Guatemala Mission Trip
October 26-November 3, 2024
Detailed trip information is below.
For a printable version, click here.
Ready to sign up?
Click here for the application. Download the form, complete it and send it to trip leader David Gorden at degorden@sbcglobal.net.
Destination: Panajachel, Guatemala
Panajachel (often called "Pana") is a town of 15,000 inhabitants located in the southwestern Guatemalan highlands, on the northeast shore of Lake Atitlan, about a three hour drive from Guatemala City. It sits at an elevation of 5240 ft. The average Oct./Nov. high temperature is 74F. Average low temperature is 56F. This will be the fourth Mission Work Team from MSUMC to visit Guatemala. Earlier visits were in 2016, 2018, and 2022.
Trip Sponsor: Mission Guatemala
Mission Guatemala Inc. was founded in 2009 by Tom Heaton, a United Methodist pastor who has supported the needs of the poor of Guatemala since 2000. In the spring of 2010, Mission Guatemala located a mission site in the community of San Andrés Semetebaj and began the needed renovations to open a medical office, preschool/nutrition center and dental office. Though their services have expanded over the years and staff has grown, their core mission has remained the same – partnering with local communities and schools to positively impact the areas of health, nutrition, and education in the communities of San Andrés Semetebaj and beyond.
Cost: $675 per person for in-country cost
This includes accommodations, meals, in-country transportation and an interpreter.
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Airfare from Indianapolis should be less than $600.
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Group Insurance - approximately $50 per person.
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All costs associated with Mission Guatemala work trips are tax deductible.
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Fundraising and anticipated assistance from the Missions Committee work trip fund will lower the cost.
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Special financial assistance is available for students or others in need.
Caution: There is lots of great shopping to be found. Bring appropriate money!
Accommodations and Meals
Work teams stay in Mission Guatemala's modern private lodge called "The River House". It is located on the outer edge of Panajachel and is a healthy walk or short "tuk tuk" ride from the center of town.
Bedrooms accommodate 1-3 people with bathrooms typically shared between 3-5 people.
Provided are mattress covers, blankets and pillows. To be brought are twin size sheets, pillow covers, and towels.
Wifi connection is available throughout most of the facility.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining room, prepared by The River House's skilled kitchen staff. Fresh ingredients from local markets are featured. Lunch is typically eaten at the work site.
Immunizations: Recommended by the Center for Disease Control
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Routine Vaccines
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Hepatitis A
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Typhoid
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Covid19
Note: Malaria is not a concern
Documents:
Passport required. Expiration date must be after Feb. 4, 2025 (three months past scheduled departure from Guatemala).
A work team from Meridian Street will travel to Guatemala October 26 – November 3, 2024 to work with Mission Guatemala, an organization supporting the needs of the country's poor since 2000. The group will be engaged in “light construction” activities.
This will be the fourth team from MSUMC to visit Guatemala since 2016, with previous groups having had memorable, rewarding, and fun experiences.
The Work: Light construction
Past groups have worked on construction of a school kitchen, a ramp/walk to an administration building, a school play area, and general improvements to Mission Guatemala facilities. Tasks have included painting, concrete mixing and pouring, block laying, wall demolition, brick cleaning, rebar forming, etc.
Typical Day
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Breakfast Together
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Travel to the worksite
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Lunch at the worksite
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Leave the worksite between 4-5 pm
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Dinner together
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Evenings are free for group activities or individual time
Although construction activities are the tangible goals of the trip, the really crucial tasks are interacting with the local people and sharing our faith as well as our resources
Group and Age Restrictions:
Group size limited to 15. Acceptance will be based on date of receipt of registration form.
Adults and students in high school or older are welcome to participate.
Excursions/Sightseeing
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Arrival Sunday excursion/activity will be planned.
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Departure Saturday excursion/activity will be planned. In the past this has been a cruise on Lake Atitlan
Trip preparation
Regular team meetings/communication will be held in the months leading up to the trip. Additional trip information will be shared then.
Trip Leader:
David Gorden
Telephone: 317.710.1105
Email: degorden@sbcglobal.net