Team manual - Brentwood Baptist July 2011

1. Guatemala Mission Trip
Team Member Manual
July 8-16, 2011
The
Shalom
Foundation

2. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing to go to Guatemala. We are glad you will be joining us in the
work there. It is our prayer that God will challenge you spiritually and help you grow in your
faith as a result of this trip. God is actively at work in Guatemala, yet much work remains to be
done. Your interest in helping is an answer to prayer.
Short-term teams have been partnering with us
since 1995 for the purpose of outreach to the people of
Guatemala through evangelism, construction, medical,
dental, and educational activities. Regardless of your area
of outreach, most people find the greatest rewards are in
the relationships that are made. The most significant work
that you will do will be loving people and spending time
with them being a witness for Jesus Christ, rather than
building a wall or helping someone meet a physical need.
The people of Guatemala know that you have
spent a significant amount of money and time to come and
they feel honored you would choose to do that for them.
Let us encourage you to focus not only on the tasks of this
trip, but also on the relationships that will develop along the way.
We have put together this manual to help you prepare for the trip. This manual is
prepared to provide you with practical information that will help make your trip successful and
enjoyable. Please read it, commit to attending the scheduled team meetings, and follow the
guidance of the team leadership. Even if you have previously participated in a Guatemala
mission trip, it is important to attend all meetings to help build team spirit.
We ask that you be patient and flexible as you prepare, travel, live, and work with the
team. Evaluations from those who have gone before indicate that any inconveniences you may
experience will be overshadowed by the gratitude of the people you will serve. You will find
the Guatemalans friendly and easy to get to know. The work you do will be a great help to
them and will bring hope to many. Our team leadership is ready to assist you in any way we
can.
The
Shalom
Foundation

3. The Shalom Foundation’s History in Guatemala
The
Shalom
Foundation
has
been
active
in
Guatemala
City
for
more
than
decade
serving
acutely
poor
children
and
sharing
the
Gospel.
Through
our
supporters
and
volunteers,
Shalom
has
touched
thousands
of
lives,
have
completed
more
than
70
homes,
conducted
170
surgeries,
and
have
helped
build
a
Christian
school
serving
over
700
students.
The
Shalom
Foundation
currently
sponsors
more
than
130
students
providing
for
their
tuition
and
other
associated
education
expenses.
Through
the
years
475
missions
team
members
have
traveled
to
Guatemala
City
with
The
Shalom
Foundation
in
God’s
service
to
others.
In
June,
1991,
several
founding
members
of
The
Shalom
Foundation
Board
took
their
first
trip
to
Guatemala
City.
In
1995,
a
22-­‐member
team
provided
construction
assistance
and
conducted
the
organization’s
first
Medical/Dental
“clinic”.
Annual
Missions
Trips
were
planned
and
led
each
year
since
that
time.
In
June,
1996
a
26-­‐member
Construction
Team
began
work
on
Shalom
Church
with
Pastor
Alvaro
Perdomo.
In
May,
1997
a
48-­‐member
Missions
Team
provided
construction
work
on
Shalom
Church
and
provided
much-­‐needed
medical
treatment
-­‐-­‐
the
largest
Shalom
team
to
travel
to
Guatemala
at
the
time.
The
Construction
Team
traveling
in
May,
1998
began
construction
on
Shalom
School.
In
January,
2000
Shalom
Missions
Team
members
attended
the
Shalom
School
Dedication
with
the
traditional
beginning
of
the
new
Guatemalan
school
year
(January
15).
Construction
Team
members
traveling
in
The
Shalom
Foundation

4. April,
2001
participated
in
Shalom
Foundation’s
first
Home
Construction
project
building
6
homes.
In
2003,
Shalom
Foundation
outfitted
a
commercial
kitchen
for
the
“Food
for
Thought”
Nutrition
Program.
In
May,
2004,
48
Shalom
Team
members
provided
medical
and
dental
services,
eye
exams,
computer
programming
as
well
as
home
and
school
construction.
Construction
Teams
have
continued
to
travel
to
Guatemala
building
on
average
6-­‐7
houses
each
year,
renovating
Shalom
School
and
Shalom
Church.
The
Medical
Missions
Initiative
has
seen
7
medical
trips
to
Guatemala
City
with
the
cooperation
of
Monroe
Carell
Jr.
Children’s
Hospital
at
Vanderbilt
and
Belmont
University.
With
the
purchase
of
the
Shalom
Surgical
Center
in
2008
even
more
trips
are
in
our
future!
The
Shalom
Foundation

5. GUATEMALA – An Overview
Who
shall
separate
us
from
the
love
of
Christ?
Shall
tribulation,
or
distress,
or
persecution,
or
famine,
or
nakedness,
or
danger,
or
sword?
Romans
8:36
Guatemala
is
a
beautiful
country
decorated
with
mountain
peaks,
rivers,
valleys,
volcanoes,
beaches
and
jungles.
The
country
and
its
people
have
survived
decades
of
turmoil
to
experience
now
a
time
of
hope
and
healing.
With
the
help
of
people
like
you,
the
future
for
the
children
of
Guatemala
can
be
bright
and
full
of
possibility.
Guatemala
is
located
in
Central
America,
bordered
by
Mexico,
the
Pacific
Ocean,
Belize,
El
Salvador
and
Honduras.
The
country
covers
an
area
slightly
smaller
than
Tennessee.
It
is
located
in
the
Central
Time
Zone.
Several
airlines
including
Delta
Airlines,
American
Airlines
and
Continental
Airlines
fly
from
the
United
States
into
a
newly
modernized
airport
in
Guatemala
City.
As
for
the
weather,
Guatemala
maintains
a
tropical
climate
and
is
called
the
“Land
of
Eternal
Spring.”
Average
year-­‐round
temperatures
run
75
degrees
Fahrenheit
during
the
day
and
50
to
60
degrees
at
night.
June
through
October
is
the
rainy
season,
while
November
through
May
sees
the
drier,
most
pleasant
conditions.
Guatemala
operates
under
a
democratic
constitutional
government.
President
Alvaro
Colom
began
his
presidency
January
15,
2008
and
will
be
president
for
4
years.
T
he
vice
president,
Rafael
Espada,
is
a
well
known
heart
surgeon
who
practiced
medicine
in
the
United
States
for
many
years.
The
Shalom
Foundation

