One of the Caribbean's more obscure locales, the Dominican Republic is a big country with spectacularly varied scenery. Majestic mountains, white sandy beaches, and the region's oldest, most cosmoplitan city (Santo Domingo) will delight you. As true as that is, it is the beauty of her people and the faces of her present and future hope - her children -that will capture your heart.

Have you wondered how your monthly sponsorship really affects a child and if that affect is sustainable over time? Do you wonder if the letters you write mean anything and, for that matter, if you really matter to the child pictured in the photo on your refrigerator? A sponsor tour to the Dominican Republic will forever answer these questions and many more. Nothing can prepare you for that moment when you meet eyes with your sponsored child for the first time, and that final hug that requires no translation. In that moment you will say, "It was worth every penny and every inconvenience. I am changed."

Our adventure will take us to several different child development centers, like the one your child attends. We'll venture deeper into the heart of the community, the home, where you will learn what poverty looks like in the developing world and how your partnership with Compassion International not only benefits a child, but that child's entire family as well. This tour will fill up quickly, so register today.

Day 1: Our Journey Begins

This journey begins with a brief orientation to help us get to know each other and prepare ourselves for this unique experience. We arrive in Santo Domingo late tonight, get a good night of rest, and prepare for the life-changing week ahead.

Day 2: Expand Your Horizons

We will start our journey by becoming familiar with our new surroundings and culture as we worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and see the sights.

Days 3-5 Experience Your Ministry of Compassion in Action

With our hearts stirred to put our faith in action, we will visit some of Compassion's child development centers in the southwest region of San Juan. In between ministry activities with the children of the Dominican Republic you can expect to learn more about how your ministry works and the lasting impact it has on the life of every Compassion child. For a more vivid portrait of poverty, we will visit the homes of sponsored children where we will experience hope in the midst of such tremendous difficulties. You will also get to see the Compassion Child Development and Leadership Development programs in action.

Days 6: Connect With the Child You Sponsor

You'll spend a very special day filled with laughter, hugs, stories and fun with the incredible child or children you sponsor. The Compassion staff has planned a day that you and your sponsored child will never forget. This is what you've waited for, so treasure every moment!

Day 7: Connect With the Country Staff and Yourself

After a full week of experience, today will be intentionally light so you have some time to think about your experience and unwind a little before returning to life at home.

Day 8: Bringing the Tour to a Close

After a week of immersing ourselves in the beauty and grandeur of this beautiful country, tasting a bit of the culture through our visits to the Compassion student centers, and investing in the lives of children, we cannot help but be inspired and changed by our experiences. Armed with knowledge, equipped with our personal stories and compelled to act we return to take up our calling as champion's for children in poverty. 

RESERVATIONS should be made well in advance and require a nonrefundable deposit of $150 per person. Final payment of $2,175 is due no later than Sept. 26, 2008. 

REFUNDS / CANCELLATION POLICY:

All deposits are nonrefundable.

50% of the tour cost will be required for cancellations 59-31 days prior to the sponsor tour.

100% of the tour cost will be required for cancellations 30-0 days prior to the sponsor tour.

Only written cancellations accepted.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Air transportation as included in the tour is based on economy-class transportation and is subject to all rules and regulations governing these fares. IMPORTANT NOTICE: COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to adjust or alter any travel program when necessary or desirable for the protection, safety or improvement of said travel program, or when local conditions do not permit operation as published. COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to accept or deny participants application at its sole discretion.
RESPONSIBILITY: COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services you purchase. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control. In the absence of negligence on our part, we are not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death; damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property; or delay, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from (1) the act or omission of any party other than COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL or its employees; (2) mechanical breakdown, government actions, weather or other factors beyond our control; (3) failure to obtain documents, passports, visas and health certificates valid through the date of reentry, when required, in which case a cancellation charge will be assessed; (4) failure to follow instructions including but not limited to check-in and checkout times and baggage handling; (5) cancellation or change for any reason in the travel services offered; and (6) medical or health problems or physical disabilities. COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to cancel or alter the travel services at its discretion, except as otherwise noted herein. In the event of change, COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL will try to substitute comparable services; in the event of complete cancellation by COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL, we shall refund all monies paid to us. COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL will not be responsible for any other cost incurred by participants.