Have you wondered about your sponsored child's community, church and home or if your sponsorship  makes a difference in his or her life? When these questions have been answered you will again never look at Mexico or Compassion in the same way.

We'll venture deep into the heart of the community and learn what poverty looks like in the developing world. As great as these experiences will be, nothing can compare with meeting your sponsored child and spending one whole day sharing together.

A Compassion sponsor tour is designed to provide you and your family, if you choose to bring them, with a safe yet rich cultural experience, while at the same time giving you the opportunity to have a hands-on experience at the local Compassion centers.

Tour Schedule Details:

The Mexico Sponsor Tour is scheduled for August 16 - August 23, 2008.

Registration: We suggest you respond quickly, even if you don't have a passport yet, because our trips fill up on a first-come basis. Once we have received your registration along with a deposit of $150.00, we will confirm your place on the tour and you may then purchase your domestic air ticket. The final payment of $2,050.00 is due no later than May 30, 2008.

Please click on the Register Now button below to complete the registration form online. If you'd rather register by mail, click on the link to the printable Registration Form above right, below the photo.

Price: The cost of this tour is $2,200.00 per person for double occupancy. If you prefer single occupancy, you can pay an additional $275.00.

Included in our tour price are round-trip airfare between our U.S. departure city to Mexico City, lodging, all meals, travel within Mexico, tips, your child's travel, guides and translators during the tour, admission fees, departure tax and administrative costs.

Costs not included in the tour price are transportation to and from our U.S. departure city, passport and incidentals such as snacks, additional beverages, laundry, phone calls, film and other personal items. You may want to bring extra spending money for shopping at the local markets.

Safety and Preparation: This tour will be moderate in difficulty because of impoverished conditions. Also, there will be some walking, rides on bumpy roads, and long days. Compassion constantly monitors the safety of our destination countries and will make any adjustments necessary to protect our tour participants, sponsored children and in-country staff.

We believe it is important to provide safe, comfortable accommodations, traditional meals and reliable transportation so that your focus can be on what God is teaching you and the impact of the experience rather than concern for your personal safety and well-being.

Please read the Tour Conditions and General Information document before finalizing your decision.
 

Day 1: Our Journey Begins

Saturday, August 16: Our journey begins with a brief orientation to help us get to know each other and prepare ourselves for what God has in store for us.

Day 2: Expand Your Heart

Sunday, August 17: We will visit the Zocalo, the heart of Mexico City. Later, we will join our brothers and sisters for worship at one of the many evangelical churches Compassion partners with throughout the country. This will be your first glimpse into how Compassion works through the local church to influence the lives of children steeped in poverty.

Day 3: A Visit to the Compassion Mexico Office

Monday, August 18: Today we will travel to the Compassion Mexico Office where we will meet the men and women who stand in defiance against the ravages of poverty in the lives of children throughout their country. This is the time to ask questions and see how Compassion's ministry begins with the country's involvement. This afternoon we fly to Tapachula, Chiapas.

Days 4, 5 and 6: Experience Compassion in Action

Tuesday, August 19 - Thursday, August 21: Through drama, worship, games, and arts and crafts at the local centers, we will deliver memories to last a lifetime for all involved. We will experience "a day in the life of a Compassion child" working alongside the families of the children attending these centers just as they do throughout the week. On our way back to Mexico City we will spend an afternoon exploring some ancient pyramids, catching our breath to absorb all we have seen, felt and experienced so far through this unique adventure.

Day 7: Connecting With the Child

Friday, August 22: You'll spend a very special day filled with laughter, hugs, stories and fun with the incredible child or children you sponsor. This is what you've waited for, so treasure every moment! In the evening you'll meet several remarkable young people who represent the thousands of children whose lives have been influenced by the ministry of Compassion. Your passion to "release children from poverty in Jesus' name" will be set ablaze.

Day 8: It Is Time to Return From Whence We Came

Saturday, August 23: After a week of immersing ourselves in the beauty and grandeur of this beautiful country, 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 champions for children in poverty.  

RESERVATIONS should be made well in advance and require a nonrefundable deposit of $150.00 per person on or before January 4, 2008. Final payment of $2,050.00 is due no later than May 30, 2008.

REFUNDS / CANCELLATION POLICY:

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, please refer to our cancellation policy below:

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 re-entry, when required, in which case a cancellation charge will be assessed; (4) failure to follow instructions including but not limited to check-in and check-out 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.