6. Guatemala Facts
Population:
13,002,206
(2008)
Comparative
Size:
Slightly
smaller
than
Tennessee
Climate:
Tropical;
hot
and
humid
in
lowlands;
cooler
in
highlands
GDP:
$67.45
billion
GDP
per
capita:
$5,400
Ethnic
Groups:
Mestizo
(mixed
Amerindian
&
Spanish/
called
“Ladino”),
European
59.4%,
K’iche
9.1%,
Kaqchikel
8.4%,
Mam
7.9%,
Q’eqchi
6.3%,
other
Mayan
8.6%
Religions:
Roman
Catholic,
Protestant,
Indigenous
Mayan
beliefs
Languages:
Spanish
60%
and
Amerindian
languages
40%
Major
exports:
Coffee,
sugar,
bananas,
clothing,
petroleum
Life
expectancy
at
birth:
69.69
years
Independence:
September
15,
1821
(from
Spain)
Currency:
quetzal;
quetzales
per
US
dollar
average
8.15
in
2009
The
Shalom
Foundation

7. Prayer
PRAYER
is
the
foundation
of
our
ministry.
Invite
others
to
support
and
join
you
in
prayer
for
your
trip
and
your
team.
Pray
that…
 We
will
be
equipped
with
every
good
thing
to
do
His
work.
(Heb.
13:20-­‐21)
 All
spiritual,
physical
and
financial
needs
will
be
met.
(Phil.
4:19)
 We
will
be
pleasing
to
Him
in
everything.
(I
Thess.
2:4)
 We
will
be
united
in
spirit,
looking
out
for
one
another
with
love.
(Phil.
2:2-­‐4)
 Our
words
will
be
full
of
grace
and
encouragement.
(Eph.
4:29)
 There
will
be
protection
for
us
and
our
families.
(Psalm
91:
9-­‐10)
 We
will
be
flexible
and
content
in
all
circumstances.
(Phil.
4:12)
 We
will
be
filled
with
compassion,
kindness,
humility
and
patience.
(Col.
3:12)
 We
will
be
completely
useful
to
the
Master.
(II
Tim.
2:21)
 We
will
be
light
to
the
nations,
so
His
salvation
may
reach
to
the
ends
of
the
earth.
(Is.
49:6)
My
focused
vision
prayer/verse
is:
The
Shalom
Foundation

8. My
Prayer
Partner,
who
will
prayerfully
journey
with
me
in
preparation
before
and
during
the
trip,
is:
My
Prayer
Team:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Prayer Requests
The
Shalom
Foundation

9. Cost of the Mission Trip
Approximately $1,500 (depending on airfare) per person + contributions for the
construction.
You will only need money for personal purchase while there (gifts, souvenirs,
etc.) and for meals and incidentals during travel to and from Guatemala.
The cost of your trip includes:
o Airline ticket
o Guatemala airport exit tax
o Ground transportation, including vans and fuel
o Lodging, including room and access to related facilities
o Meals
o Insurance
o Team building events
o Team manual
The team is also responsible for raising the funds which will pay for the costs of
building a class room for the Las Conchas School. These funds will be raised by
the team collectively. Raising funds for this purpose is not raising funds for you.
Please feel confident in your efforts, knowing that the funds will be put to God’s
service and will used to help others in desperate need of assistance.
Please make all checks payable to The Shalom Foundation.
Online Donation pages:
http://theshalomfoundation.donorpages.com/CommunityBuildingBBC/2011Team2/
Click “Join This Team” to create your own page
The
Shalom
Foundation

10. Guatemalan Mission Team Meetings
The pre-arranged, scheduled Team Meetings are a required part of your
preparation process. These meeting provide an opportunity for you to meet the
other individuals participating in this Mission Trip to Guatemala. Team members
will come from other church congregations in the community as well as from
inter-personal contact and encouragement from past missions trip participants,
Shalom Foundation Board Members and Staff, Shalom Partners, many different
“walks of life”.
Important information will be reviewed and shared with the group during each
meeting. There will also be time for open discussion and time to answer
questions each week. You should commit to attend every meeting.
Links:
www.TheShalomFoundation.org
www.Facebook.com/ShalomFoundation
The
Shalom
Foundation

11. Recommended Planning Schedule
3 to 6 Months Prior:
• Meet
with
your
team,
begin
planning
and
praying
together
(please
make
this
a
priority).
• Plan
your
financial
needs
for
this
trip.
Be
timely
in
turning
in
request
for
money.
• Ensure
passport
is
ordered
and
updated.
• Make
an
appointment
for
your
immunizations
with
The
Global
Clinic
or
your
private
doctor
• Put
all
meeting
dates
on
your
personal
calendar(s)
• PRAY
3 Months Prior:
• Start
reviewing
your
packing
list.
Locate
your
passport,
or
confirm
process
timeline.
• Begin
preparing
for
activities
in
which
you
will
be
involved
such
as
your
fundraising
efforts.
• Think
through
materials,
supplies
and
gifts
you
will
want
to
bring.
• Prepare
and
send
out
support
letters
in
order
to
obtain
funds
in
a
timely
fashion.
• PRAY
1 Month Prior:
• Complete
immunizations
and
fundraising
efforts.
• Assemble
items
on
packing
list.
• Obtain
all
materials
and
gifts
to
be
packed.
Remember
weight
limitations
are
strictly
enforced.
• Confirm
finances
for
the
trip.
• PRAY
1 Week Prior:
• Pack
luggage
-­‐-­‐remember
flight
restrictions
are
strictly
enforced
by
airport
staff.
• Attend
the
team
packing
party
a
couple
of
days
before
departure
to
pack
group
supplies.
• Review
this
manual
and
ensure
you
have
thought
through
all
necessary
preparations.
• Make
sure
you
are
eating
well,
getting
rest
and
exercising
for
optimum
health.
• Have
family
and
friends
praying
for
you
and
the
team.
• PRAY
Day of Departure:
• Prepare
for
the
unexpected!
(Flights
do
not
always
run
on
time.)
• Be
flexible!
• Allow
yourself
plenty
of
time
so
you
arrive
“on
time”
at
the
airport.
This
is
very
important
for
your
entire
group.
• PRAY
Return:
• Know
what
additional
follow-­‐up
vaccinations
you
may
need
(Hepatitis
A/B)
usually
within
6-­‐12
months
of
return.
• Share
your
journal,
photos
and
stories
with
family,
friends
and
supporters.
• Prepare
for
post-­‐ministry
letdown
and
reverse
culture
shock.
The
Shalom
Foundation

