Costs

Money is normally something that people don't like to talk about. As uncomfortable a subject as it is, money is often a necessary part of mission trips, ministries and life itself. Vida Nueva in Ukraine is no different.

The total cost for each team member will be $2,500. This fee will cover your round-trip plane ticket between the United States and Ukraine, your food, lodging and transportation while in Ukraine, and your team fees for serving on the Vida Nueva weekends.

First, let's cover the plane ticket. At this time, a round-trip ticket to Ukraine from Nashville, Tennessee is approximately $1,300. This trip is about 16 hours long and includes meals, and often movies, on the plane. Usually there is one layover in Europe prior to arrival in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Next we have food, lodging and transportation. While in Ukraine, you will need to eat, sleep and get around. Hotels and resorts are needed and often they provide meals to their patrons. Buses are rented to get groups to and from lodgings and campgrounds. A portion of the remaining $1,200 from your fee will cover those items.

Finally, the remainder of your team fee will cover the normal Vida Nueva expenses such as campground rental, food and supplies.

Deadlines

The deadline for the plane ticket fee is May 1, 2006. We will be purchasing the tickets at one time so that we may all travel together. Those tickets will be purchased by May.

The deadline for the remainder of your team fee is June 1, 2006. We will need to have all fees in by this time so that we can pre-pay for some items.

Spending Money

While most of your trip is covered by your team fee, you may wish to bring some personal spending money. Currently, the currency exchange rate is quite favorable, so a little American money can go a long way in Ukraine; one American dollar is worth five Ukrainian Hryvnias.

How much you decide to bring is up to you. You will be solely responsible for any spending money that you bring on the trip. On some occasions, the group will eat at a restaurant or visit a market, so it might be a good idea to bring enough money to cover a few meals out. You may also want to have money on hand for layovers at airports.

Where Do I Get Money?

You may wonder how in the world you are going to get money for this trip. We address that on the How to Raise Funds page of this site. There you will find tips and suggestions for fund-raising.