We are going to Guatemala August 3rd through 10th in 2019, and we’d be happy to have you join us! (You can click this first image to see a larger one if the font appears too small.)
For this trip, we will visit the elementary school in Canton Rio Camanibal that received the library and tablet computer lab on our first project as a nonprofit. This is a little northwest of Chichicastenango. They have asked for our help to fund chalkboards and filing cabinets because their chalkboards are disintegrating and they have no storage space for student projects and grade reports, etc.
After visiting the school, we plan to tour some of the sites in Chichicastenango. Unfortunately, we will not be there on market day, but there are other great places of interest and we should have the opportunity to witness a Mayan ritual or two!
We will also be hosting a shoe drive for two remote indigenous villages, Panimache Quinto Bajo and Panimache Quinto Alto. They are about halfway between Chichicastenango and Panajachel. There are 80 children in those communities and the families from this area are very poor. In addition to shoes, we will be distributing vitamins to them and plan to install stoves for a few families.
On another day, we will distribute water filters, with additional plans to visit the Elderly Feeding Center, and possibly stop by an animal rescue center and deliver medical supply donations to the bomberos (firefighters and EMTs).
Our base will be Panajachel, but we will visit the beautiful, colonial city of Antigua and with Nuevo Reto so that we can work in the community garden and deliver bunk beds to those that need sweet dreams. Many people do not have a bed at all and use cardboard or straw for rest!
We should be able to fit in an authentic pepian meal, a group Spanish and/or Kaqchikel class, and perhaps a marimba lesson! Another option would be to take a class to learn how to make chocolate from start to finish where we get to consume what we make!
The total cost of the trip is $1200 plus the cost of the flight — which usually averages around $500 if you leave from Chicago. That amount covers three meals each day, lodging, in-country transportation, tips, and tourism/lesson fees.
It does not cover a passport (if you don’t already have one), souvenirs, snacks or personal items purchased at tiendas, or alcoholic beverages. It also does not cover your transportation to and from Chicago, from which we will likely depart.
We want to have a commitment by March 15th, with an earlier commitment advised because there is a limit to the number of people we can take on the trip. It will be first-come-first-served.
The itinerary above is subject to change, but more than likely is highly accurate! Based on the number joining us and the type of lodging we book, you may room with another person of the same gender.
For those seriously considering this trip, please contact me so that you can receive a more comprehensive packet, including a thorough explanation of mutual expectations and registration forms. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Jennifer Demar
Guatemala Service Projects
The “right” opportunity arose when I learned about a travel opportunity for adoptive families which would include volunteer work and cultural sightseeing. Being members of that team had a profound impact on me, Lillian and Andrew. Not only were we able to make a real connection to our son’s birthplace, but we met incredibly warm and generous people, all of whom we now consider to be a part of our “family.” In addition to the volunteer work I shared with the Team, I also was able to “give back” by performing as my alter ego, “Farfel the Clown” at a barbecue for children of The Backyard School. It will remain one the proudest and happiest memories of my life.