Transportation: Our ministry is about 120 miles from Guatemala City, but takes about 5 hours to drive because of the mountain roads and traffic. If you get car or airsick, please plan appropriately with medicine. While at our mission base, visitors are not allowed to drive any ministry vehicles, four wheelers, motorcycles, construction equipment, or agriculture equipment without special permission because of liability issues.
Housing: Most of our bedrooms will have multiple bunk beds. You will be sharing bathrooms and showers amongst your group. We do have hot water but due to the limitations of water here, we ask that you plan on taking five minute showers. Any personal items that you require will need to be brought with you; ie: shampoo/conditioner, soap, shaving cream, hairdryers, etc. Sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets and towels will all be provided. Do not drink the water from the faucets or the shower. Plan on bringing a water bottle that can be refilled with purified water for drinking.
Laundry: A laundry machine will be available for your use while here. All laundry is line dried and can be done as needed (within moderation)
Dress: All visitors are asked to dress modestly while in Guatemala, regardless of travel days or location (ask your team leader for more specifics) Women are required to wear long skirts past the knee while at clinic/hospital or in the local market/town, with the exception of scrubs being worn by medical personell. Male visitors are required to wear long pants/jeans while at clinic/hospital or in the local market/town. On the mission compound, long shorts or pants can be worn by all. For swimming attire, we suggest moddest attire, shorts and a modest top for women and swim trunks for men.
Tattoos/Piercings: In Guatemala, tattoos and any type of piercings are associated with drug dealers and gang members. Male visitors must remove piercings and cover tattoos. Women are expected to cover tattoos in public and remove any visible piercings (other than ear piercings).
Weather: Guatemala has two seasons – rainy and dry. The weather here is very consistent year-round. It gets a little colder around December, January and February. It is hot in March and April, usually. The rains start in May and typically last until September. If you are coming during the rainy season, please bring with you a rain jacket or poncho. If you are coming during the winter season (mid-October through February), please also plan on some long-sleeve shirts for the early mornings and evening.
Internet/Computers: Our ministry base has wifi; team member use will be at the discretion of your leader/host. We strongly encourage our visitors to take advantage of our isolation and remain unplugged for the duration of their time here.
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Policy: The use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs is prohibited at any time while you are in Guatemala, please do not come on this trip unless this is something you are preparred to do without while here.
Safety: We view Guatemala as a relatively safe place; however we do ask that you do not leave the compound after dark. Two or more are always the best choice if you decide to go on a walk or to town, and please make sure to let your team leader/host know where you are going even during the daytime hours.
Sabbath: The ministry takes a Sabbath on Sunday. This is a good day to talk through your experiences as a team, journal, spend individual and team time in worship and prayer or have some leisure time. We will give you more details on your schedule as your trip gets closer.
Thank you for your flexibility!