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South India Sponsor Tour

To register via mail, send in the printable Registration Form.
Tour Dates: 2/1/2009 to 2/12/2009
Tour Cost Per Person: $3,625.00  Additional fuel surcharges may apply.
Deposit Needed: $350.00

Tour Description

Join us on our next tour to southern India where we will travel together to learn more about this unique country, the challenges that the poorest of the poor face in this country, and what you are actually doing about it through your ministry of Compassion.

Have you wondered how your monthly sponsorship really affects a child and if that impact 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 India will forever answer these questions and many more. Nothing can prepare you for that moment when your eyes meet 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."

So, come! See firsthand a country staff reminiscent of the New Testament disciples of Jesus Christ who are boldly taking back their country for Christ as they pour themselves into the holistic development of the children. We will work, play, laugh and minister together. We won't just observe this culture, but will dive in and get our hands dirty through hands-on mission elements and face-to-face ministry among the children. See you there!



Itinerary

Days 1 and 2: Our Journey Begins

Sunday, Feb. 1: You might want to travel to San Francisco a day or two ahead of time if you haven't been here before as it will be an experience worth having and it will give you time to catch your breath before our long travel. But regardless of your domestic travel plans, our journey together begins with a brief orientation at the airport to help us get to know each other and prepare ourselves for this unique experience. Since we cross the international dateline we lose an entire day going over. But don't worry -- we will gain it back on our return day.

Days 3-6 Experience Compassion in Action in Bangalore

Tuesday, Feb. 3 - Friday, Feb. 6: With our hearts stirred to put our faith in action. We will visit some of Compassion child development centers in the area once called Bangalore, but since 2006 is called Bangaluru. The children and staff have had very few visitors in this part of Compassion's world, so we're sure to have a wonderful time. In between ministry activities with the children, 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 some tremendous difficulties. We do some sightseeing in this unique, culturally rich area before traveling by supertrain from Bangalore to Chennai, which will be an excellent opportunity to see more of this amazing country.

Day 7: Connect With the Child You Sponsor

Saturday, Feb. 7: 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 8 - 11: Expand your heart as we minster together in Jesus' name

Sunday, Feb. 8 - Wednesday, Feb. 11: From worshiping the Lord with our Indian brothers and sisters in Christ to visiting the final resting place of the Apostle Thomas, you will find that you are captivated by this country. Depending on the need, we may have an additional child/sponsor fun day in this area as well to better accommodate the travel needs of the children. Yet it will be the time spent serving the children and staff through hands-on mission elements and face-to-face ministry with children that you will forever remember.

Day 12: Bringing the Tour to a Close

Thursday, Feb. 12: 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-assisted 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. 



Tour Conditions and General Information

RESERVATIONS should be made well in advance and require a nonrefundable deposit of $350 per person. Final Payment of $3,275 is due no later than Oct. 16, 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: International 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.




To register for this tour, click the "Register Now For This Tour" button below.
Note: To register online, you need to have a Compassion web account. You will be prompted to log in to your account (or create an account), and then you will be taken to the tour registration page.





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