12. Mission Trip Participation Guidelines
Team Members that participate in The Shalom Foundation mission journeys are
reminded that they are ambassadors of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:20). As you go on your
mission journey, you represent Jesus Christ, The Shalom Foundation and the United
States. This is a tremendous responsibility. For this reason, we ask that each team
member seeks to be above reproach in his/her actions and attitudes. Each team
member must agree to the following:
• Submit to the team leader’s authority in all aspects. Respect the decisions made
by the team leader for the benefit of the whole team and the ministry effort.
• Please do not, under any circumstances, counsel families or individuals you
meet. You could endanger family members or destroy work that’s already being
done by the pastors and church/school staff. Refer any situations that may need
attention to the team leader only.
• The daily schedule for the trip will NOT be revised, adjusted or changed for any
reason once the team leaves the US.
• We require everyone to abstain from the consumption of alcoholic beverages or
any use of tobacco or illegal drugs while on the trip. No exceptions.
• Please do not give out or promise money to anyone in the local community or to
those to whom we are ministering. Also, do not solicit monies from team
members for such a cause without approval of the team leadership.
• Do not give out the personal information of a fellow team member to anyone in
the host country.
• Do not take with you a particular personal agenda when participating in a
Foundation mission trip. You will be participating as part of a team trip. Each
team will have a unique experience that is especially inclusive of each of the
team’s members. The focus will be placed on what God wants to accomplish in
this week.
• Due to the volatile worldwide political climate, please refrain from discussing
political issues or wearing clothing with political messages (including US flags).
• Never venture away from the group alone under any circumstances. Always go
with a group and always let your team leader know your whereabouts.
• Do not offer to fix someone’s home or provide funds for something outside the
scope of the trip. Team members with good intentions have done this in the past,
and then forgotten to provide the funds. This creates problems between the
families and church staff.
• Do not, under any circumstances, give your address and phone number to
nationals. Having your address is taken as an invitation to come stay at your
house at any time, without notice, and perhaps for an indefinite period of time.
You may be asked to help with visas, etc.
• Be careful in all areas of dress. Due to cultural respect, no shorts or tank tops will
be worn on the mission sites. Skirts must be below the knee. No shirts with
inappropriate logos (US flags, military, etc.). Shirts must be worn at all times.
• Be careful as to the language you use. What may be acceptable in our
community may not be acceptable in the community you are visiting. Please
avoid the use of profanity.
• No public display of affection between unmarried couples.
• Do not pursue dating anyone in the local community or in the host country.
The
Shalom
Foundation

13. • Do not pursue dating a fellow team member during the trip.
• The Board approved minimum age policy states the minimum age for
participation in a Shalom Foundation mission trip is 15 years of age. No
exceptions.
If a team member’s behavior is destructive to the team, the ministry or the host
community or distracts the team or the leadership from their responsibilities, the team
leader reserves the right to ask and require the team member to return home. Any
additional cost incurred as a result of this action, including but not limited to, airfare
penalties, changes in airfare prices, taxi rides, etc., will be solely at the team member’s
expense.
I have read these statements, understand the guidelines set out above, and agree to
behave accordingly.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
______________________________________________________ ________________________
Printed Name Date
The
Shalom
Foundation

14. Team Support
There is something you should not leave home without – A SUPPORT TEAM. A
support team is made up of those people who are committed to joining you in
ministry through prayer, finances and encouragement. Support “discovery” is
the process of identifying these people around you. Those who support you
need to see themselves as a part of the team.
In a team concept, everyone has a responsibility. In short-term missions, those
who serve through giving and praying are just as important as those who serve
by going and working. You should identify those people you need on your team
and send them a support letter. In this letter, they should be made aware of the
following information:
 Where are you going and with which organization?
 What will you do?
 Why are you going?
 What are your prayer needs?
 What do you hope to learn?
 How does this fit in with your life plans?
 How much support do you need?
 What is your support for (airfare, materials, etc.)?
 Are gifts tax deductible?
 Where is support sent?
 Who should be the payee on the check?
All gifts and correspondence should be acknowledged promptly. To show your
appreciation, a small gift from Guatemala would be appropriate – pictures,
stamps, coins or currency. A follow-up letter upon your return should be included
with your gift.
Early into the meetings, the costs of the trip and fee due dates will be provided
to all team members. Each team member is asked to turn in monies as soon as
possible because reservations for lodging, airline tickets, and team materials
must be purchased in advance to secure the most reasonable rates available
and to accommodate our travel schedule.
We will discuss team support in more detail in the fundraising section of this
manual.
The
Shalom
Foundation

15. Suggestions for Funding Your Trip
Biblical Principles:
A. Paul urged the church at Corinth to give financially. (II Cor. 8,9)
B. Paul thanked the Philippians for their support of his ministry, knowing that they
would benefit by giving (Phil. 4:17) and that God would supply their needs
according to His riches. (Phil. 4:19)
C. Jesus taught His followers to seek God and His kingdom first and material needs
would be provided. (Matt 6:33)
D. God’s plan is to provide support for His work through Christians who give of their
finances. (Matt. 10:20, III John 5-8)
What to Do:
A. Pray…ask God to provide. (I John 5:14-15)
B. Be willing to use your personal finances, for yourself and others. Be sure you have
an eternal perspective. (Matt. 6:19-21)
C. Realize many Christians would cheerfully contribute to your need because:
a. It is personal; they know where the money is going.
b. They are eager to give to something that will accomplish results.
D. Make a list of every possible avenue of support, and take steps to make them
aware of your need. You are not raising funds for yourself but to serve others, to
bring the gospel to those who will hear.
a. Family
b. Friends
c. Teachers/Administrators
d. Businessmen
e. Church Acquaintances
f. Community Leaders
g. Employers
E. Contact them by phone, letter, appointment (or a combination of these).
What to Include in your Letter:
A. A personal greeting.
B. How you are growing in your Christian life.
C. Why you are writing – to ask them to prayerfully consider investing in your summer
and the lives of these people living in desperate conditions.
D. What you expect to get out of the trip.
E. The cost involved in the project ($1,400).
F. A request to consider an amount (i.e., a range of $25, $50, or $100).
G. Who they should make the check payable to: (with your name & “Guatemala”
on the memo line).
H. Words of appreciation for considering your opportunity.
I. A handwritten signature and/or note on your letter.
J. See sample letter for further suggestions.
The
Shalom
Foundation

