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Schedule | Costs $$$ | Housing | Transportation | Food | Identification | Weather/Clothing

Standard Schedule

Praise/devotions/teaching - Since worship is the focus of the week, we have times of praise, personal devotions, small groups and teaching to prepare and challenge us throughout the week.

Construction projects - Crossroads Missions staff will lead you in a wide variety of construction projects for people of all skill levels. Trained staff and interns will supervise work including concrete, drywall, tile, roofing, painting and other various jobs.

Outreach programs - During the week your group will also spend time ministering with the youth and local families in community outreach. We have introduced a Bus Ministry, for outreach to take place. We have equipped a large school bus with bench seats, sound equipment, and even basketball hoops attached to the side. We hope to reach children of all ages, through bible lessons, recreation, shooting baskets, face painting, and much more. Most importantly we hope to plant seeds in the hearts and minds of the children.

Fellowship - During the week you will also spend time in fellowship with local churches participating in worship services and activities. Evening activities include going to the Macro plaza (Community Park), cookouts, game nights, concerts, home visits with families and other activities to experience the culture.

Transportation

You have the option to drive to Eagle Pass, Texas (border town across from Piedras Negras). You may consider riding on a charter bus to Eagle Pass (from your home church arranged by CrossRoads). If you choose to fly to San Antonio our staff will meet you in a designated area near baggage claim. We use a school bus to transport participants and luggage. It takes about three hours to make the journey to and from the airport and border. At the border our staff will facilitate the process of crossing the border as a group. The church where we stay is gated/locked at night. During the day, there is someone at the church/school while we are working offsite. Whenever you are not with the whole group you are required to be in groups of four. Our staff is dedicated to taking all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of the groups and individuals.

Housing

While in Piedras Negras, Mexico, your home for the week will be at a local church in Piedras Negras. Accommodations include restrooms & showers. While CrossRoads groups are present, sleeping areas are designated for men and women. A cot is provided for each participant. We suggest that you bring a pillow, sheets, and a blanket.

Food

Each morning breakfast consists of cereals, oatmeal, bagels, toast, fruit, juice and coffee. Lunch meals are picnic style including deli sandwiches, Hot dogs, Peanut butter sandwiches, chips, cookies, and veggies, are also prepared by participants and staff. The evening meal is an authentic Mexican meal prepared by local ladies

Weather/Clothing

The weather for most of the year is hot and dry, but we suggest checking the forecast on-line before coming. During winter trips the temperature can drop into the 30’s and in the summer the temperature may exceed 110. Expect to get paint, concrete, etc….on your clothes. You don’t have to bring nice clothing for any of our activities, but feel free to bring non-work clothing for church or fellowship activities.

Identification

Please bring the following Identification with you on your trip:

• Your driver’s license or legal photo ID,
• A certified copy of your Birth Certificate,
• Your health insurance card.

Passport Update

• Effective June 1, 2009 passports will be required for people traveling to/from Mexico.
• You must have a passport if you are serving with us beginning with the Summer of 2009.

Update: September 5, 2008 - Travel Document Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens:

Applied at Land Borders from January 31, 2008 to current: U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel. Contact the United States Department of Homeland Security (http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/) for up to the date Travel Security and Guidelines.

Costs

The trip costs cover supplies for homes/church and outreach, food and lodging while in Mexico, and transportation to and from the San Antonio airport. You will need money for souvenirs at the market and the lunch meal at the market which ranges from five to thirteen dollars. There are also small stores in the community at which you can buy cokes and chips.

Trip Fee:

• $450.00/person – Travel directly to Eagle Pass, Texas
  • Charter Bus- Set up by CrossRoads (from your church TO Eagle Pass). Contact us for Bus Rates.
  • Drive on your own to Eagle Pass (parking for your vehicle can be arranged)
• $500.00/person – Travel to San Antonio Airport & CR will coordinate pick up/drop off.
  • AIRFARE is not included, purchase separately

VERY IMPORTANT! Any fees incurred in taking participants across the border that are levied against individuals, such as a visitor’s VISA or visitor’s tax, is the responsibility of the individual participants. Please prepare for a possible $25/person fee while passing through Mexico Customs.

Spring Trips Payment Schedule

• The non-refundable initial deposit FOR ALL Spring groups is $100/person and is due NO LATER THAN November 15, 2008.
• Spots are not guaranteed until the initial deposit is received.
• A second payment of $250/person is due by January 15, 2009.
• Final balances for your trip are due by February 1st, 2009.
• Failure to follow this schedule will result in penalties.

Early Bird Registration Information for SUMMER missions groups only.

Summer mission groups of 10 or more participants qualify for our Early Bird Registration benefit! Your group is eligible to receive a free trip for one participant for the trip that you are registering for providing that these guidelines are met:

• Your group consists of 10 or more participants.
• You register your group on or before November 15th, 2008.
• We receive your group deposit or it is postmarked on or before November 15th, 2008.
• Your non-refundable group deposit is equal to $100 per participant.
  

Summer Trips Payment Schedule

• The non-refundable initial deposit FOR ALL Summer groups is $100/person.
• Spots are not guaranteed until the initial deposit or Early Bird deposit is received.
• A second payment of $250/person is due by March 1, 2009.
• Final balances for your trip are due by May 1st, 2009.
• Failure to follow this schedule will result in penalties.

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