Santa Cruz, CA mi68sendme@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What ID and other documentation do I need?

EVERYONE will need either a US PASSPORT or a US PASSPORT CARD.

 

Do I have to have any special skills in order to come on a trip?

No!  Your good attitude will guarantee that you will be invaluable on the trip.

 

What do I need to bring?

Personal Stuff:

  • Personal sport’s water bottle
  • Flash Light (with fresh batteries!)
  • Hat 
  • Sleeping bag or bed sheets  
  • Pillow, towel, washcloth, etc…
  • Sunscreen (you WILL sunburn)
  • Overnight accessories (soap, toothpaste, etc..)
  • Bug spray (for mosquitos)
  • Bandanas (more dust protection)
  • Sweatshirt (Temp’s as low as 50 at night)
  • Swimsuit and beach towel

Recommended Tools (Bring what you have/can):

  • Work gloves
  • Sunglasses (for sun and dust protection)
  • Ear plugs (Power tools and/or sleeping!)  
  • Nailing apron  
  • Framing hammer – waffle head        
  • Regular hammer – smooth head
  • Utility knife, extra blades
  • Chalk line  
  • Carpenter Pencils
  • Plastic Safety Glasses
  • Swing stapler, 5/16″ or 3/8″
  • Knee pads Optional for Roofing)
  • Drywall saw
  • Drywall tools
  • Tin snips for corner bead
  • Paint rollers  
  • Paint roller handle  
  • Paint pans  
  • Paint Brushes  
  • 6″ wide mud knife

  

How do I meet up with the Mi6:8 Team?

We encourage everyone to meet at the San Diego Airport Parking lot in Terminal 2 no later than 4:00pm Wednesday, June 19. Look for the Mi6:8 poster and a representative will meet you there with further directions to the Ranch.
Please be sure to book your flights to land prior to 3:00 since the caravan will leave the Airport promptly at 4:00pm. Please be sure to book your return flights no earlier than 2:00pm

 

Where does my drinking water come from while I’m in Mexico?

Mi6:8 provides all the purified and filtered drinking water you need. Please only drink the water we provide to avoid sickness.

 

How does Mi6:8 select the projects they work on?

We work together with Baja Christian Ministries who then selects the homes and Churches based upon the immediate needs of the families and community. The process is very organized and thoughtful which is brought before their committee prior to selecting these Families and Pastors.

 

Where does the money to pay for these projects come from?

From anyone and everyone including a portion of the registration fees that we collect to join our trips.  In addition, generous churches and individuals such as yourself donate a part of the funds necessary for any materials needed. All donations are 100% tax deductible.  

 

How can I donate money towards these projects?

You may enter a donation amount when you fill out the trip registration form or donate now!

 

Will I be able to make or receive calls in Mexico?

Yes, coverage is getting better all the time, however we encourage you to check with your carrier for international roaming rates, not all coverages are the same. If you bring a cell phone with you please secure it on your person at all times.  

 

Can someone contact me while I’m in Mexico?

For emergencies only, you may be contacted via email (preferred) or phone. We will provide you with a contact person upon request prior to departure on the trip.  Voicemail is checked once a day only on the main contact number.  

 

Will I have to buy my own meals while I’m in Mexico?

No. The trip fee covers all your meals while in Mexico. If you have a special diet please make sure to let us know on the registration form so we can do our best to supplement your needs. (You may want to bring additional food to supplement your diet.)

 

Where do we stay in Mexico?

Your accommodations will be the rustic facilities at Rancho La Paloma. The facility has bunk houses with bunk beds, eating area, bathrooms and showers, a swimming pool and a camping field.
Rancho La Paloma Facebook Page

 

Where is the project site located in Mexico?

We build homes in Mexican settlements (colonias) about 2 to 5 miles south of the US–Mexico border.

 

What do the sleeping arrangements look like?

Sleeping arrangements are segregated by gender. There are some family rooms for married couples with young children. Married couples may sleep together in tents. 

 

Is there a minimum age for children on the trip?

This completely depends on the parents.  Children younger than 12 should have a parent or guardian with them willing to closely supervise them.  Be advised that our building project site might be a CONSTRUCTION ZONE. CHILD CARE IS NOT PROVIDED.

 

Can unaccompanied youth (under 18) come on the trip?

No.  Youth under 18 years of age should have a designated adult guardian or youth leader accompany them on the trip. The chaperone must accept this responsibility prior to the youth signing up for the trip. Mi6:8 organizers cannot be chaperones, as we have many responsibilities with the entire group as a whole.  

 

Who’s in charge of Mi6:8?

Mi6:8 is comprised of a Board of directors who are volunteers just like you. They have led nearly 60 trips to Mexico over the past 30 years building houses, churches, conducting VBS programs, and loving on people in Mexico and those who come to join us on these trips. We can provide you with a list of board members and Mi6:8 leaders upon request.

 

Why are you called Mi6:8? 

This was inspired by a verse in the bible to act upon our desire to serve others who are less likely to receive help from the Government, family members, or other. Therefore we have been prompted to be the hands, heart and feet of the local missionaries and churches to assist them in reaching out to those who are in great need.

 

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”