16. Follow Up:
A. Call people back in a timely fashion. Be positive, don’t put this off.
B. For those who invest in your summer, send them a handwritten thank you note in
a timely manner. We also highly recommend sending a follow-up letter after the
trip giving an account of what you did in Guatemala.
The
Shalom
Foundation

17. Sample Support Letter
(Date)
Dear _______________________________,
In __________ I will have the privilege of participating with a team of adults and
students from my church and other local churches on a short-term mission trip to
Guatemala. Guatemala has tremendous needs due to its poor economic and
social conditions. We are partnering with The Shalom Church of Guatemala to
help the local church members by __________________________________________.
I am very excited about this opportunity. Our team will be working with the
Guatemalans, but we will also be working on building relationships. But as much
as we are going to give our lives away to serve the Guatemalans, I know this trip
will deeply impact me personally and I look forward to the growth I will
experience as well.
Realizing that a trip of this type does not happen without the involvement of
many people, I am asking you to consider how you might support us as we
pursue what we feel God is leading us to do. There are two areas of need:
prayer and financial. Prayer for unity and safety with our team, for us to be
sensitive and obedient to God’s leading and that God would change lives —
ours and the people in Guatemala. You can help financially by contributing to
help offset the costs of the trip and supplies. Will you please consider joining our
support team?
If you wish to help, please detach and return the form below to me in the
enclosed envelope by ______________. If you would like to write a check, please
make your check payable to _____________________________________. Thank you
so much for considering this.
Warmest regards,
_________________________________________
(Your signature here)
o Yes, I will commit to pray for you leading up to and during your trip to Guatemala.
o Yes, I will make a financial contribution to your trip, as indicated below.
________$500 ________$250 ________$100 ________$50 ________Other gift
Name _________________________________ Address ____________________________________
E-mail _________________________________ Phone ______________________________________
The
Shalom
Foundation

18. Mission Trip Support Tracking Form
Your Name: ______________________________________________________
And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches In Christ Jesus…
Philippians 4:19
Check # Amount Date Name Phone # Address
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
The
Shalom
Foundation

19. Culture Shock
Recognizing
and
coping
with
the
differences
between
your
culture
and
the
culture
of
the
host
country
can
do
much
to
lessen
the
stress
of
travel.
Several
ways
to
enhance
your
travel
experience
before
leaving
are
to
learn
several
words
and
phrases
in
the
language
of
the
host
country,
meet
and
talk
to
an
individual
from
that
country,
or
visit
a
worship/church
service
where
they
speak
the
language
of
the
host
country.
Try
to
understand
why
you
do
things
the
way
you
do
in
your
culture
and
why
others
do
things
differently
in
another
culture.
Be
careful
how
you
compare
one
culture
to
another.
A
desire
to
learn
and
understand
not
only
helps
you
become
informed
and
adjusted,
but
also
communicates
servant-­‐hood
to
your
host
culture.
Tips for Communicating through a Translator
Speak
to
the
audience,
not
the
translator.
• Speak
slowly
and
clearly.
• Speak
loud
enough
for
the
translator
to
hear
and
understand
you.
• Use
short
simple
sentences.
Allow
time
for
the
translator
to
speak.
• Be
conscious
of
the
time
factor.
Remember,
everything
has
to
be
repeated.
Avoid
slang.
Slang
confuses
the
audience
because
it
does
not
translate
well.
The
Shalom
Foundation

20. Cultural Research
The
more
you
understand
about
the
culture
of
Guatemala,
the
more
effective
you
will
be.
It
is
possible
to
gain
a
great
deal
of
understanding
about
Guatemala,
and
begin
adjusting
yourself
personally
for
entering
that
culture.
As
you
research
and
study,
look
for
ways
to
creatively
impact
your
host
culture
with
the
message
of
Jesus
Christ.
Speak
with
nationals
from
the
host
culture,
the
Internet,
libraries,
travel
brochures,
and
periodicals
for
your
research.
Creatively
prepare
a
report
for
your
team.
Religious
Background:
Study
the
religious
beliefs
of
the
people.
How
do
these
beliefs
differ
from
Christianity?
How
devout
are
the
people?
What
are
creative
ways
to
communicate
the
message
of
Jesus
Christ
to
these
people?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Political
Background:
What
is
the
primary
political
system
of
the
culture?
How
long
have
they
operated
under
this
system?
What
would
be
the
major
differences
in
thinking
politically
from
your
home
culture?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Social
Background:
How
is
the
social
structure
set
up?
Family?
Male
roles?
Female
roles?
How
do
the
sexes
interact?
Dating?
How
should
your
team
adjust
to
honor
their
social
structure?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The
Shalom
Foundation

21. Geographic
Background:
What
is
the
basic
geography
and
climate
of
Guatemala?
How
does
this
climate
affect
the
people?
(For
example:
A
hot
culture
often
shuts
down
during
the
afternoon
and
has
events
late
into
the
night.)
What
can
your
team
expect
to
experience
as
a
result
of
the
geography
and
what
adjustments
will
they
need
to
make?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Historical
Background:
Research
and
historical
overview.
Has
the
country
been
war
torn?
Is
it
stable?
Is
there
a
strong
world
influence?
How
does
the
history
affect
the
way
the
nationals
view
themselves?
What,
if
any,
recent
changes
have
occurred?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Economic
Background:
What
drives
the
cultural
economy?
Industry?
Agriculture?
Tourism?
What
is
the
standard
of
living?
Average
income?
What
can
your
team
expect
of
the
culture’s
living
conditions?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Cultural
Background:
Investigate
the
country’s
cultural
celebrations.
Holidays?
Arts,
drama,
music?
Is
their
culture
tied
to
the
religious
beliefs?
How
do
they
celebrate?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Statistics
and
Other
Facts:
Population?
Crowded
living
conditions?
Racial
mix?
Etc.?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The
Shalom
Foundation

