HAITI TRIPS SCHEDULED.

We invite you to come with us as we whisk away to the beautiful Caribbean and meet a people of extraordinary beauty and strength. Prepare to be changed. Haiti awaits!

TRIP DATES ANNOUNCED.
2005 dates are as follows:

"Vision Quest" - Trip 1
JUNE 10 - 19
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"Discover Haiti" - Trip 1
JULY 9 - 15
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"Vision Quest" - Trip 2
AUGUST 14 - 23
*For more information about the differences between the "Discover Haiti" and the "Vision Quest" trips, please read below. Due to the complexities of the "Vision Quest" trips, space is extremely limited. As such, those interested will be asked to fill out a basic application. That will allow us to build the best team possible for each excursion. FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to refuse the "Vision Quest" experience to any person(s) it deems "unfit" (either spiritually, emotionally, physically, or otherwise). Applicants who are denied (for whatever reason) may re-apply for a future "Vision Quest" trip or immediately assume a position on the next available "Discover Haiti" trip. Do not be intimidated by the application process. We don't bite. The application process in only in place because we know exactly what you're "in for" and you do not. We don't want you to bite off more than you can chew.

"Trip Cost"
The cost of each trip is $1,200.
This includes airfare, transportation in-country, lodging, and food in-country (not airport food for the way there and back). Any "pocket money" you wish to take on top of that will be up to you. Additional expenses that you should at least consider are as follows:

- Passport
It is your responsibility to provide a passport. If you already have one, be sure that it will not expire before the return date of the trip you wish to take.

- Medical
Those of you who are going on the "Vision Quest" trips are strongly encouraged to make certain that your tetanus vaccination is current. You are not REQUIRED to do this. Each participant will have to sign a medical release form before taking a trip.

"Getting Ready"
FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL will host an interest meeting for those who have a desire to go. Please Email us if you would like to be a part of this meeting. We will then drop you a line to let you know when that will take place.

"Why Haiti?"
The purpose of these trips is to offer you, our fellow friends and family, the opportunity to experience a part of this planet which has so dramatically influenced both Adrian and myself. What good would we be if we just kept this all to ourselves? It's time to share!

"Discover Haiti"
The first excursion, "Discover Haiti," is an eye-opening journey into the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. On this trip, you will be exposed to the Haitian people, their culture, and many facets of their daily lives. At the end of each day, you will return to a safe and comfortable hotel (which kisses the pebble shores of the Caribbean) and have the opportunity to reflect and process the day's events. By no means should you think this trip is plush. Haiti is a difficult place to be. There are personal challenges and difficulties at every turn. Flexibility is important. That withstanding, this is the trip of choice for most people who travel with FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL. Strenuous activity is minimized, while constant and engaging exposure to real people in real places is paramount. Often times, trip participants will be given opportunities to serve the people of Haiti in some way, shape, or form.

Each "Discover Haiti" excursion is limited to a maximum number of 10 persons (plus one approved, FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL guide). Participants under the age of 18 must have signed permission form a parent or legal guardian.

"Vision Quest"
Inspired by the traditions of North America's Native American Indians, "Vision Quest" trips are designed to immerse participants in a world that is entirely foreign and free from the "comforts" that often keep us from true change or progress. Each participant is allowed only one backpack which will contain all that he or she will have for a period of 10 days.
*FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to refuse the inclusion of certain items it deems inappropriate.

While each "Vision Quest" will be thoroughly exciting and engaging, this is no picnic. Participants will spend the entire time living in an actual, functioning Haitian village. Days will be spent alongside Haitians as they clean clothes, journey to the market, prepare food, worship, work the land, and so on. Personal privacy will be greatly reduced (though concerns of basic male/female modesty will be respected and maintained). At the end of each day, participants will remain in the village and spend the night. No hotels will be visited.

Haiti is hot. Haiti is dirty. This is NOT to be mistaken for a vacation. "Vision Quest" trips are not for the faint of heart. Applicants must be absolutely committed to seeking God through total immersion in a way of life that is, by definition, staggeringly different (from the U.S.A.) and remarkably difficult. In every sense of the word, a "Vision Quest" trip is a 10-day fast. While food will be provided, the creature comforts of North American life will be removed.

Out of respect for the village, each "Vision Quest" excursion is limited to a maximum number of 5 persons (plus one approved, FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL guide). ALL PERSONS MUST SIGN A RELEASE FORM. Participants under the age of 18 must have signed permission by a parent or legal guardian.
*FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to refuse this opportunity to any individuals who exhibit potentially problematic conditions (i.e. health conditions, inability to submit to authority, lack of respect for others, immaturity, etc).

"Sign up now!"
Staggeringly, people are signing up quickly. If you wish to be a part of one of the FIRESIDE INTERNATIONAL excursions to Haiti (in 2005), please Email Me as soon as possible.



"Gonaives UPDATE"
For those who haven't yet seen the video, we have left it online a little while longer. Presently, this video's closing information has been updated and the piece has been given to GLOW Ministries International as a tool with which they will continue to raise funds for disaster relief.



Thanks for visiting! Check back again for updates and more video.

May God truly bless whatever you can do.

In service to others,
Luke and Adrian Renner

*Music track credit - "Libera Boys Choir - Attendite"