Trip Cost

Cost: $1600 *
^{*Includes airfare, visa, lodging, food, ground transportation & travel insurance. Price is estimated and subject to minor fluctuation}

Cost does not include Passport (if you do not already have one), immunizations (if needed), malaria prevention tablets, travel to and/or parking at New Orleans airport, and spending money. Please plan on bringing personal spending money for such items as souvenirs and meals during airport layovers. After your flight itinerary is issued, please review any layover times and plan your spending money accordingly.

Payment Instructions
All payments should be directed to the REACH Department. Checks should be payable to Church of the King and earmarked “Missions Trip.” Do not write an individual name on the check. Attach a trip support card to indicate the appropriate individual designation.

Payment Schedule

Trip Schedule

Packing List

Climate

Because Mexico City’s elevation is a mile above sea level, its climate remains

relatively cool, even in the summer time. Summer temperatures are typically in

the 70’s during the days and in the 50’s at night.

Basics

One carry on

One large suitcase for personal items (50 lbs maximum)

Clothing

• While in Mexico, we must dress modestly!
• There will be very few opportunities to wear shorts.
• Shorts must be longer than your fingertips with your arms down.
• No sleeveless shirts of any kind may be worn.
• No tight, revealing, or low cut clothing may be worn.
• Skirts must be knee length or longer.
• Capri’s or sandals are okay for places other than the worksite.
• For the worksite bring long pants, t-shirts, and boots/tennis shoes.
• No torn pants of shirts should be worn at any time.
• You will need 5 days of work clothes.

Men:

• 3-5 pairs of work pants and work shirts
• 2-3 pairs comfortable/lightweight pants
• 2 pairs of cargo shorts for leisure time
• 1 pair of regular jeans (no holes)
• 6 Sport shirts or t-shirts (no tank tops, sleeveless, or see-through)
• Pajamas, Undergarments and socks (enough for at least 1 week)
• Gym Shorts for hotel only. (At Appropriate Length)
• Hat/Bandana

Women:

• 3-5 pairs of work pants and work shirts
• 2 pairs comfortable/lightweight pants or slacks
• 2 pairs of casual pants (Capri’s are acceptable) for leisure time
• 6 Short sleeve shirts, very modest and plenty long (no tank tops, sleeveless, see-through, or spaghetti straps)
• 1-2 long skirts for girls (must be knee length or longer)
• 1-2 Long shirts or blouses that covers the buttocks when wearing pants
• Pajamas, Undergarments and socks (enough for at least 1 week)
• Gym Shorts for hotel only. (At Appropriate Length)
• Hat/Bandana

Ladies-We want to be culturally sensitive to the Mexican women, please pack clothing that will cover your knees and shoulders. Long skirts and t-shirts are good examples. Bring comfortable close-toed shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Flip flops are not suggested for public use.

Footwear

• Work boots or tennis shoes for worksite
• One extra pair of casual or tennis shoes
• Cheap flip-flops (for showers only)

Toiletries

• Compact backpack or fanny pack for daily essentials
• Towel & washcloth
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) / Aloe
• Mosquito repellent
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (Pepto-Bismol tablets or Immodium Advanced)
• Personal prescription medications in original bottle & cold/flu medicine
• Kleenex or Travel size toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial baby wipes
• (Personal items) Chap Stick, Vitamins, Band-Aids, Eye drops

Miscellaneous(helpful items)

• Spending money (suggested $50 US / week)
• Camera
• Extra Batteries for Camera
• Outlet Adapter (to adapt to 2 prong outlet)
• Small Fan
• Umbrella
• Light jacket or rain poncho
• Hat/ sunglasses
• Books for travel time
• Powdered drink mix, granola bars and other non-melting snacks
• Bible, notebook, and pen
• Insulated water bottle
• Flashlight and batteries
• Battery operated alarm clock
• Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper)

Theft is always a possibility when you travel abroad. Please do not bring anything that you cannot afford to lose.?Only pack necessities, do not pack for comfort! Make sure that all your luggage meets standard flight requirements (not more than 50 pounds).

