Transportation: Our ministry is about 120 miles from Guatemala City, but takes about 6 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 and blankets will all be provided, however dependent on the size of your team you may be asked to bring some with you. We also ask that you please 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: If you are coming for 10 days or less, please plan on not doing laundry while you in Guatemala. If you need to hand wash a couple items, we have a pila (a hand washbasin of sorts that the Guatemalans use) that is available for you to use and we will be more than happy to show you how to use it.
Dress: Our female visitors are required to wear long skirts past the knee while at clinic and in the market. Please do not bring tank tops, yoga pants, short shorts, two-piece swimsuits, etc. Male visitors are required to wear long pants/jeans. On travel days and during Sabbath activities, men and women can wear long shorts. Long athletic shorts can also be worn by if anyone desires to exercise during the trip.
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 super 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 for the afternoons. 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.
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 departure time gets closer.
Thank you for your flexibility!