Each day you’ll be treated to breakfast at 7am, followed by devotion time.  Once we have prepared for the day, we’ll travel to the jobsites and work until late afternoon.  Upon arriving back in camp, you’ll have time to shower and relax before dinner.  We end each night with time around the campfire, reflecting on the day and worshipping together.

Being nervous is common when traveling to unfamiliar places.  While we are aware that some locations in Mexico are considered unsafe, we have never had an issue in the villages in which we work.  These are small, close-knit communities, and we have always found them to be very hospitable and kind. Many participants have commented that they have felt safer there than in their own communities.  Even so, we have established procedures and precautions to ensure the safety and security of all group members.  We ask that you follow these expectations while on the trip. 

We will stay in cabins on the grounds of Door of Faith Orphanage in La Mision. Facilities include 7 cabins (with bunkbeds), 4 indoor bathrooms (with showers), 2 outhouses, 2 outdoor showers, and a pavilion with kitchen. The grounds also include a campfire area, hiking trail, and a beautiful “mountaintop” view of the valley.  It is truly a beautiful place to stay.

We take care of all lodging reservations on Friday of your arrival and our return night on Saturday.  This is included in your registration fee. We stay near the San Diego Harbor, as well as historic Little Italy. It’s the perfect area for tourist experiences and restaurants.

Yes, flights are not included in your registration fee, so you will need to book your own flight to and from San Diego. We will give you advice on flights and options at our meetings, but you can also use the document in the “Travel Information” section above to make your plans. Because many people may be traveling from the same airport, we can also connect you with other participants to coordinate carpools or “travel buddies.”  We ask that you send us your flight information once it has been booked so we can track your arrival time for pickup.

In short…Beautiful!

Daytime temperatures range from 70-80°F.  It’s usually a bit hazy in the morning, but that burns off quickly and turns to sunny with low humidity. A cooling breeze off the ocean and through the valley.  Nighttime temperatures range from 50-60°F, with low wind, and moderate humidity.

No. Most places in Mexico accept the US dollar, and most of your personal purchases will likely be in very small shops.  Often change will be given in pesos instead of dollars, so you will build up a small supply of pesos for your next purchase.  We recommend that you bring small bills (1’s, 5’s, and 10’s), as not all shops will be able to make change for large denominations.  Credit cards are accepted at some places, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

No. Our group has an adequate supply of tools and protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, etc) for everyone, but if you have a favorite hammer, tool belt, or tape measure, bring it along.  Please label your items well.

If it is any indication, most participants report they gain weight on the trip.  So the availability of food options is abundant.

While in San Diego, you can choose where you like to eat.  For recommendations, check out the “Travel Information” section.

Once in Mexico, you’ll get 3+ meals a day and a mix of American and Mexican food. All breakfasts and a few lunches/dinners will be American fare.  Most lunches and dinners are prepared by locals and include Mexican favorites like quesadillas, flautas, tamales, and guacamole.  Most food is not spicy, as salsa and hot sauces are served on the side.

There are a variety of local shops that sell soda, candy, and other food if you need a snack.  We’d encourage you not to bring large quantities of food with you, as storage space is limited and food is not allowed in cabins.

Please note this during registration.  Our cooks will work with you to come up with acceptable options for meals.