PASSPORT REQUIREMENT

A valid Passport or Passport Card is the only acceptable form of identification for those traveling to and from Mexico by automobile.  If you are planning a trip to Rancho Sordo Mudo you can go to certain local libraries and post offices and quickly apply for a passport.  For more information on Passport requirements go to:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you are bringing food and supplies, you might want to bring a letter from your church or school saying that you are donating the items to Rancho Sordo Mudo. You may need this letter if you are stopped at the border. In addition, you will want to have a Letter of Invitation from Rancho Sordo Mudo. Sometimes they ask for them, sometimes they don't.

Download the Invitation Letter

Download the Driving Direction and Border Crossing Information

Rancho Sordo Mudo Visitor Information

ITEMS AND EQUIPMENT TO BRING

ESSENTIALS FOR EACH PERSON

• Non-US citizens-please bring your green card to prevent any problems at the US border.
• US citizens-please bring your passport.  This is mandatory at the U.S. border now, they check everyone’s photo ID.
• Work clothes, gloves, durable shoes/sneakers, coat/jacket. No shorts, but short pants that go below the knee are acceptable.
• A spiritually prepared heart and love for the children. Language is not a barrier so do not feel reluctant to participate if you do not know Spanish. The staff speaks English and the children use sign language.
• Water or beverages. Our dining room has safe filtered water.

ESSENTIALS AS A TEAM

• Tool box
• First aid kit
• Flashlights & lanterns
• Toilet Paper
• Paper plates, hot and cold cups, silverware, napkins...enough for each meal you are here.  This is not necessary if you are flying down.
• Insurance-Purchase at least liability insurance from a licensed company only. The cost is between $20-$40 per vehicle, per day. In Tecate, CA you can purchase the insurance, gas and other items at Amermex Market located on the left side of the street in a shopping center.

RECOMMENDED (Depending on purpose of trip)

• Tools- electrical, plumbing, carpentry & gardening
• Cleaning supplies-rubber gloves, mops, brooms, sponges, scrub brushes, spray bottles, and cleaners for floors, counters, windows etc.
• If you are working on a project, it is helpful if you bring your own tools.

NEEDS FOR OVERNIGHT VISITORS

ESSENTIALS FOR EACH PERSON (Include the above)
 

• Sleeping bag, padding, pillow (it’s semi-rough camping)
• Lanterns
• Personal toiletries
• Wash cloth & towel

RECOMMENDED

• Bibles, guitar, song sheets
• Snacks (we have a small store with snacks, drinks etc.)
• Cap/hat, sunscreen, swim suits (women must have one-piece suits) Our pool is only filled August through October.
• Trash bags

DRESS CODE

The Rancho Sordo Mudo Image is described as an appearance that is neat, clean and modest that will enhance a positive witness for Christ.

Women-Modest attire is always appropriate. Clothing which draws immoderate attention to you would be considered inappropriate (shorts, tank-tops, short shirts that expose mid-drift, low front dresses, short skirts, etc.)  When swimming, one-piece bathing suits are required.  Non-excessive make-up is acceptable.  Women are to wear a skirt or dress for the Sunday church service.

Men-Wear work clothes. No shorts are permitted and always wear a shirt.  It is never appropriate to show your boxers.  Bring nice slacks and shirt for Sunday church service.  Please take hat or cap off when indoors.

* During hot months shorts to or below the knee are permitted.

The above dress code may seem unreasonable, but it is culturally based. Without these guidelines we would be a less effective ministry. It is the cultural mores that Mexican men and women keep their bodies covered. These customs and habits need to be respected. It is an important aspect of our ministry.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please do not bring people who are at all sick or have been ill three days prior to your visit.
• It is semi-rough camping, not suitable for babies or very small children (unless you have a camper or tent). The bunkhouses are without heat or fans, but all the bunkbeds have mattresses and electricity for lights at night. We also have an RV park with full hook-ups and showers.
• If you are bringing children, please be responsible for them. An adult should watch over them at all times, and make sure they stay in the areas designated as the playground, gym or chow-hall. Children cannot be in the work areas, dormitories, shops or kitchen. During non-work times plan to be with your children regardless of age. They may not explore or run around by themselves. Please bring coloring books, crayons, and other child entertainment for the young children in case of inclement weather.
• There is a basketball court, Disc golf course, a gym, and a large playing field available for your use. We have some equipment for these areas.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The deaf children learn by what they see, therefore we must be careful to maintain an atmosphere where they always observe a good example. For this reason we have a few guidelines concerning the children and our visitors.
 

• Overnight groups must have one adult for every six persons under 21 years of age.
• Dress modestly. No shorts (men or women). No mini skirts. short shirts, For church, men need to wear nice clothing and women must wear a dress or skirt. Please refer to Dress Code.
• Overnight visitors are not to sleep in the dorms. Check with directors for sleeping arrangements.
• Do not play with livestock or pets (including dogs and cats), or enter animal pens.
• Do not give the children candy or money at any time.
• Do not take the children away from the dorm areas without the director’s permission.
• Drive slowly on the ranch. Remember the children cannot hear. Please ride in the vehicles, not hang onto or ride on the outside of vehicles.
• Deaf children are not allowed in, or on, the cars.
• No smoking or alcoholic beverages.
• No guns, knives or fireworks.
• Plan to attend Sunday school (9:30 am on Sunday), and have daily bible studies with your group.
• If you are not working in the kitchen, please stay out. Group leader will assign people to help with KP.
• No playing or rough housing in the chow-hall or brown room.
• Please do not wrestle or play rough with the children.
• No food or drink in the brown room.
• No children are allowed in the brown room.
• The rocky hills are dangerous and have rattlesnakes. If you must explore, do not go alone and advise someone you are going and be careful. Do not take the deaf children.
• Be on time for meals. Tables are called by rotation, so please wait your turn. Weekend eating hours are: breakfast 8:30 am, lunch 1:30 pm, and dinner 6:00 pm. Please take care of your own personal dietary needs.
• Children (deaf and visiting) are not allowed in the workshops.
• Men-please do not hold, put on your lap, or extensively associate with any of the young girls or boys. This sets a dangerous precedent for when the children return to their home environment, where they might assume all men are trustworthy, and therefore can be taken advantage of easily.
• Affection between visitors and the children should consist of pats on the back and side hugs. Full frontal hugs, back rubs, or other similar body contact must be avoided.
• Please, please, please do not waste water. Water level is very critical, our well is running dry. And showers may be limited. If water is available please take quick army style showers (water on, get wet, water off, soap up, water on, rinse, water off, done).
• It is essential that in all bathrooms and outhouses all soiled toilet paper be placed in the trashcans located near all toilets, not in the toilets.
• Please use outhouses at main areas and campgrounds. Our septic tanks cannot handle high volume use.
• Please keep areas clean.
• Do not enter staff housing or dorms without prior notice, and only with a staff member.
• No hanging off the basketball hoops.
• Please ask staff before allowing visiting children to play on the tricycles or the wood play set, as only very small children are allowed on them.

You have come to serve, work, observe, get involved, and to be a help and blessing to this, the Lord’s ministry. You are here to serve Him. “Give as unto the Lord “, and be blessed.