Visitation
• With a group: We take groups of volunteers from Mariners Church to the orphanage every month.  Other churches and organizations do the same.  Group visits are the best introduction to Estado 29.  Mariners group trips are open to all who would like to serve with us and we'd love to have you come with us on one of our trips.
• As an individual: Only individuals well-known from group trips are accepted for individual visits.  Ask your group leader for information.
 
Starting your relationship with the kids at the orphanage

• These children are orphans or separated from their family by circumstances beyond their control. 

Our goal, ministry and hope is to bless them with God's love. 

We do not expect them to clean up after us, so please plan to do your share of cleaning throughout the trip.  This includes helping with dishes after meals, and cleaning the dorm before we leave.

 • It is fine to give the children brief hugs, but all touching must be brief and confined to the arms, shoulders and above.  If you are familiar with the Royal Family Kids' Camp rules, please use the same standard for appropriate behavior around the children.  If you are not sure about something, ask your trip leader.

• Please take your words and promises seriously because the children do.
Therefore do not say, ‘I wish I could take you home.’  Since, truly, it is probably not your intention nor is it possible.

• Please do not bring candy. The kids love it (of course) but dental insurance is not really an option for them.  That expense adds up.  Besides, do you want to be responsible for 90 hyper kids? 

• Please feel free to bring craft-type things, nail polish, origami books with paper, games you can learn visually, etc… Things that encourage skills, and create mementos they can keep.   Contact your trip coordinator for ideas.

• The children are not permitted to leave the orphanage grounds withour prior approval from Debora, and then only in groups with effective supervision.

 • Never give money to a child in any amount for any reason (some children may ask…).  Their needs are covered through generous donations and handled by Debora, the orphanage director. 

If a child expresses a special and legitimate need for something like school supplies or special events, please do not agree to cover it; instead, explain to them that you are interested (if that's true) and that you will talk to Debora about it.  Debora is the orphanage director and she knows everything that the children need and makes arrangements with donors.

• Dress modestly, and in layers, as weather fluctuates.  Most of the children are able to read some English, some can read English well.  They will read anything printed on your clothing and translate it for the others.  Please be sure that your clothing reflects Christian values.
Your Personal Habits - Salud!
• On scheduled trips, bottled water is provided for drinking, and brushing teeth.  Swallowing the faucet water may cause illness.

• The beds have linen and there are spare blankets but, to reduce laundry costs, the best option is to bring your own sleeping bag. 

• There are restrooms with flush toilets (please pay heed to the "bathroom rhyme") and soap for washing your hands; however, hand towels are a convenience when someone is nice enough to bring them.  Bring your own towel to be sure. 

• Carry a small bottle of Purell or similar in your pocket.  Sometimes a small child will sneeze and then hold your hand... you know what to do.  Hold their hand.

• Showers are not encouraged except for clear need.  The well is often dry and all water is purchased and trucked to the orphanage at great cost.  In addition, septic system is probably already overflowing when we arrive.  We must be careful to not create additional problems for them.  If you do become truly dirty, a quick "military" shower is ok... but we usually don't have hot water or even a good shower head... Waiting to shower until you get home is the best thing.