Mission Journey FAQ
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What will we be doing?
As a volunteer with Sweet Sleep, you will be able to share God’s love to orphaned and abandoned children through countless opportunities as they are presented. You will see the incredible ways this happens as you minister through the building of beds. Each team will work to meet the needs of the children and orphanage based on their specific skills and calling (possible examples include teaching English, life skills, sex-trafficking awareness, and even VBS-type activities, etc.) while building relationships, sharing the Hope and Love we have through Christ, discipling and encouraging the children and even staff.
Will I be safe?
Sweet Sleep stays current on safety and political issues through the U.S. Department of State updates and our international Sweet Sleep staff. We are aware of potential warnings and take precautions as we travel in-country and make decisions so as not to risk our volunteers’ health or safety. Some amount of risk is inherent with international travel, but Sweet Sleep makes every effort to stay informed through a variety of sources and continue to pray for each of our volunteers and mission journey groups.
What kind of training will I receive?
Sweet Sleep provides all of the materials to help you feel prepared before you leave on a mission journey. You’ll receive a team notebook with information about your trip, the country you are traveling to, the organization of Sweet Sleep, and even what to pack. In meetings, you’ll learn some conversational language and prepare for specific ministry depending on the orphanage(s) you will be working in during your trip. If you are not close to a training location, team leaders will send you information discussed at meetings and make sure you don’t miss a beat.
What does the cost of the trip include?
The cost of your trip will include round trip airfare and in-country expenses such as transportation, food, lodging, and translators. You will need additional money for purchases you make in the airport, optional excursions and souvenirs.
Is there an age requirement?
Please check with Sweet Sleep as each mission journey has different levels of needs and challenges. Generally speaking, team members between the ages of 15–17 must be accompanied by a parent or be approved for mission work by Sweet Sleep. They must also have written permission from a parent or guardian as well as a notarized medical consent giving consent for medical treatment to another adult on the same mission journey.
Can I use my frequent flyer miles to book a ticket?
Group travel and unusual destinations make it nearly impossible for you to use your frequent flyer miles. The good news is Sweet Sleep flies major carriers, so you’ll be adding to your miles for that relaxing vacation you’re saving up for!
Can I travel on my own?
Sweet Sleep arranges group travel for its team members. Team members living in the United States will have their flights arranged in a way that will allow the entire team to meet in a major U.S. airport prior to the international leg of their departure trip (example: team members in Boise, Dallas and Nashville will have flights that meet at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport before their flight to Europe). Sweet Sleep requests team members also return to the U.S. with the team. Exceptions are possible for team members living or traveling internationally.
How do I sign up or apply? How will I know I have been approved?
You can sign up by filling out our online application (you can also download the application and mail it to Sweet Sleep) and payment of your $500 non-refundable deposit.
Checks should be made payable to Sweet Sleep and mailed to our office:
Sweet Sleep
PO Box 40486
Nashville, TN 37204-9998Once your application is received and approved, our office will contact you to give confirmation and more details about your trip. Acceptance of your application to travel on the mission journey is in the sole discretion of Sweet Sleep.