22. Spiritual Development
Your
initial
motivation
to
go
on
a
mission
trip
may
be
self-­‐centered.
Before
leaving,
you
may
have
the
thought
that
you
are
going
to
change
someone
else’s
life
–
that
they
will
be
the
recipients
of
your
efforts.
However,
upon
your
return,
you
may
realize
that
you
were
changed
by
the
ones
you
went
to
help,
or
possibly,
you
both
were
changed.
As
stated
earlier,
“It
is
our
prayer
that
God
will
challenge
you
spiritually
and
help
you
grow
in
your
faith
in
Jesus
Christ
as
a
result
of
this
trip”.
Also,
you
will
find
the
greatest
rewards
are
in
the
relationships
that
are
made
on
the
trip.
Most
importantly,
this
includes
a
deepening
relationship
with
Jesus
Christ.
Journaling
It
is
recommended
you
take
a
pen
and
journal
to
record
the
events
of
your
trip
on
a
daily
basis.
If
you
keep
a
journal,
you
will
find
yourself
referring
to
it
for
many
years.
Journaling
is
an
important
way
for
you
to
process
what
you
are
experiencing
and
learning
on
the
trip,
as
well
as
revealing
areas
where
you
may
need
to
experience
spiritual
growth
and
maturity.
You
may
want
to
begin
your
journal
before
you
leave
in
order
to
record
what
God
may
be
revealing
to
you.
Once
you’re
on
the
trip,
you
will
want
to
journal
daily.
Some
of
the
information
you
might
want
to
include
might
be:
(1)
your
relationship
with
God,
(2)
your
relationship
with
others,
(3)
your
impressions
of
the
host
culture,
(4)
special
people,
places,
events,
food,
(5)
what
you
are
learning
about
yourself,
(6)
and
what
you
are
learning
about
“kingdom
building”.
Later
on,
your
journal
may
help
you
realize
that
you
did
not
understand
all
you
had
experienced
on
your
trip.
Allow
God
to
use
this
journal
as
a
tool
to
grow
spiritually.
This
journal
will
help
strengthen
your
witness
to
others
about
your
relationship
to
Jesus
Christ
and
what
He
means
to
you
–
how
your
faith
in
Him
is
growing
and
changing
your
life.
(Journal
pages
are
provided
for
you
in
the
Appendix
of
this
manual.)
The
Shalom
Foundation

23. Health & Safety Tips
• Before
you
leave,
give
copies
of
your
passport
and
any
credit
cards
you
plan
to
use
to
a
family
member
or
trusted
friend.
• Several
days
prior
to
departure,
begin
drinking
plenty
of
water.
Guatemala
City’s
elevation
of
just
less
than
5,000
feet
is
significantly
higher
than
Nashville’s
elevation
of
746
feet.
• Once
in
Guatemala,
drink
only
purified
water;
use
only
ice
that
has
been
made
from
purified
water.
• Your
team’s
leader
will
have
a
first
aid
kit;
see
him/her
for
first
aid
needs.
• Do
not
eat
ANY
foods
from
street
vendors.
• Eat
only
fruits
that
can
be
peeled.
• Take
hand
sanitizer
and
use
it
often.
• NEVER
go
anywhere
alone;
remain
with
the
group
AT
ALL
TIMES.
• Clean
out
your
wallet.
Take
only
necessary
identification,
credit
cards
or
cash.
It
is
advisable
to
purchase
a
special
pouch
or
belt
for
the
purpose
of
discretely
carrying
your
valuable
items.
•
If
you
don’t
need
it,
don’t
take
it.
• We
strongly
suggest
you
leave
all
non-­‐necessary
valuables
at
home,
including
ALL
jewelry
EXCEPT
an
inexpensive
watch.
• You
will
be
expected
to
be
“on
time”
to
all
meetings
and
all
group
functions.
• When
possible,
always
ask
permission
before
you
take
a
picture
of
someone:
“¿Un
photo,
por
favor?”
• While
traveling
in
vehicles
in-­‐country,
always
wear
your
seatbelt.
The
Shalom
Foundation

24. Immunization Information
Required
Shots
and
length
recommended
time
between
shots
Hepatitis
A
and
Hepatitis
B
are
good
for
20
years
once
you
have
completed
the
series
correctly.
Tetanus
is
good
for
10
years
Typhoid
is
good
for
2
years
Global
Outreach
Clinic
Brentwood
Baptist
Church
7777
Concord
Road
Brentwood,
TN
Schedule:
Clinic
hours
are
between
6-­‐8
pm
with
check
in
from
6-­‐7
pm
Information
at
http://www.globaloutreachclinic.org/1.0.12/
Notes:
• You
must
make
a
reservation
to
attend
this
clinic
• They
prefer
cash
–
if
you
pay
with
credit
card
a
5%
surcharge
will
be
added
• Enter
at
door
“B”.
There
will
be
signs
directing
you
to
our
location
within
the
building.
Pricing:
Hep
A
-­‐
$79.00
(2
shot
series
to
be
completed
within
1
year.)
Hep
B
-­‐
$55.00
(3
shot
series
to
be
completed
within
6
months.)
Twinrix
(Combo
A
&
B)
-­‐
$118.00
(3
shot
series
to
be
completed
within
6
months.)
Tetanus
(TDaP)
-­‐
$55.00
Typhoid
-­‐
$66.00
The
Shalom
Foundation

