Weekend Trips to Mexico
On a separate weekend from the pre-fab build, a team of 12 to 25 people assemble the lofthouse in the area of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. These teams can be comprised of entirely different people than assembled the panels, therefore widening the participation of your congregation. Charges for accommodations and 5 meals are $20 per adult, $12 for children 10 and under, children under 3 are free. A family rate is available for one household families for $60.
Typically, early on a Friday, flatbed trailers loaded with the houses are transported by drivers from your church to the Mexican border. Hands of Mercy facilitates the crossing through Mexico Customs with required paper work. The rest of the construction team caravans down to have dinner and stay overnight at our camp facility (Rancho Casitas). The following morning after a prepared breakfast and logistics meeting, the teams go out to assemble the panels into a complete home in just one day. The team then prays for the family, dedicates the house and hands over the keys along with a Spanish bible.
Once finished, the teams then return to Rancho Casitas for a hot shower and an authentic Mexican meal. After dinner, a campfire is available. After breakfast on Sunday morning, teams pack up and head for home. Travel time home can be considerably longer because of delays at the border and the time it takes to wait in line for U.S. border security. To check border wait times at San Ysidro (returning from Mexico to the U.S) see this link. http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp
ID for Crossing Border
Passports or passport cards are required for adults by for land border crossings into the U.S.. U.S. border guards will also require proof of citizenship (birth certificate) for children. More info.
Learn about obtaining a passport here.
Minors traveling without both of their parents need a notarized permission slip. See form on our Nuts & Bolts page. Notary Parent Permission for HOM