FAQs
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General FAQ
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When we receive questions, we review them and
- answer them directly,
- if the question looks like more people would be interested in the answer, we will add it to the appropriate FAQ.
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Story of the Genesis Name
When Ken & Greg were considering a name they desired it to have meaning for them & others. The Genesis name was chosen as the brothers were starting out into a “new beginning” as it would be a new direction in life, it is God centered, the orphans we serve were also in much need for a “new beginning” & the trip participants gain new insights which is a gift from God.
Upon looking it up in the Bible, Genesis 1:10 tells us of God creating the land and the seas. His creation, what Greg and Ken grew up in, running and playing all of their life in the great outdoors. This is what they could offer orphans as they remembered how exciting it was to discover new things, what positive memories they had, how peaceful and healing it was being in the outdoors.
Remember the first time you...
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Genesis Program FAQ
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Personal and Spiritual growth for yourself and the children we serve. Practically, we are taking individuals out of their comfort zones and exposing them to a reality that most of the world shares. Without opportunities to change the focus of our personal lives, we get caught up in the immediate needs/desires of our everyday world. Every person needs the perspective of Global Vision, including the children in Mexico.
We are one family under God, with believers in Mexico and through out the world. By involving ourselves in the greater community of faith around the world, we have an opportunity to open our lives to be used by God. Through caring and giving, we experience closeness to our faith and the Church community that is rare in our daily lives. Ideally, every participant may have an opportunity for personal growth and catch a brief glimpse of what the Church should be at its best. The children get to experience the greater impact of others sharing and living their fa...
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As a group:
- You learn how to work together both physically and spiritually.
- You learn how to cope with individual differences as you find solutions and deal with one another in specific situations.
- You provide support for a local orphanage and/or shelter.
- You gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a family of God.
As an individual:
- You may develop a deeper appreciation of what God has planned for your life and a more thankful heart for the blessings He has given you.
- You experience a foreign environment and gain a new perspective as you see the world through the eyes of the more disadvantaged.
- You build lasting relationships across language and cultural barriers.
- You add a new dimension to your personal relationship and experience with family, friends and colleagues while you open windows of opportunity for reflection away from your usual daily demands.
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A “Mission Project” is a group of people that have come together in unity and purpose to give themselves in service to others. The whole experience is based on Matthew 25:34-40. This is a cross-cultural environment that includes both physical and spiritual labor. Your schedule on a “Mission Project” will be very busy. You will get tired. Time for reflection and spiritual enhancement punctuates days of learning activities, some form of sports ministry, and evening group spiritual activities that are conducted with the integration of small group "family time".
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The facility is rustic. We use large tent-like huts. There are separate huts for the guys and girls with bunk beds but no mattresses. Depending on the number of participants, some may be on the floor or need to bring tents. Your individual group will be informed of any such needs. You will need a camping air mattress or pad along with a sleeping bag or bedding. There are separate showers [bring solar showers] that are open to the sky (Shower in your bathing suits) and latrine bathroom facilities.
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Genesis furnishes all purified drinking water. Purified water is readily available in most places. Established tourist restaurant water, vegetables and ice are normally trustworthy. Simple tips: Don't let water from the shower in your mouth. Dry the edge of any cans or containers stored in ice or that are wet. Use only bottled water when brushing your teeth. When off site, eat and drink only at approved local sites. Ask if in doubt.
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Yes. All meals at the program site will be prepared with strict attention to quality, freshness and cleanliness. All vegetables and uncooked foods are washed in purified water and safe for consumption. When buying food in town, the group leaders will direct participants to approved establishments. Most food in the region is safe. Always check with a group leader before purchasing food from questionable sources.
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Genesis provides English-speaking guides who will make sure your journey is smooth and pleasurable. Where appropriate, Genesis provides handouts of useful English and Spanish terms and phrases depending on the task/activity being performed. A shared experience working together overcomes many barriers to communication. Additionally, you will find a great deal can be communicated with a warm smile, handshake and simple gestures.
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As with any outdoor adventure there is always some risk. A little prevention and common sense can avoid most illness or injury. In the event of illness or emergency, some of the Genesis staff is trained in basic first aid and Greg Amstutz has had WFR (Wilderness First Responder) training. Genesis keeps a well-stocked first aid kit on location for most common problems.
Keep in mind that the most common illnesses that people encounter on programs such as this can be solved by drinking water. Lots of water! Dehydration is the most frequent health problem we experience. Dehydration will cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, sore throats and a variety of other symptoms that can easily be avoided. Medical professionals recommend a liter or 8 cups of water each day. Soft Drinks do not count. Anytime you think about it, take a sip of water. Do your part to ensure you have a pleasant and healthy Genesis experience – drink plenty of water!
In the event of illness or injury, e...
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Genesis can be reached through our office in Ensenada or the U.S. numbers provided on page one of this trip packet.
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No. But it would be good to be up-to-date on your tetanus shot. Some consider having Hepatitis A & B shots since we are working with children.
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Participants younger than 18 years need a notarized authorization from both their parents to enter Mexico. Legally, any Adult staying in Mexico longer than 48 hours requires a Passport or certified birth certificate. Make sure you have all the proper paper work (which we send to you) completed before departing on the trip.
Read more... for New Requirements for Travelers from the US State Department on this subject!
Read more... DHS Announces Proposed Passport Flexibility for U.S. and Canadian Children at Land and Sea Borders!
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Mexico requires auto insurance. We would like you to check out this site Baja on-line auto & bus insurance  and press on Genesis to begin online process for insurance.
