Conditions
are fairly primitive, and even simple things can
be difficult and frustrating. Be prepared to be
flexible! Patience is also a virtue here. Lodging
will be basic, but flush toilets and hot showers
will be available. Potable water 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 very friendly
and welcoming, but we must be careful to observe
their cultural boundaries. 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.
Other
important considerations:
Make
sure you have a valid passport (one that won't
expire within 6 months).
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
/ fleece
rain
jacket
socks
underwear
sturdy
shoes
work
gloves
work
clothes (pants, long-sleeve shirts)
dress
clothes (for church and Antigua)
soap
shampoo
earplugs
small
towel
toothbrush,
etc.
small
roll of toilet paper
alarm
clock
small
flashlight
aspirin
/ acetominophen
Pepto-Bismol
chewable tablets
Immodium
AD tablets
personal
medications in original containers
water
bottle (1-liter Nalgene recommended)
sunglasses
sunscreen
insect
repellant
camera
(digital, if possible)
film
(if not)
US
Dollars
credit
card / ATM card
drivers
license and copy of passport (both are
helpful if your passport is lost)
spare
glasses/contacts
safety
glasses/goggles
Those
staying in more basic accomodations will also need
to bring:
lightweight
sleeping bag
small
pillow
shower
shoes / sandals
bath
towel
Packing
Guidelines
Store
nothing of value in the external pockets
of your luggage. Bury small, portable
valuables deep in the luggage (i.e., your
Leatherman multi-tool, etc.) so that they
cannot be easily extracted
Weigh
your luggage before leaving for the airport
-- each piece may not exceed 50 pounds.
The airlines are getting stricter about
this, and may make you repack your bag
in front of a 50 impatient strangers if
you exceed the limit.
Pack
enough in your carry-on so that you can
survive for a night without your checked
luggage. We will not be able to unload
checked luggage our first night in Guatemala
City, so you'll need to be able to go
with what's in your carry-on. This strategy
also pays off when checked luggage is
lost by the airline.
Remember
the 3-1-1 rule for your Carry-On
luggage:
Each
bottle containing liquid must be three
ounces or less.
All
bottles containing liquid must be
able to fit in one quart-sized,
clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
Each
passenger is allowed one bag;
it must be removed from the carry-on
and placed separately on the security
conveyor.
There
are no restrictions on liquids in
your checked luggage, so if in doubt,
pack them there. See the TSA
website for more details on current
carry-on restrictions.
Liquids
bought in the Duty Free shops in the Guatemala
City airport can be brought carried-on
to the flight departing that airport.
When you pick up your checked luggage
at your first stop in the U.S. (i.e.,
Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles) you will
need to pack any liquids of more than
ounces in your checked luggage before
clearing customs. You will not be allowed
to carry on any liquids of more than 3
ounces on the subsequent flight to Denver.
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 10 to 12 weeks these days. We recommend
getting your passport at least 6 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