The following is a SAMPLE letter from a diocesan representative to a church group that inquired about making a service trip to their Central American country. To avoid any confusion about the projects identified in this letter, the content has been generalized. It is offered here ONLY as a sample to give groups that are discerning a possible trip a sense of what to expect and what sorts of projects might be done.

Sample Response Letter from an International Diocesan Representative

==================================================================================================

To Whom It May Concern:  

Needless to say, I'm thrilled that you each are considering volunteering your time and talents in our country. The needs are great and the rewards are even greater! I'd be happy to send you some names and email addresses of recent group leaders - they would all be willing to share their experiences and could provide valuable information.

The following gives an overview of some of our current volunteer activities. In addition to the projects listed we are planning on the following: 1) Construct a computer room for St. Andrew's School 2) Interior and exterior painting at St. Peter's Church 3) Build block security fencing at Queen Square School 4) Raise a classroom floor (due to flooding) at St. John's School 5) Construct a walkway for St. Paul's School 6) Exterior painting at St. Paul's Church  

The following is a list of some of our updated projects. We hope to work on all of these (and complete!) in the next twelve months.  
1) We are almost finished building a new church. Currently we are praying for a few additional groups to complete the interior work. St. Philip's is located in a beautiful section of the Baboon Natural Wildlife Sanctuary (actually they are howler monkeys - smile) with lots of outdoor activities available. In addition it’s close to one of our Anglican Schools so those who wanted to could work in the school. There is a wonderful Nature Lodge that we've used in the past - individual cabanas with thatched roofs and great food - that could accommodate your group.  
2) In the southern part of the country we are revitalizing our Anglican community. A missionary priest and his wife from the States (good friends of mine) arrived in March of 2004. It is the first time in over 25 years that a priest has been in residence. Needless to say the faithful (about 18 of them) are thrilled. We want to do two projects here. The first is to continue repairs to the existing Church. The second is to complete the community's first and much needed pre-school.  
3) In the western part of the country we need to finish construction of a multipurpose building which will serve as a Church/canteen/hurricane shelter. We are finding that every school needs a feeding program as more mothers work outside the home, fewer children have anyone to go home to, and poverty levels have increased. For many children the only good meal they get each day is the one served at school. We receive no help from the government in building canteens (not deemed necessary for education) or in procuring the food. This is a terrible burden on the Diocese and a tragedy for many of our students. We really need assistance with this.  
4) In the south, we also need a canteen for our local school.  
5) In the north, our Anglican school has recently received computers from the government. However, until they have a secure room for the lab, they cannot take possession of the computers. We need to build that room as soon as possible so the children can benefit from this wonderful gift.  

I am happy to report that the following projects (on our last year's list) have been completed - thanks to hundreds of dedicated volunteers:
1) The canteen for one of our Anglican schools. Twenty three hungry children are now receiving a nutritious lunch!
2) Another canteen for an Anglican school. Eighty five students are benefiting daily!
3) A computer room will be completed by the beginning of this next school year!
4) Repairs to a rectory.
5) Refurbishing of a Center that serves as a school auditorium, Cathedral parish hall, and community center.  

The following projects still need to be done:
1) Drainage system, landscaping and fencing.
2) New windows, burglar bars and interior painting.  

We are definitely making progress but there is still so much to be done!!!