Frequently Asked Questions

This part of Peru adheres to modern western dress standards. As a spiritual mission we encourage modesty and propriety, and while we don’t want to be legalistic, because we are raising children we must be careful of the examples we place before them. This means clothing should always cover cleavage, midsections, and legs above the knees. Teachers working in the school for an extended period will need to wear the teachers’ uniform or something close to it.

You will most likely be housed at the Morningstar facility, either in the same rooms as some of the children or in a separate room for volunteers. You will probably not have a private room and will share a bathroom. In some cases you may be housed off campus. These details will be addressed once the time frame for you participation is established according to what housing is available at that time.

We suggest a Spanish/English Bible (especially for an extended stay) sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletry items, and any medication you are prescribed.

Local private physicians and clinics maintain an acceptable standard of medical care. Should you have any specific ongoing medical requirements, please advise us and we can research availability.

Always! But these needs change often so ask for an updated list if you so desire, once the date for your trip is established.

The age of our children changes as some are adopted and leave and others arrive. The ages and amount of children at the school is also always shifting. If you want to bring them something you should ask for suggestions in an email as your travel dates near.

There are ATM’s readily available which are affiliated to every major network in the world. They deliver U.S. dollars as well as Peruvian Nuevos Soles. U.S. dollars and Euros can be exchanged on the street easily since most places only accept Soles. Travelers Checks are accepted only in banks and require waiting in line during banking hours to get a lesser exchange rate. Our recommendation is to travel to Peru with $200 cash (less for each member in a group). This could last your whole trip if you don’t buy much, or you can use an ATM later.

Your international flight will arrive in Lima. Chiclayo is located 320 miles to the north. You can get there on a one- hour flight or a twelve-hour bus ride. Once you have travel dates we can help you with the prices and arrangements for this travel. From Chiclayo the Children’s Home is another 20 minutes by car. We will be happy to pick you up at either the bus station or airport in Chiclayo and take you there.

For many countries, like the USA, Canada, England, Spain, Australia, and others, there is not. You may stay for up to 183 days without further paperwork. From some countries, however, you will need a visa from a Peruvian embassy. Check out the requirements for your country at: http://theonlyperuguide.com/2012/12/do-i-need-a-visa-for-travel- toperu/

Although your local physician may recommend certain “tropical” vaccinations, there are no requirements for entry and in this part of the country they are not needed. (There is a major mountain range between here and the jungle!) We strongly urge all standard childhood vaccinations, as there are polio, rubella, etc. in this part of the world. 

Teams have atypical schedules accommodating their plans and goals. Those staying on campus might awake around 6 AM and assist in breakfast preparation and getting ready for school. Then they would either be helping in the home or working on a project. Lunch is the main meal and would be around 1:30. After that there would be time for rest, playing with the children, and possibly some form of community outreach. Supper is around 6 PM and some nights there are church meetings.

Spanish is the language spoken in our area of Peru but many come without it and fare well. Obviously, the more fluent you are in Spanish, the more options you will have to serve and communicate, and the more comfortable you will be on a day to day basis. However, it’s not a requirement. This will be an excellent opportunity to sharpen your Spanish language skills and we hope you at least have a desire to attempt to learn some Spanish while you are here.

As with any international travel, the basic concern is point-to-point arranged travel. Avoid spontaneous travel with unknown services or individuals and keep your luggage and belongings as physically in your possession as possible. Avoid small loose items. Leave expensive looking jewelry, costly electronics, and precious keepsakes at home. Traveling with deep, closing pockets that can hold passports, tickets, and money is a big help. Use luggage locks that Homeland Security can open and close and don’t put anything in outer zipper pockets of luggage. Once your travel dates are set we can insure that you will be met at the Lima airport if you plan to go into Lima, or the Chiclayo bus terminal or airport.