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| 1. How can I sign up to go on a mission awareness trip? |
| 2. How much do the trips cost? |
| 3. Do I need a passport and visa to travel? |
| 4. Do I need immunizations? |
| 5. When do I schedule my flight? |
| 6. Will I see my sponsored child or aging friend? |
| 7. Am I allowed to bring gifts for my child or aging friend? |
| 8. Are interpreters provided? |
| 9. Are children allowed to enroll in a mission awareness trip? |
| 10. Are family, friends and non-sponsors allowed to participate in a mission awareness trip? |
| 11. What are the accommodations like? |
| 12. What will the food be like? |
| 13. What is a typical day like on a mission awareness trip? |
| 14. When will I receive a finalized itinerary for the trip? |
| 15. Will there be an opportunity to shop? |
| 16. Where can I get more information? |
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| 1. Q. How can I sign up to go on a mission awareness trip? |
A. To apply, please complete the application form and return it along with a non-refundable $100 deposit to: CFCA, 1 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103, Attn: Trip Coordinator. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. Spaces are limited for each trip, and they fill up quickly. CFCA reserves the right to cancel any trip, in which case your deposit would be refunded. |
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| 2. Q. How much do the trips cost? |
A. The cost for trips to Latin America and the Caribbean is $450. Trips to India, Kenya, and the Philippines are $650.
The price is the same for all individuals, including children. This amount covers food, lodging and most in-country transportation. 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 60 days prior to departure. |
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| 3. Q. Do I need a passport and visa to travel? |
A. A passport valid for at least six months after arrival is required to enter all countries. 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 Bolivia, India and any African countries. 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. |
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| 4. Q. Do I need immunizations? |
A. Please contact your medical doctor and local health department for their recommendations on immunizations and where to get them. Any recommendations regarding medical matters must be made by qualified medical personnel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx has helpful information about immunizations.
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| 5. Q. When do I schedule my flight? |
A. Do not schedule your flight until you receive your confirmation packet. However, you may want to research airfares with a travel agent and on the Internet. Vista Travel, (800) 537-5066, is familiar with our programs and schedules and may also be contacted regarding airfare.
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| 6. Q. Will I see my sponsored child or aging friend? |
A. Uniting sponsors with their sponsored friends is one of our highest priorities during a mission awareness trip. Sponsored friends and their families look forward to these visits. Everything possible is done to arrange a visit with your sponsored child or aging friend. In most countries,
the sponsored children will be brought to you at the retreat site. Due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, washed out roads, etc., we cannot make guarantees.
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| 7. Q. Am I allowed to bring gifts for my child or aging friend? |
| A. Yes. Keep in mind, however, that your presence is a gift, and sponsored friends look forward to meeting you and spending time with you. If you wish, you may bring a gift for your child or aging friend and also for the family. Very basic items are appreciated. You will receive a list of suggested gift items in your confirmation packet. |
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| 8. Q. Are interpreters provided? |
| A. Yes. Interpreters are provided for the group to help sponsors communicate with their sponsored child or aging friend. |
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| 9. Q. Are children allowed to enroll in a mission awareness trip? |
| A. Parents must determine the needs of each child. The mission awareness trips are filled with activity. Schedules can be rigorous. There is not much rest time, and it may be hours before it is possible to return to the group’s lodging. If a child is flexible, enjoys meeting new people, can handle long days, a daily change in routine and is willing to try new foods, the child would probably enjoy a mission awareness trip. A parent or guardian must accompany minors and be responsible for their behavior. An Indemnification Agreement must be completed for each minor enrolled in the trip. This, along with other information about traveling with minors, will be sent in the confirmation packet. |
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| 10. Q. Are family, friends and non-sponsors allowed to participate in a mission awareness trip? |
| A. Mission awareness trips are open to anyone based on availability. All participants must be registered. |
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| 11. Q. What are the accommodations like? |
| A. All trip participants will stay in simple accommodations near the CFCA projects, usually in a retreat center or a hotel. Married couples and families will stay in private rooms. Individuals will be assigned a roommate. Running water for showers is readily available, but it may not be heated. Tap water is unsafe for drinking. Instead, the project provides bottled water. |
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| 12. Q. What will the food be like? |
| A. Participants will eat simple, nutritious meals. You will have the privilege of trying a variety of foods. Typically, a selection of food is available at each meal. All food is prepared with purified water. All meals will be eaten with the group. We do not recommend eating outside of the location where you will be staying, except when with the group. Meals are often served at a later hour than most Americans are accustomed to eating. We recommend bringing snacks such as fruit and nut mixes, raisins, granola bars, etc. as you may want something to eat between scheduled meals. |
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| 13. Q. What is a typical day like on a mission awareness trip? |
A. A typical day may include time for morning prayer and/or reflection followed by breakfast. During the day the group travels to subprojects to hear testimonials from sponsored friends, to visit homes of CFCA families and to enjoy traditional songs, dances and other activities. Many trips include visits to tourist sites, sometimes with the sponsored friends. Lunch can be at the subproject, the retreat site or at a restaurant. The day ends with dinner, followed by reflection and group discussion. You will have a rigorous schedule, traveling long distances, often on rugged terrain. Participants walk each day, possibly on uneven surfaces such as dirt paths or cobblestones, sometimes long distances in very warm weather. We try to accommodate the needs of our sponsors, and encourage participants to rest when necessary. More detailed itineraries will be sent to you shortly before your departure.
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| 14. Q. When will I receive a finalized itinerary for the trip? |
| A. At least one week prior to departure, you will receive a pre-departure packet that will include a trip itinerary, a list of participants, a list of CFCA emergency numbers you may share with your family, and a name tag. The name tag will help CFCA personnel and other trip participants identify you at the airport. The trip itinerary is subject to change depending on circumstances. |
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| 15. Q. Will there be an opportunity to shop? |
| A. The emphasis of our mission awareness trips is to unite sponsors with their sponsored friends and to witness the work of CFCA projects. We will try to provide you with shopping time as the schedule allows, but this is not guaranteed. It is more convenient to shop in some countries than in others. Keep in mind that you are likely to receive local handicrafts as souvenirs from the projects you visit. |
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| 16. Q. Where can I get more information? |
A. Click here for more information specific to the country you would like to visit.
For additional questions, call us toll-free at (800) 875-6564 or (913) 384-6500, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, or e-mail trips@cfcausa.org. |
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