25. Immunization Information, cont.
Shots,
Etc.
7648
Hwy
70
South
at
I
40
(exit
196)
suite
15
Nashville,
TN
37221
(615)
469-­‐7413
Office
Hours
Monday
-­‐
Friday
9am
to
5pm
Saturdays
10am
to
2pm
Pricing:
Hep
A
-­‐
$80
per
dose
x
2
doses
Hep
B
-­‐
$75.00
per
dose
x
3
doses
Twinrix
(Combo
A
&
B)
-­‐
$125
per
dose
x
3
doses
Tetanus
(TDaP)
-­‐
$65.00
Typhoid
-­‐
$80.00
injectable
or
$85.00
orale
Note:
All
of
their
services
can
be
obtained
on
a
walk-­‐in
basis
but
you
may
want
to
call
just
to
make
sure
they
have
all
the
vaccines.
You
may
pay
by
cash,
check
credit
or
debit
card.
They
do
not
accept
insurance
but
will
give
you
a
receipt
that
you
can
file
on
your
own.
Vanderbilt
Travel
Clinic
1301
Medical
Center
Drive
TVC
Suite
2501
Nashville
TN
37232
Phone:
(615)
936-­‐1174
Office
Hours:
Monday
and
Thursday
8
am
to
5:30
pm
Wednesday
and
Friday
8am
to
2:30
pm
Appointments
Only
Hep
A
$82
per
dose
x
2
doses
Hep
B
$77
per
dose
x
3
doses
Combo
$122
per
dose
x
3
doses
Tetanus
$53
Typhoid
$77
Note:
They
do
not
accept
insurance
The
Shalom
Foundation

26. Travel and Packing Tips
Travel
light—you
carry
what
you
pack.
Take
only
what
you
need.
• Leave
valuables
at
home.
Clean
out
your
wallet.
Take
only
necessary
legal
photo
identification,
credit
cards
or
cash.
If
you
plan
to
bring
your
cell
phone
with
you,
check
with
your
cellular
phone
carrier
well
in
advance
regarding
international
phone
service
and
equipment
requirements.
Your
cell
phone
will
not
complete
calls
in
Guatemala
without
the
proper
service
options
which
are
often
free
or
inexpensive
while
other
systems
may
be
more
costly.
• Pack
a
carry-­‐on
bag
for
necessities
and
a
change
of
clothes,
prescription
medications.
Consider
sharing
a
carry-­‐on
bag
with
a
teammate.
Be
aware
of
current
Transportation
Security
policies.
• Each
piece
of
luggage
should
have
a
highly
visible
tag
for
easy
identification.
Do
not
leave
team
luggage
unattended.
• Remember
your
manners
when
traveling—be
courteous
and
considerate
of
those
around
you.
Remain
as
a
group.
Team
leadership
does
not
need
to
organize
any
search
parties.
• Know
where
you
are
supposed
to
be,
what
time
and
be
there.
• Consider
taking
clothes
and
shoes
you
can
give
away.
The
nationals
can
use
the
clothing
and
you
can
gain
space
to
bring
back
souvenirs.
• Put
a
copy
of
your
passport
in
each
piece
of
your
luggage
and
leave
a
copy
at
home
with
a
family
member
or
friend.
• We
will
provide
airline
baggage
restrictions
when
tickets
are
booked.
One
of
your
checked
bags
will
be
for
team
supplies
and
donated
items
for
the
mission.
The
Shalom
Foundation

27. Packing List
GENERAL CLOTHING
ID/Passport/Copies
of
passport
Pants/Jeans
Bible
Long
or
short-­‐sleeved
shirts
Notebook/Journal
T-­‐shirts
Pen/Pencil
Skirts
(below
the
knee)
Cash/Credit
card
Work
shoes
Snacks
Other
comfortable
shoes
Wash
Cloths/Bath
rug
Scrubs
Soap
Belt
Insect
Repellant
Jacket
or
fleece
Sunscreen
Sleepwear
Sunglasses
Socks
Camera/Film/Batteries
Alarm
Clock
PERSONAL
Extra
Mirror
Pain
Reliever
Flashlight
Pepto-­‐Bismol
Water
bottle
Contacts/Glasses
Small
extension
cord
Toilet
paper
roll
Hand
sanitizer
Small
pack
Kleenex
Baby
wipes
Personal
hygiene
items
Deck
of
playing
cards
Personal
medications
Devotional
book
Vitamins
Cell
phone
and
charger
Lotion
The
Shalom
Foundation

28. Saying Goodbye
Value
the
moment.
Tell
your
new
friends
good-­‐bye.
You
may
or
may
not
ever
see
them
again.
• Leave
a
picture
or
small
gift
as
a
token
of
friendship.
This
would
be
better
if
done
in
a
private
setting.
• Hugs
and
words
of
appreciation
of
expressions
you
will
not
regret.
You
have
probably
made
some
close
friends
and
it
will
be
appropriate
to
give
a
good-­‐bye
hug.
• Don’t
make
promises
you
can’t
keep.
Don’t
get
so
emotional
that
your
words
become
“intentions”,
and
you
fail
to
fulfill
your
promises.
Reverse Culture Shock
The
person
that
returns
from
a
mission
trip
is
not
the
same
person
who
left
earlier.
When
you
come
home,
you
will
feel
like
you
have
returned
to
a
different
country.
You
will
be
experiencing
reverse
culture
shock.
Some
suggestions
for
helping
to
cope
with
what
you
are
experiencing
are:
1)
express
your
feelings
to
a
person
who
has
been
through
the
re-­‐
entry
process
as
well
as
your
team
mates.
2)
talk
with
team
leadership
or
a
pastor
that
can
help
sort
out
your
emotions,
and
3)
read
through
your
journal.
There
may
be
information
that
you
recorded
that
will
help
you
readjust
to
your
home
culture.
Plan
to
attend
any
discussion
activities
or
“reunions”
of
the
team
members
you
traveled
with.
This
communication
process
may
help
you
share
your
experiences
with
others
with
joy,
peace
and
hope.
Your
work
will
have
blessed
many
lives
and
many
families.
The
Shalom
Foundation

