Greetings from the staff and children of City of Refuge. Over the past 40 years, it has always been our delight to house the many groups that come to the mission throughout the year from many parts of the USA and Canada to bless the work here in Tijuana. Our goal regarding our guests and volunteers is to try to bless them too, with our hospitality and love, and to try to make their stay as comfortable as possible. As well, we hope to help you get your goals accomplished while you are with us.
When we started asking for annual registration fees, lodging, meals, and transportation donations it was out of sheer need to feed our children and pay the basic bills we had once the group left (water, lights, food, etc.). For almost 10 years we kept the same prices, but the past 2 years we have noticed that our lodging revenues are not in line with our costs. With our ministry expanding and us showing mission trip groups around the city and involving them in the many outreaches, we have increased our expenses in transportation, as well as the extra hired staff needed to drive, cook, and translate.
We have therefore had to increase our fees to reflect these increased costs, and to serve the groups well, while ensuring that we are not taking away from the budgeted funds for the home. We trust you understand these changes and present for you the new list of fees and requested donations for the mission trip groups starting in 2005.
The work your group does here is priceless for our children's home. We could not have such a nice place if it was not for the many hard hours of work many groups have poured into these walls, and more importantly, the love you have poured into the lives of the staff and children here at the home. We feel you are family, and as such we feel free to explain the reason for the increase.
We do look forward to your visit this coming year and may God bless the efforts on your part for the children at our Mission.
Sincerely,
Sara Gomez
Mission Trip Rep.