allthemuffins

Ooh where in Michigan? If you end up back in the mitten at any point, I'll buy you a beer so I can hear more stories.

What's the kindest thing anyone's done for you while you were on the road? Have you ever had to keep moving while physically ill?

I have no idea where Utica is. I don't venture from the west shore area very often.

Not all church groups are created equal, but my dad's org has had more trouble with church groups than any other kind. I know there are good ones -- a group of Canadian Hutterites have done more for his org than any other donor/volunteer group, for example -- but there have been a lot of horrifically disastrous church group trips I've heard about or witnessed.

Basically a good rule of thumb is that if the group stresses humility, respect for culture, and serving the people who live there, it's probably not a bad group. A lot of church groups start from the mindset that they're going down to do God's work and be white saviors, and they approach the situation with the entitlement that comes with that mindset. They are there for a vacation they can feel good about, and it's all about their own experience.

What are your recommendations for good sleep hygiene? I fixed my insomnia by not getting into bed unless it was time to sleep, but I say the words "sleep hygiene" and people stare at me blankly.

To add: if you decide to go to Haiti (which I totally recommend), make sure the group you're traveling with has plans to actually do work that is worthwhile. Some groups are all about the appearance of doing charitable work but their actions are either unhelpful or harmful -- bringing in kind donations that hurt local economy, passing out buckets of candy to people who would be better served by a nutritious meal, that sort of thing. If you can find the right org to donate to, they may be better served by you donating your travel costs.

If you can find a good group though (my advice is don't go with a church group), the trip will change your life.