Etc, etc, etc...
Purpose:
The purpose of this mission is to love and serve the poor, to learn about Guatemalan culture, to share culture of the USA, and to extend this mission beyond Summer ’06 by sharing these stories and experiences with others. To sum up, the purpose of this trip will be to live out God’s greatest command to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” and to 'Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Mat 22: 37-39. Other guiding scriptures are: James 1:27; Mat 25:31-46; Mark 8:35; Mat 18:3; Mat 5: 1-14; Mat 6. (more about serving the poor in the faq article, “why do mission trips?”)
Expenses:
All costs for airfare, food, lodging, and transportation for duration of the trip are included in estimates: $1,200/person for one week; $1,600 for two weeks. Total cost/person may vary depending on airfare prices at the time of purchase. Crew members are encouraged to raise more than their estimated costs to allow for potential higher airfare costs, and/or pay for additional work projects, and leave a financial gift to host mission sites. (see “Fundraising” below.)
Meals:
All crews will share morning and evening meals together at their respective place of lodging. Box-style lunches will be eaten daily on each crew’s project site.
Transportation:
All crew members will arrive into Guatemala City between 12-3 pm on Sun, June 11th, and Sun, June 18th (two-week, and one-week crews respectively). On the am of July 2nd all will return to G.C. for return flights to the US. Airfare will be booked through a travel agency from team member’s closest and/or least expensive airport. Daily shuttles will transport crew members to & from their respective mission sites.
Fundraising:
Team members and families are not expected to pay for this trip themselves. Each team member will be strongly encouraged to raise funds individually, and invite church members, co-workers, friends, and families to support this mission both financially and with prayer support. By inviting others to support this mission, team members intentionally extend this mission beyond Summer ’06. Fund-raising kits will be provided upon registration. More details to follow.
Vaccinations & Health Ins.:
All crew members will be required to have proof of health insurance in case of emergencies, and will be encouraged to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, and Tetanus at their own expense. Anti-malarial medication is unnecessary due to the altitude of all worksites. One-time traveler’s insurance is available for a nominal fee via several insurance companies. More info in registration packets.
Passports
All crew members will be required to bring a valid US Passport.
Evening Program:
Each evening, all crews will assemble to reflect on the day’s events, share photos and stories, and worship and sing to God. Following a time of worship, cultural exchange opportunities with local Guatemalans will be scheduled throughout the week.
COTS Concert/Celebration:
At the end of the week, we hope to have a final closing concert and celebration at the theatre located at the COTS, with all crews present. This hopes to be a celebration of both Guatemalan and American cultures through music, dance, testimonials, and multimedia, presentations.
Printed Brochures:
Condensed print versions of this website for promotion and sponsorship purposes can be found below. The Low-Rez version is best for sending electronically via email, etc., and the High-Rez is best for printing. For best print quality in black & white, use “grayscale” option when printing.
Low-Resolution Brochure (388k):
High-Resolution Brochure (5.8 MG)
Registration:
Registration for all teams is now open. If you desire to join this mission and have not been in touch with Shawn already, please contact Shawn Smith via email at guatemala-at-shawnsmith.com before beginning the registration process. All of the registration materials can be found below. Please mail your registration form and $150 non-refundable deposit to Jennifer Crist ASAP in order to be guaranteed a spot on a crew. Crews will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Forms & Info:
Guatemala Parent Permission.doc