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The San Ysidro border crossing is the busiest port of entry in the world. Over 200,000 people cross through the border between San Diego and Tijuana each day. Border traffic is a fluid situation that is never predictable. Certain days and times are typically busier than others but we have found we can never second-guess a typical day. We know for sure that any US or Mexican Holiday will be extra busy which can add an easy hour to the usual 1-2 hours.
Special note: Since the events of September 11, 2001 border security is tighter, there are more uniformed customs agents patrolling the lines, more dogs and more questions at the entry stalls. On very rare occasions the border has been closed for a few hours as security precautions in response to threats and hoaxes. Even with all these factors, typical crossings take 1 hour since 9/11. If anything traffic moving towards the border is more orderly and efficient than prior to 9/11. Exceptions include major holidays ...
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Orphanage FAQ
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All the Orphanages (Casas Hogar) are overseen by the Social and Family Services department of the Government. Sistema para el desarrollo integral de la familia (DIF) regulates the quality of life provided to the children, and places orphaned, endangered or displaced children in the Casa Hogar. However, the government does not support the Casa-Hogar financially. The burden of feeding, clothing, educating and caring for the children is left to the ingenuity of the individual Casa.
They are wholly dependent on the charitable giving of individuals, organizations and Churches. Each month the casa directors wage an endless battle to supply the needs of their children. Nearly all Casa-Hogar are faith based civil associations that try to bring love and hope to the children.
With time and resources at a premium, the chance for the children to gain the e...
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All the Casas Hogar (Orphanages) are overseen by the Social and Family Services department of the Government. Sistema para el desarrollo integral de la familia (DIF) regulates the quality of life provided to the children, and places orphaned, endangered or displaced children in the Casa Hogar. However, the government does not support the Casa Hogar financially. The burden of feeding, clothing, educating and caring for the children is left to the ingenuity of the individual Casa.
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Funding is similar between the homes but varies greatly in stability and on-going networks of help. The currently open and operating Casa Hogar of Baja receive no government funding and must rely on private, parochial and public support. Therefore, they are wholly dependent on the charitable giving of individuals, organizations and Churches. Each month the casa directors wage an endless battle to supply the needs of their children.
Nearly all Casa-Hogar are faith based civil associations that try to bring love and hope to the children. Churches and individuals are the main contributors but, as the system in Mexico slowly and painfully becomes more efficient and organized, corporations are starting to be tapped for support. Still, every year we watch homes shut down. When this happens, children loose their continuity again and are relocated to other homes and, if overcrowding is t...
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 The locations of the orphanages create quite a difference in atmosphere and environment. The homes may be situated within cities, outside major population areas and in remote rural locations. Accessibility from the border differs greatly and the problems to solve, ability to visit, needs of the home and interaction with the children is influenced by their location. Many have no well managed structure due, in part, to having been started as simply a family reaching out to help the children in need within their community. Others are larger, well managed, staffed with volunteer help and/or paid staff. In some cases, staff members work for shelter and food. Even the larger homes must constantly find renewed support to continue day-to-day operations. As you can see on the maps, most Orphanages are in Baja California (North) d...
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The children at these Casas Hogar come from the street, are dropped off by parents that can not feed them, are taken from abusive situations, are homeless due to abandonment or parental death, or are disabled without the families ability to support them. Therefore, the children in these homes are mostly not adoptable due to either their unknown parental status or known family problems. These children end up with little or no traditional family. Genesis wants to help reverse these negative cycles and give each child a chance for increased self-image. We want to be a part of the solution for these generations that will also, by proximity, affect our own future.
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No two are alike. Each is unique in its mix of type, size, location, accessibility, funding, management, supervision and Church affiliation. Genesis understands these differences so we can be more efficient at directing our education and enrichment efforts, act as a conduit of information, guide resources and direct your giving. The major types of orphanages are the following;
- Rural ranchos
- Albergue temporals (temporary shelters)
- Gender specific (only boys or only girls)
- Special needs children
- Family centered living arrangements
- Casa Cuna (infants and toddlers)
- Internationally linked networks
- Affiliated schools and day cares run in association with a Casa
- Urban single dwellings
- Catholic orders (nuns)
- Transitional housing for co...
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With time and resources at a premium, the chance for the children to gain the experiences and life-skills most people share are very limited. Some excellent organizations are reaching across the border to try and assist in meeting individual Casa Hogar consumable monthly needs. They are providing much needed products such as food, clothing, health supplies, household items and administrative office needs. Genesis has focused its activities on providing life-long changes to the children through educational enrichments, building relationships, cross-cultural understanding, orphanage staff development and life-skills. These experiences are similar to what families try to provide their own children. Experiences to help them learn and grow into productive, caring members of society.
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Without any immediate family support, these children must still face the options available to any other young adult. They may have to enter the work force or, if fortunate, be able to attend a trade school, university, college, or a technological institution. As they are anywhere, their options are limited by their family (orphanage) resources, knowledge, exposure they have had to life-skills and increased self-image. Unlike a supportive family background, however, there is often little chance that they are able to stay and commute to school and/or a job until they are better able to support themselves or have finished their education. This puts an additional hardship on many of these young people through no fault of their own, or even the orphanages. Some Casas Hogar have established houses as extensions of support for their young adults. These homes away from home provide encouragement and care. They are few and f...
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If you would like to contact a specific home or shelter, and you do not have current contact information, Genesis will help you get in touch with the particular Casa Hogar of your interest. Genesis does not administrate or operate any orphanages.
Check our "Favorite Links" page for externalOrphanage and Adoption pages
Contact us
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