My mom and dad hardly know how to use computers. Can I give them the number to the orphanage and talk to them that way if all else fails?

Contact Information
Melissa cell 011-501-651-7910
Jervis cell 011-501-632-7843
Home 011-501-678-9892

How long is a normal semester?

Spring Semester: January-May
Summer Semester: June-August
Fall Semester : August-December

What time zone is Belize in?

Belize time zone is GMT -6, so for part of the year it is in Mountain Standard Time and for part of the year it is in Central Standard Time

Can friends or family visit and stay with us or will they need to stay somewhere close by if they want to see me?

Family and friends are welcome to stay at LOL if we have room. The cost is $6 US per meal, $15 US per night.

There are also several options nearby if LOL doesn’t have the room. Ranging from $15-$100 US per night.

How does holidays/time-off/vacation work?

If you are in the internship program, unless it is an emergency situation, you will not be given an extended time off. There is time off and free time built in to your daily routine and weekends.