Project Objectives
To build Gospel-oriented relationships with the Guatemalan people, utilizing compassionate care and strategic resources to display God’s love to them. The team will be involved in delivering food bags, elder care, children’s ministry, construction, and prayer.
Trip Dates
Subject to availability. Compassion teams are scheduled to last 7 days.
Travel & Project Itinerary
Travel involves one day of travel to/from Guatemala and may involve a red-eye flight going in.
The projects you will be participating in will be determined at a later date and will be informed by the needs revealed from the community assessment surveys and the makeup of the team. Some potential project opportunities are:
- Construction/repair of homes
- Providing food bags
- Delivering fuel-efficient stoves
- Providing water filters & clean water education
- Bible distribution & discipleship
- Elderly Care
Your Healing Nations Team
A Healing Nations Missions Mobilizer will oversee and organize the planning of your trip, working directly with our partners in Guatemala and your team to determine the plan for the trip.
A Healing Nations Team Engagement staff member will organize and plan all the travel details of your trip.
A Healing Nations Team Leader will travel with your team and work on your behalf while in country, coordinating the daily schedule and managing the logistics associated with your trip. There may be an additional Team Leader depending on the size of the group.
Application Process & Deadline
Completed applications and deposit are generally due 1 month after the initial interest date.
Checklist:
- Application (filled out online)
- Color copy of passport
- Deposit of $500 (paid to Healing Nations)
PLEASE NOTE: Deposits and trip payments are non-refundable.
We accept applications on a first come first serve basis. All applications require two references (employer, peer, and/or spiritual). If you do not have a spiritual mentor/pastor who knows you, you may get an employer or 2nd peer reference.
If you need to renew your passport, or you do not have one currently, we need your name exactly as it will appear on your passport. Your passport must not expire within 6 months of travel to Guatemala. If this is the case, you will need to apply to renew your passport as soon as possible. The online process for passports can be found here: https://pptform.state.gov/.
All payments will be made to Healing Nations.
Food & Lodging
The team will be staying at the Sanando Naciones (Healing Nations) Guest House. Meals will be provided and are a mix of Guatemalan and North American food.
Weather
Expect temperatures in the mid 70-80’s with a mix of sun and rain, warm days and cool nights (temperatures can be quite cool at night). Our tourism day (usually in Antigua) is typically hot and humid.
Financial Information
The trip cost is typically $2500. This is subject to final flight bookings and the final number of individuals travelling. Incremental payments will be due over a period of months preceding the trip.
PLEASE NOTE: Deposits and trip payments are non-refundable.
The trip cost includes:
- Flights
- Food, lodging and transportation within Guatemala
- Travel insurance
- Translators
- Project costs
The trip cost does not include:
- Souvenirs
- Meals while traveling outside of Guatemala
- Immunizations – see below
Health
Healing Nations recommends that all travelers visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure for more detailed information regarding vaccines and health concerns.
Zika and Dengue Fever
Guatemala has been affected by Dengue Fever and Zika virus. These are diseases caused by a virus that is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Because there is no vaccine or treatment for these diseases, people visiting areas with Dengue and Zika (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information) should take steps to prevent infection such as wearing mosquito repellant or lemon eucalyptus oil, and avoid standing water. For Dengue Fever outbreaks, Healing Nations will follow recommendations given by the US Embassy.
Many people who get infected with the Zika virus never have symptoms. In people who get sick, symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes) are usually mild and last up to one week. The mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at elevations above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). People who live in or visit areas above this elevation are at a very low risk of getting Zika from a mosquito unless they visit or travel through areas of lower elevation. Zika can spread through sexual transmission. People with Zika can pass Zika to their partners even if they do not have symptoms at the time, or if their symptoms have gone away. Zika virus can live in semen for up to 188 days. Zika can cause miscarriages, still births, and serious birth defects in babies born to women who were infected with Zika during pregnancy. Current CDC research suggests that Zika also is linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome. For more information about Zika please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/