29. Missions Trips without “Guilt Trips”
Imagine
that
you’re
on
a
celebrity’s
luxury
boat,
cruising
through
the
warm
turquoise
waters
off
the
coast
of
Palm
Beach
–
only
days
after
serving
and
weeping
over
the
poorest
of
the
poor
in
Mexico.
How
could
you
allow
yourself
to
indulge
in
such
a
frivolous
activity,
knowing
that
a
village
could
be
fed
for
a
week
on
just
the
cost
of
fuel
for
this
two-­‐hour
jaunt?
That
nagging
question
hung
over
me
like
a
cloud
that
even
the
swiftest
boat
couldn’t
outrun.
I
had
recently
returned
home
to
Palm
Beach
County,
Florida,
from
Reynosa,
Mexico,
where
our
church
team
had
worked
with
people
who
lived
in
shanties
built
over
the
town’s
abandoned
landfill.
Children
with
rawhide
feet
ran
without
concern
over
shards
of
glass
and
metal
that
worked
their
way
to
the
packed-­‐dirt
surface.
I
drank
purified,
bottled
water
while
toddlers
mouthed
the
solitary,
rusty
spigot.
Now
I
was
having
great
difficulty
reconciling
myself
to
my
affluent
surroundings.
As
our
cruiser
left
the
inlet
for
the
open
sea,
I
thought
of
those
delightful,
dusty
children
who
would
never
lay
eyes
on
an
ocean.
My
conscience
roared
louder
than
the
dual
inboard
motors.
Like
me,
you
may
have
participated
in
a
short-­‐term
mission
project
that
exposed
you
to
disturbing
conditions
and
underprivileged
people.
Then
what?
What
are
you
supposed
to
do
when
you
return
from
the
land
of
scarcity
to
the
land
of
plenty?
How
are
you
supposed
to
feel?
Got Guilt?
Many
missions
veterans
report
experiencing
reverse
culture
shock
when
they
return
to
their
home
country.
After
adjusting
to
a
foreign
(often
impoverished)
culture
that
likely
is
more
relationship-­‐driven
and
less
frantic
than
their
own,
participants
are
thrust
back
into
a
culture
of
excess
that
wastes
much
and
seems
grateful
for
little,
a
commercial
world
enslaved
to
clocks
and
cell
phones.
Some
returnees
become
severe
social
critics
who
attack
all
that
seems
wrong
with
their
homeland.
Others
struggle
to
find
meaning
in
their
daily
work.
Ron
is
an
architect
who
recently
returned
from
a
project
in
Romania.
“After
experiences
that
seemed
weighty
with
eternal
significance,”
he
said,
“it
was
hard
to
come
back
and
get
excited
about
calculating
the
measurements
of
an
elevator
shaft.”
Many
returnees
simply
feel
confused
as
they
try
to
reconcile
opposing
worlds.
I
had
my
first
missions
experience
as
a
14-­‐year-­‐old
when
I
went
to
Haiti
with
my
church
youth
group
during
Christmas
break.
We
were
a
typical
noisy
throng
of
teens
when
we
boarded
the
bus
at
the
Port-­‐au-­‐Prince
airport.
Minutes
later
we
grew
silent
as
we
drove
through
the
city
streets.
The
sights
and
smells
of
abject
poverty
opened
our
eyes
wide
and
clamped
our
mouths
shut.
The
Shalom
Foundation

30. During
that
trip,
I
experienced
a
hybrid
of
compassion
and
guilt.
Days
earlier
I
had
been
a
gift-­‐
greedy
teen
enveloped
in
the
abundance
of
an
American
Christmas;
the
lingering
holiday
memories
only
accentuated
my
guilt.
I
could
almost
imagine
myself
back
home
ripping
into
my
pile
of
Christmas
packages
while
homeless
and
disabled
Haitian
street
children
peered
in
through
the
living
room
window.
I
remember
feeling
as
if
I
needed
to
apologize
for
my
decent
clothes
and
good
health,
for
having
my
own
room
in
an
actual
house.
I
almost
wanted
to
blurt
out,
“I’m
sorry
for
being
born
in
the
United
States.
I
couldn’t
help
it!”
Fifteen
years
later
I
again
found
myself
ambushed
by
guilt
and
feeling
apologetic.
However,
with
a
friend’s
help,
I
learned
that
such
guilt
is
counterproductive.
Rather
than
impressing
God
as
an
admirable
form
of
humility,
it
only
robbed
me
of
joy
and
kept
me
in
bondage.
Feeling
guilty
for
enjoying
an
elegant
anniversary
dinner
with
my
wife,
a
round
of
golf
with
a
friend,
or
a
spectacular
morning
on
the
water
did
nothing
to
honor
God
–
or
improve
the
plight
of
the
children
in
Mexico.
Instead
of
guilt,
my
friend
helped
me
discover
healthier,
more
productive
responses
that
can
bring
peace,
honor
God,
and
genuinely
help
others.
Giving Thanks
The
first
response
is
deep
gratitude.
The
disparity
between
the
world
we
visited
and
the
world
we
live
in
should
provoke
a
profound
recognition
of
our
undeserved
blessings.
Moses
warned
the
Israelites.
You
may
say
to
yourself,
“My
power
and
the
strength
of
my
hands
have
produced
this
wealth
for
me.”
But
remember
the
Lord
your
God,
for
it
is
he
who
gives
you
the
ability
to
produce
wealth.
(Deut.
8:17-­‐18)
Gratitude
acknowledges
that
we
did
not
earn
our
geography
or
parentage.
After
all,
did
you
or
I
strategically
orchestrate
our
births
to
dodge
delivery
into
impoverished
regions
where
famine,
disease,
and
perpetual
danger
are
the
inheritance?
We
simply
received
the
advantages
we
were
born
to.
Everything
that
we
enjoy
is
a
lavish
gift
from
God,
as
undeserved
as
our
salvation.
Gratitude
recognizes
and
throws
its
arms
around
this
grace.
Instead
of
giving
in
to
unfruitful
guilt,
thank
God
for
what
you
enjoy
and
perhaps
take
for
granted:
a
stable
government,
constitutional
liberties,
medical
care,
your
comfortable
home,
clean
water,
leisure,
and
entertainment.
Giving Resources
Second,
I
realized
that
genuine
gratitude
leads
to
generosity.
As
recipients
of
undeserved
blessings,
we
are
to
be
good
stewards.
And
stewards
are
generous
–
not
guilt-­‐ridden.
The
Shalom
Foundation

