COMPASSION TEAM

Who can participate in compassion teams?

Anyone! No construction background required. If you have a willing heart, you can join a compassion team.

What does a compassion team look like?

Our compassion teams consist of home builds/repairs, providing nutritious food bags for people with food insecurity, delivering fuel-efficient stoves that are safely ventilated, providing water filters and education for parasite prevention, Bible distribution and discipleship, as well as elderly care.

What does a typical day look like for a compassion trip?

We wake up at 7:30am and have breakfast and morning devotions. Typical work hours are from 9:00am until 5:30pm. Dinner is usually served around 6:30pm.

All meals are served in the guesthouse dining area.

I don’t speak Spanish. Will there be a translator?

Yes! You are not required to know Spanish before you go, but we do encourage you to learn a little if you can. We have a team of individuals who will be working with you who are bilingual.

Will we have time to see the country & culture?

Yes, your team will have one tourism day planned into the schedule. This is typically planned for Sunday.

Can we have more time to do tourist activities throughout the week?

Unfortunately no. Our busy schedule limits our team to one tourist day for the week. We are not able to arrange any other time for tourism during the organized trip.

If you would like more time to do this after the compassion trip is over, you can arrange to extend your trip on your own. Talk to your Healing Nations team leader before your trip if you are interested in this. You will be responsible for all of your added tourism plans/expenses.

What kind of accommodations will I have?

The guesthouse has bunk beds in each room, flush toilets, and running water for showers. Filtered water will be readily available for the team.

Are the beds comfortable?

Yes! There are regular mattresses on the bunk beds.

Do they have hot water?

Yes, but in minimal supply. Short showers are encouraged so that everyone can enjoy a hot shower!

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! All food is prepared by our chef and they will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We would encourage you to also bring extra snacks on the trip if you have multiple allergies/sensitivities.

Can I exercise while in Guatemala?

This is dependent on the guidance of the US Embassy. Your team leader will advise you with the current warnings for the time that you are there. If the embassy is saying it is safe, and our Guatemalan ministry partners affirm this, you may exercise outside of the guesthouse compound. But we require that you do not attempt to exercise on your own and do so with at least one other person to be safe. You will be expected to keep to the outreach schedule so you will need to plan your exercise time accordingly. There is room on the property to walk or do yoga.

Do I have to travel with the team, even though I have a lot of international travel experience?

Yes! It is always best to travel in a team so everyone has the same direction and information. Please help the Healing Nations Team Leader and take a “newbie” to international travel under your wing and help guide them through the process. Your former experience will be very helpful for someone who has never travelled before.

If you live outside of Utah, your flight itinerary will have you meeting up with the team at your layover destination so you can enter Guatemala as a whole group.

Can I book my own flight using frequent flyer miles?

No. While we can appreciate the desire to take advantage of those miles, we need to be able to book the flights ourselves for the whole group. Booking as a whole group offers the most advantages for you if there were any travel disruptions or emergencies.

What training and orientation will I receive to prepare me for the trip?

Healing Nations is committed to facilitating 3-4 team meetings before your trip to orient you to our team, the ministry opportunity, poverty, and Guatemalan culture. It is your responsibility to attend these trainings as they are crucial for preparing you and providing you with the information and team-building opportunities you will need to have a successful trip. We encourage 100% participation in these meetings, no matter how experienced you are in international travel or compassion work.

For those located outside of Utah, there will be an option to attend through Zoom. Your Healing Nations Team Leader will let you know all of the dates of the meetings several months in advance so you can plan accordingly.

How can I prepare spiritually?

Our Healing Nations team will provide you with devotionals that prepare your heart for your trip. You don’t have to wait though! Start praying for your trip now. Pray for the people you will be ministering to, for your team to have unity, and for opportunities to share God’s love. Ask God to prepare your heart for what He wants you to learn and experience! We also encourage you to invite and ask others to begin praying with and for you and the team.

What should I pack?

You will receive a more specific packing list during the training and preparation meetings prior to travel. Here is a basic list of items you should pack:

• Tennis shoes, work gloves (thick), pants (jeans), sunscreen, hat, mosquito spray, rain jacket, safety glasses, water bottle, and snacks.

Can we bring our children?

Yes! However, we require that children be at least 13 years old. Children add a unique gift to your compassion trip, and we love that! But, we want to make sure they can endure the long days, eat unfamiliar food, and participate with purpose and excitement!

Can I fundraise to cover my trip expenses?

Yes! Every team member is responsible for funding their personal costs associated with the trip. You are welcome to fundraise individually or as a team. This will be up to each team member’s discretion. Healing Nations can provide you with some resources to support you in your fundraising (a fundraising guide & letter template). If you have people who want to donate towards your trip, you can direct them to the trip payment link, where they can designate their donation towards your trip.

Can any additional funds I raise be used to pay for passports, immunizations, tourism, and other out-of-pocket expenses not covered in the trip costs?

No. These are considered personal expenses. Any amount that you raise over and beyond will be considered extra project money or can be put towards a future trip.

If I cancel my trip, will I receive a refund?

No. Healing Nations is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and all donations we receive are tax-deductible for the donor. Because of this, donations cannot be refunded. If you need to cancel your trip, you have the following options:

• Funds can be used on a future trip with Healing Nations, taken within one year
• Funds can be donated to our Guatemala ministry