How do I get to the Del Rio, Texas? |
What is the cost?
Do I need a passport? |
What is the minimum age? |
What will I do on a mission? |
Why do you not evangelize? |
What is the difference between a scheduled and private mission? |
How do I pay? |
What can I bring? |
How much does Paper Houses make on each Mission? |
Can I arrive late or leave early on a mission trip? |
How can I volunteer? |
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How do I get to Del Rio, Texas?
From Houston: Take I-10 West for approximately 196 miles (San Antonio).
Take the Del Rio exist on your left (90 West) and continue for approximately 150 miles to Del Rio.
You will drive through Hondo, Uvalde and Brackettville en-route to Del Rio.
After entering Del Rio, turn RIGHT on Veterans Boulevard (a large H.E.B. store is at this intersection) The Ramada Inn is about 5 miles and on your right.
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Do I need a passport?
Paper Houses requires a valid passport. |
Minimum Age
Children between 11 and 17 can participate, but must be accompanied by a parent. |
What will I do no a mission?
You will visit a shelter for children, a migrant shelter and help at either a festival or a health fair. You may cook hot-dogs, paint faces, cut hair, help doctors and nurses, organize children's games and do a host of other things . We try to use you where you feel you are talented. You will also be placed into a small team of four people and walk door to door, visiting the poor in their homes.
Below is a typical schedule. Your trip may vary.
Day 1
Orientation
Door to Door Visits
Evening Meal with Migrants
Day 2
Door to Door Visits
Visit children's shelter
Lunch with Children
Visit Drug Rehab
Door to Door Visits
Visit Gabby Physical Rehab
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Door to Door Visits
Visit Children's Shelter
Lunch
Set up for Battalion
Assist doctors/dentists/other professionals with free school clinic
Fiesta for children
Discussion
Day 4
Breakfast
Breakfast Conference with Acuna people
Worship
Walk in a colonia
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Why do you not evangelize?
On our regular trips we do not evangelize, except by our actions. Many will come to know, as they recognize us by our actions. We are probably the only mission group that recognizes that most of these people know about Christ and most are more knowledgeable about Scripture and more attend Sunday worship that the people in America. When we first began, many people in the colonias asked us if they needed to believe, attend a church service, or demonstrate their beliefs in a way that pleases us in order for their children to eat. We evangelize by our actions.
Church groups of any denomination can set up a private mission trip and are welcome to evangelize as long at food, medicine, clothing and other help is given without a required attendance at a service.
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What is the difference betwee and scheduled and private mission?
Our schedule missions do not involve evangelization and we stay at a hotel in Del Rio, Texas. You download and then send us your completed information packet and check.
Private groups may determine lodging (hotels, church sites, mission camps) in either Del Rio or Acuna and we work with them to set up their itinerary. We help as much or as little as the group desires.
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How do I pay?
Click on the date of your mission (top of page) and our mission packet will be displayed. Complete the packet and mail it with a check or money order to:
Paper Houses Across the Border
10827 Colt Chase
San Antonio, TX 78254
Make the check payable to Paper Houses and indicate the starting date of your mission.
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What can I bring?
We can only transport $250 worth of items in our van. If you bring things for the people it is possible that we may store those items in Del Rio and they may be delivered at a later time. Our observations have been that you can never have too many tootsie roll pops stuffed into your pockets. The children love Bubbles and Balloons. Children's socks and tennis shoes are always needed. Pampers, baby formula, children's vitamins, school supplies, and toiletries are always needed. Please be understanding if we must leave some items in Del Rio and cross them at a later time. Every item will go to a family. |
DO NOT bring used clothes, toys, or any food items for distribution. |
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How much income is generated for Paper Houses?
The mission trip is revenue neutral. We make no money on these trips. |
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Can I arrive late or leave early?
I am sorry, but no. We need everyone to be on time and to remain with us until the mission is completed. |
| Can I adopt a child?
I am sorry, but none of the places we work with have children for adoption and we do not have any contacts of suggestions.
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| Can I communicate with a child or family?
We do not have the resources to deliver mail and you may find what you are looking for with the Christian Children Fund of similar group. Paper Houses is an all volunteer organization, without paid staff.
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How do I become a volunteer?
Complete an application and mail it to:
Paper Houses Across the Border
10827 Colt Chase
San Antonio, TX 78254
Volunteers are always needed to help with distribution of material at area churches and for other fundraising activities. It is important that volunteers speaking on behalf of Paper Houses are knowledgeable and follow our rules. |
Most people that volunteer are wonderful and will follow the mission, goals and values established by Paper Houses. We have a moral obligation to our supporters, volunteers and the people of Acuña to ensure that our representatives are stable and that they work within the framework of our organization. Please check the section in January and complete an application to volunteer. We need your help and are anxious to work with you. |
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Mission Cost |
Total Sharing Room |
Total Price |
Single |
$ 250.00 |
2 adults |
$ 400.00 |
1 adult 1 child |
$ 300.00 |
2 adults 1 child |
$ 350.00 |
2 adults multi children |
$ 400.00 |
3 adults |
$ 550.00 |
Four adults |
$ 700.00 |
Costs include lodging, transportation in the colonias, food distributed to the poor, tools and fees.
We looked at several facts to price these missions. First, we looked at our actual costs for a mission of 20 to 30 people. We built a price structure that helps families with minors. For example a single person who is not sharing a room pays $250, while a family of 3 pays $350.
Second, we looked at what other mission groups charge and what they offer. The average price we found is $232 per person and lodging is in dorm style rooms with bunk beds. Most require participants to bring pillows and sleeping bags. We are not in competition and we encourage you to find a mission trip that meets your needs.
The truth is that we remain revenue neutral and hope that your hearts are opened and you become a supporter of Paper Houses. We hope you will see what we do is very worthwhile and in line with your values.
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