Travel Immunizations

UPDATE YOUR IMMUNIZATIONS

Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date. This includes all childhood immunizations and tetanus within the last 10 years. Some doctors recommend the hepatitis series as a precaution. Check with your local family doctor for more information.

Required:

Recommended:

Tetanus

Polio

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Country Facts

HISTORY

Mexico City is an ancient city, filled with history. The modern city rests on the top of the ruins of Teotihuacan, a central city of the Aztec empire. Cortez and about 500 Spaniards landed in Mexico in 1519 and by 1521 he had completely conquered and destroyed the Aztec capital.

STATISTICS:

• Capital is Mexico City (One of the largest cities in the world)
• Population is 100 million people (One of the most populated countries in the world)
• Over 30 million people live in Mexico City
• The State of Mexico comprises nearly one third of the population of the entire country.
• Two million children under age 20 live in the streets of Mexico City
• 50% of the population is under the age of fifteen
• Mexico City has the worst pollution on the planet.

PEOPLE

Family is very important to the people of Mexico. They are welcoming and hospitable, valuing relationships, and community life. Life in Mexico often moves at a slower pace than many visitors are accustomed to. The phrase, “Hurry up and wait,” is a reality in many situations.

Good ways to start a conversation with Mexicans are to compliment their country and their food, or to ask about their families. Do not say anything negative or condescending toward Mexico and avoid asking questions regarding politics or the living situations of the poor.

FAQ’s

Q: What does the trip cost include?

A: Airfare, all ground costs, lodging and travel insurance.

Q: Are there any costs not included?

A: Passport (if you do not already have one), travel to and/or parking at New Orleans airport, and spending money.

Q: How will I pay for my trip?

A: Consider it a privilege for people to give to support God’s commandment to “Go and make disciples.” By asking others to help support your trip you give them an opportunity to receive God’s blessings. Please be sensitive in only asking Church of the King members that you have a personal relationship with. All donations must be made payable to Church of the King and must not have your name designated on the check. Sample support letters and trip support cards are available from the church mission’s office or your team coordinator.

Q: Are donations tax deductible?

A: Yes. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by the IRS. YOU MUST NOT INDICATE A NAME ON THE CHECK. Funds will be deposited upon receipt by Church of the King and cannot be returned. In the event that surplus funds are raised or an individual is unable to go for any reason, funds will remain in the missions account and will be used to help sponsor other individuals or for any trip related expenses. Funds, by law, must remain for use at the discretion of the church and do not belong to the individual.

Q: Where will we stay?

A: In a simple local hotel. The hotel does not have air conditioning.

Q: What is the weather like?

A: Because Mexico City’s elevation is a mile above sea level, its climate remains

relatively cool, even in the summer time. Summer temperatures are typically in

the 70’s during the days and in the 50’s at night.

Q: What will our team eat?

A: While a lot of the food served will be authentic (You will be in Mexico!), there are often other choices as well. We will do our best to take care of each person’s dietary needs but we also encourage you to be open to new things!

Q: Are there any safety or security concerns when traveling to Mexico City?

A: While all travel has certain inherent risks, the ministry we are supporting is very experienced in hosting teams and will take all necessary precautions to ensure our team’s safety.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Refer to the packing list provided. While in Mexico, you must dress modestly.

You should wear work clothes which include long pants and t-shirts without holes. Shorts are OK for private leisure time. Tennis-shoes or sandals are good for everyday wear, but please avoid flip flops unless in the shower.

Q: What should I bring?

A: This will be discussed in more detail by your team leader but will include: clothes for hot weather, mosquito repellent, sun screen, travel clock, flashlight, and snacks that don’t melt.

Q: What immunizations are required?

A: There are no required immunizations for travel to Mexico. The following are recommended by the Center for Disease Control for travel to Mexico City: current tetanus and polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and Typhoid.

Q: Where can I get travel immunizations?

A: Recommended immunizations are available at the Ochsner travel clinic in New Orleans; appointments required, phone 504.842.3000.