Conditions
are fairly primitive, and even simple things can
be quite difficult and frustrating. Be prepared
to be flexible! Patience is also a virtue here.
Hotels in Chichicastenango are basic, but do provide
flush toilets and often hot showers. Potable water
is available for purchase in 5 gallon bottles, and
will be provided for the team at the hotel and work
sites.
The highlands of Guatemala are stunningly beautiful,
and the weather is usually cool and sunny year-round
in the Highlands. Be prepared for heat and rain,
however. The people of Guatemala are quite friendly
and welcoming. We must be careful to observe their
cultural boundaries, however. Take some time to
familiarize yourself with some of the cultural
and social differences in rural Guatemala. For
a taste of life in the highlands, you can visit
the website for Hogar
del Niño, an orphanage in Lemoa, Guatemala.
Make
sure you have a valid passport (one that won't
expire within 6 months).
Bring
US dollars or travellers checks.
Immunizations
for Tetanus and Hepatitis A are recommended.
Malaria
is not a concern -- we'll be at an altitude
over 5,000 feet (more
info).
Pack
enough in your carry-on so you can survive a
few days without your checked luggage (see important
restrictions).
Learn a little Spanish! It makes the trip a
lot more fun.
Packing
List
passport
Bible
journal
notebook
pen
sweater
rain
jacket
socks
sturdy
shoes
underwear
pants
shirts
soap
earplugs
shampoo
small
towel
toothbrush,
toothpaste, floss
small
roll of toilet paper
alarm
clock
small
flashlight
aspirin
/ acetominophen
Pepto-Bismol
chewable tablets
Immodium
AD tablets
work
gloves
water
bottle (1-liter Nalgene recommended)
personal
medications in original containers
sunglasses
sunscreen
camera
film
travelers
checks / dollars
credit
card
drivers
license and copy of passport (both are
helpful if passport is lost)
spare
glasses / contacts
Important
note on Passports
If
you don't have a valid passport, you will need to
get started immediately on applying for one. Passport
processing takes 6 weeks normally. We recommend
getting your passport at least 3 months prior to
your trip, though, to minimize possible complications.
There are many
places locally where you can apply for or renew
your passport. Be sure to bring a completed passport
application.
Joel
Antonio