For our sponsors - Mission Awareness Trips

A. To reserve a place, please complete the application form and return it along with a $100 non-refundable deposit to: CFCA, MAT Coordinator, One Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103. We recommend submitting your application at least eight weeks prior to the trip date. Spaces are limited, and they fill up quickly. Upon receipt of your application and deposit, we will send you a confirmation letter. CFCA reserves the right to cancel any trip, in which case your deposit will be refunded. For trips to India and African countries, more time is recommended due to the need for visas, immunizations and other arrangements.

A. The cost for trips to Latin America is $350. The cost for trips to India, Africa, and the Philippines is $650. The price is the same for all individuals, including children. This amount covers food, lodging and most in-country transportation. Please note that airfare to and from the destination country is not included. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due with your application and the final balance is due four weeks before departure.

A. A valid passport is required to enter all countries. Be sure your passport does not expire just before, during or soon after your trip. Certificates of naturalization, birth certificates, driver's licenses, and photocopies of these or other documents are NOT considered acceptable alternative travel documents. U.S. citizens will need a visa to visit India and any African countries. Visas may be obtained by mail from the countries' embassies or consulates, typically located in Washington, D.C. Fees vary for visas depending on type and country. Many countries charge an entrance and/or departure tax or require the purchase of a tourist card.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to investigate any additional requirements for entering the country you are visiting.

A. No immunizations are required, except for trips to Africa, but you should contact your local health department for their recommendations and the locations of clinics providing immunizations. It is always a good idea to have a tetanus booster every ten years. In addition, we recommend that you visit with your doctor about personal health concerns or any vaccinations you may need for traveling. Any recommendations regarding medical matters must be made by qualified medical personnel. Research the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to find out more about vaccinations: http://www.cdc.gov/.

A. Travel in any foreign country involves some risk. Safety is always a priority on the Mission Awareness Trips. You will travel to and from all sites chauffeured by CFCA hired drivers. The group will travel together as much as possible. Tourists everywhere must exercise common sense about carrying and showing money and valuables and about how to safeguard against pickpockets.

A.You are advised to make flight reservations as soon as you receive confirmation from CFCA that your registration has been completed. Book well in advance, as fares increase closer to the departure date. This is especially important around Christmas, Easter and Spring Break. If you plan to use frequent flyer miles, you may need to make your air travel arrangements many months in advance. Frequent flyer reward seats are limited on each flight.

A. The first and last dates listed for each trip are the days that travelers will depart from and will arrive back in the U.S. For trips to Bolivia, Chile, the Philippines, India, and African countries, you will arrive at your destination 1-2 days after your departure due to overnight travel and passing through multiple time zones. We prefer that you arrive and depart before evening; however, we know that this is not always possible.

A. It is the responsibility of trip participants to make their own flight arrangements with a travel agent, the airlines or via the Internet. Sandy Gonzalez at Vista Travel, (800) 537-5066, may also be contacted regarding airfare. She is familiar with our programs and trip schedules, and she uses a discount consolidator whenever possible.

A. Everything possible is done to arrange a visit with your sponsored child or aging friend. Due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, washed out roads, etc. we cannot make guarantees. However, uniting sponsors with their sponsored friend is one of our highest priorities during a Mission Awareness Trip. In most countries, the sponsored children will be brought to you at the retreat site. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for you will visit your sponsored friend's home. Many variables make visiting a sponsored friend's home quite complicated. Your sponsored friend may live many hours away and possibly across the country. Lack of well-maintained roads and difficult terrain are factors that make visiting their home a safety concern. We consistently keep the safety of the sponsors a high priority. We have found it is a much better option to have the sponsored friends, and if possible, members of their family, travel to a central location to see the sponsor. Sponsored friends and their families look forward to these visits.