It has been decided that tipping of guides, transportation drivers, merchants and various concessions be done by individuals as they see fit. Parents should discuss with their son or daughter the process and prepare accordingly. I will include here a brief detailed suggested amount which has been provided by the Joshua Expedition organization.

1. Tipping is a way to show your appreciation to those that have been helpful throughout your trip. It is customary to tip in Latin America. I suggest that the group leader collect the tip money prior to the trip and distribute it accordingly. Here is a list of the people you may encounter on your trip and a suggested amount to consider (consult your itinerary):
• Coach driver – suggested amount: $2 – $4 per person per day
• Tour Director – suggested amount: $2-$4 per person per day
• River Rafting Guides – suggested amount: $5 per person
• Canopy Guides – suggested amount: $2 per person (there is a tip jar at the end of the tour)
• Catamaran Crew – suggested amount: $2 per person (there is a tip jar at the end of the tour)
• Local Guides (rainforest hike, volcano hike, etc…): $2-$3 per person
• Housekeeping – suggested amount: $1- $2 per person left in the room at check out

2. US dollars are widely accepted in Latin America. You do NOT need to exchange money prior to arriving at your destination. Bills must be in good condition – vendors do not accept torn bills. ATM machines are available, but not always conveniently located and it is best to bring small bills ($20’s and smaller). Debit (used as a credit) and credit cards can be used except for in the local markets.

Brett Markey

Don’t forget about the mandatory Senior Trip meeting for students and, at least, one parent on Monday night, May 13 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Mr. Markey’s classroom. We will go over final preparations for the trip. We will also have our departure schedule for Friday night, May 17th. We look forward to seeing you there as we look to send off our seniors on this amazing opportunity that God has provided!

We want to remind everyone that seniors are permitted to bring a camera for their trip to Costa Rica. These cameras, however, cannot be part of an IPod, IPad or cell phone. These other electronics are not permitted. If a senior does not have access to a camera, then they need to see Mr. Lewis as soon as possible. Please make every effort to support this policy as it cultivates an experience free from technology distractions, encourages group interaction and focuses energy and time on the people of Costa Rica.

Thanks!

Eric Lewis
Secondary Spiritual Life Director

Hello,

The senior class will be having a dessert auction on Saturday the 4^th at approximately 2pm at the LCS 5k/Carnival.  Erika Lauson will be the person in charge of the seniors because I am not able to make the event due to a prior engagement.  It would be very helpful if several other parents would be on hand to assist with whatever needs done and I would appreciate if you would email her directly.  Her email address is:  erlauson@lititzchristian.net.  Thank you for your support in all the fundraisers and God Bless.

Mr. Markey

Here are the numbers from our Finance office:

• A total of $31,860.00 has been sent to Joshua
  Expeditions. Four separate checks, the first back in December.

• Support Letters brought in $15,225.52 (as of last Wednesday)

  Pellman’s sale brought in $2,107.48

  Sr. Play brought in $3,029.50

  Parent Loan – $7,875

• The remaining balance of approximately $3600 was covered by class funds earned from grades 9-11, chair money, soda sales and the school.
• Funds raised from Chicken BBQ and snacks will not be available until Finance Office pays the bill to Kauffman’s.

Two Parent/Senior meetings are on the horizon:

• Monday, April 22 (6:00 – 7:30 p.m.) in Mr. Markey’s classroom
• Monday, May 13 (6:00 – 7:30 p.m.) in Mr. Markey’s classroom

Please place these on your calendar!  One parent from each family needs to be in attendance, as well as, each senior.  Thanks!

Wow!  God has truly blessed in many ways and I feel it is time to share the blessings.

We had a wonderful couple of fundraisers which brought in about $3700.

PTF and school families willingly gave at the International Potluck social $500.

We have received to date $13,981 from support letters, and monies are still coming in!

Now do you believe?!

Continue to pray.  But not just for support.  Pray that God will open hearts and lives as we progress through these next couple of months.  And when I say we, I am including students, chaperones and all us parents!

God Bless

Just wanted to give each of you a quick update as to the funds received through the support letters.  As of this afternoon, the Lord has provided over $5,300!  Thank you, Lord!

Eric Lewis

We are into full swing with play practice and preparations. To date, the Gehmans and Dearborns are working with set construction, Mrs.Albers and Mrs.Kohr will be helping with makeup, Mrs.Petolicchio and Mrs.Jones will help with collecting money and Mr.Gehman is contacting radio and newspapers for advertising, but we still need help with serving food at intermission and in some other areas. Please contact me by email or phone if you would be willing to serve in some area (even if there are others already involved) because more hands make less work, and the show must go on!