What is the purpose/mission of the trips?
The main purpose is to partner and help the orphanages we hope to have or already have adoption programs with. However, there will be a few other ministries or orphanages that teams will visit as well.
Can children go on the trips?
Children over the age of 5 years are able to go on all our trips, except our Africa dual country trips, as long as they are accompanied by one or both parents. It’s strongly suggested if the child is under 9 years of age that either both parents accompany them, or one parent and another supervisor. There are many things to consider when traveling with a child and our Storyteller Mission staff are available to talk with prospective team members regarding what this would look like. Teenagers 16 years old and above can travel without a parent as long as someone is assigned as their power of attorney and can travel with them and with proper consent forms signed.
Are these adoption trips? Can I choose my child while I am visiting the orphanage?
The purpose of the mission trips is solely for missions. While America World is an adoption agency, the Storyteller Mission Dept is purposed to bring awareness regarding the orphan crisis. We certainly want to promote the option of adoption for families, but in no way will these trips be associated with the adoption process. Each foreign country has their own process by which families are matched with children. Families interested in adopting should contact America World and ask to speak with a Family Coordinator.
How do these trips differ from other not for profit mission trips?
The objective for each Storyteller Mission Trip is to work with the children in the orphanages which America World partners with in that respective country. There are many reasons why we choose to do this, but our main goal is to send short term missionaries to help and aid in our long term partnerships. One way we are doing this is through our exciting partnership with MANA Nutrition. Through this partnership we are providing MANA's ready to use supplemental foods (RUSF) for moderately or chronically malnourished kids in the orphanage’s care.
What are my payment options?
Team members are ultimately responsible for the cost of their trip; however, Storyteller Missions is committed to helping teams receive funding to cover as many of the trip expenses as possible. Team activity leading up to the trip will involve a lot of fundraising and promotion. There are two ways to submit payments via the America World website: by team members making their own payments and by others submitting donations. Please see our payment page for more information.
Are there team meetings before the trip?
Yes! Your team leader will schedule a weekly team meeting either in person or via conference call for teams with members who live in different areas of the US.
How are travel arrangements made?
Our Storyteller Missions Coordinator, in conjunction with the America World travel department, will work together to book flights for each team. Some countries will require visas and where possible Storyteller Missions/America World will assist in this, however, in situations where teams must obtain their own visas Storyteller Missions/America World will provide instructions on how to do so.
Is their any training required prior to the trip?
There will be a Team Leader training day held each year. Team members will receive regular information and guidelines on how to prepare for the trip from their team leader. There will be at least one team meeting at which a Storyteller Missions coordinator will be present to review all Storyteller Missions/America World policies.
What if I have to cancel my registration?
If an individual mission trip participant cancels, but the mission trip still occurs, all funds directly expended by the trip participant shall be non-refundable.If Storyteller Missions/America World cancels the trip, participants shall receive a refund of payments made toward the cancelled trip. However, participants may direct Storyteller Missions/America World to use their payment to fund a future trip or for another charitable purpose.
What should I pack?
This will vary by destination and time of year traveling. Your travel guidelines will contain information regarding dress code and preparing for the climate of your travel destination.
What vaccines/immunizations should I receive?
Some countries have specific vaccine requirements while others do not. It is important to understand the health risks of and vaccine recommendations for the country in which you will be traveling. Some countries have vaccination requirements for all foreigners entering their borders. Please refer to the CDC for the most current and up-to-date information regarding recommended and required vaccinations. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (known in some countries as the yellow booklet), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received. This is mandatory for countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry, but it’s a good idea to carry it anyway wherever you travel.
