Estado 29 Orphanage, Baja California

• These children are orphans or separated from their family by circumstances beyond their control. Our goal, ministry and hope is to bless them with God's love. We do not expect them to clean up after us, so please plan to do your share of cleaning throughout the trip. This includes helping with dishes after meals, and cleaning the dorm before we leave.

• It is fine to give the children brief hugs, but all touching must be brief and confined to the arms, shoulders and above.  If you are not sure about something, ask your trip leader.

• Please take your words and promises seriously because the children do. Therefore do not say, ‘I wish I could take you home.’ Since, truly, it is probably not your intention nor is it possible.

• Please do not bring candy. The kids love it (of course) but dental insurance is not really an option for them. That expense adds up. Besides, do you want to be responsible for 90 hyper kids?

• Please feel free to bring craft-type things, nail polish, origami books with paper, games you can learn visually, etc… Things that encourage skills, and create mementos they can keep. Contact your trip coordinator for ideas.

• The children are not permitted to leave the orphanage grounds withour prior approval from Debora, and then only in groups with effective supervision.

• Never give money to a child in any amount for any reason (some children may ask…). Their needs are covered through generous donations and handled by Debora, the orphanage director.

If a child expresses a special and legitimate need for something like school supplies or special events, please do not agree to cover it; instead, explain to them that you are interested (if that's true) and that you will talk to Debora about it. Debora is the orphanage director and she knows everything that the children need and makes arrangements with donors.