31. Many
years
ago,
Calvin
Miller
spoke
at
a
conference
I
was
attending
and
asked
me
for
a
ride
to
a
nearby
store.
As
I
opened
the
passenger
door
of
my
old
Toyota
Corolla,
Miller
patted
the
faded
roof
and
chuckled,
“You
must
give
a
lot
of
money
to
missions.”
Truth
be
told,
apart
from
a
meager
year-­‐end
check
to
my
denomination’s
fund,
missions
giving
was
far
from
my
mind.
The
Reynosa
experience
attuned
me
to
hear
God’s
heartbeat
for
the
world.
Now
my
wife
and
I
discuss
our
monthly
contribution
to
missions
at
the
beginning
of
each
year
and
decide
how
to
make
adjustments
and
sacrifices
to
free
up
that
amount.
Does
that
mean
we
shun
lattes,
boycott
entertainment,
and
ride
mopeds
to
work?
No.
The
point
is
not
to
become
pleasure-­‐shunning
misers,
but
to
be
willing
to
make
changes
that
release
valuable
resources
for
others
in
need.
We
are
becoming
deliberate
spenders
who
desire
to
see
our
money
flow
toward
what
we
value.
At
times,
missions
giving
may
be
short-­‐circuited
by
the
reasoning:
“What
difference
will
my
small
contribution
make
in
the
face
of
such
a
huge
need?”
True,
your
donation
is
unlikely
to
feed
an
overpopulated
refugee
camp.
But
it
will
make
a
difference
to
someone.
The
Apostle
Paul
praised
the
Macedonian
churches
for
their
exceptional
generosity
toward
a
distant
church.
We
want
you
to
know
about
the
grace
that
God
has
given
the
Macedonian
churches.
Out
of
the
most
severe
trial,
their
overflowing
joy
and
their
extreme
poverty
welled
up
in
rich
generosity…Entirely
on
their
own,
they
urgently
pleaded
with
us
for
the
privilege
of
sharing
in
this
service
to
the
saints.
(II
Cor.
8:1-­‐4,
emphasis
mine)
Like
the
Macedonians,
let
your
generosity
flow
from
a
grateful
heart,
one
that
freely
tastes
and
delights
in
God’s
blessings
and
invites
others
to
do
the
same.
Giving Yourself
In
addition
to
being
generous
with
our
resources,
we
can
be
generous
with
ourselves.
Rather
than
being
immobilized
by
false
guilt,
we
can
mobilize
ourselves
for
additional
missions
projects
as
opportunity
and
resources
allow.
The
reason
for
going
is
not
to
assuage
guilt
(I’ll
feel
okay
about
buying
this
big
screen
TV
if
I
go
on
that
mission
trip
this
summer)
but
to
express
God’s
love
through
the
generous
offering
of
ourselves.
On
our
Mexico
trip,
a
village
woman
asked
one
of
the
team
leaders
which
government
agency
was
paying
us
to
build
her
a
home.
Bob
told
her
that
our
team
members
had
each
taken
a
week
of
vacation
and
paid
$700
for
the
chance
to
smash
our
thumbs
with
hammers.
As
the
woman
silently
watched
the
sweaty
crew
of
strangers
pounding
her
new
roof
into
place,
I
wasn’t
sure
if
she
doubted
B
ob’s
explanation
or
was
trying
The
Shalom
Foundation

32. to
comprehend
it.
“We
are
all
Christians,”
he
continued,
“and
we’ve
come
to
show
you
God’s
love.”
When
the
woman
turned
back
to
Bob,
her
eyes
were
moist.
“Gracias,”
she
whispered.
Later
at
the
home
dedication
service,
she
invited
Christ
to
take
up
residence
in
her
heart.
Going
doesn’t
always
mean
traveling
to
another
country;
there
are
local
opportunities
too.
The
single
adults
in
our
church
regularly
serve
breakfast
at
a
soup
kitchen,
volunteer
during
the
Special
Olympics,
and
visit
nursing
homes.
The
possibilities
are
as
limitless
as
the
needs.
While
local
needs
and
people
should
not
be
ignored,
do
not
fall
for
the
oft-­‐repeated
grumble:
“I
don’t
know
why
we
spend
so
much
to
go
overseas
when
we’ve
got
people
who
need
Jesus
right
here
in
our
own
backyard.”
Jesus
said
to
His
disciples,
“You
will
be
my
witnesses
in
Jerusalem,
and
in
all
Judea
and
Samaria,
and
to
the
ends
of
the
earth”
(Acts1:8).
Christ’s
commission
to
the
church
draws
a
set
of
enlarging
circles:
Jerusalem,
Judea,
Samaria,
and
the
ends
of
the
earth.
Go
across
the
street,
and
go
across
an
ocean.
Go
where
they
speak
your
language,
and
then
go
where
they
don’t.
Be
willing
to
work
in
the
inner
city
for
a
day
and
have
your
heart
stirred,
and
be
willing
to
work
for
a
week
in
a
distant
village
and
have
your
heart
broken.
If
your
heart
stretches
in
grief,
don’t
worry.
A
heart
enlarged
by
grief
also
has
a
greater
capacity
for
joy.
So
when
you
return
from
your
mission
experience,
cancel
your
reservations
for
a
guilt
trip.
Instead,
live
in
a
spirit
of
gratitude,
liberally
sow
seeds
of
generosity,
and
keep
your
luggage
handy.
(Discipleship
Journal
–
Issue
#135
May/June
2003)
Reprinted
by
permission
from
Ramon
Presson.
The
Shalom
Foundation

33.
JOURNAL
The
Shalom
Foundation

34. Checklist for Mission Trip
Pre-­‐trip
planning:
Immunizations
are
up-­‐to-­‐date
Hepatitis
A
&
B
Typhoid
Tetanus
Read
team
manual
Made
passport
copies
-­‐
left
copy
with
a
family
member
or
friend,
one
copy
for
each
suitcase
,one
copy
to
carry
Left
a
copy
of
emergency
phone
list
and
itinerary
with
family
member
or
friend
Made
adjustments
to
cell
phone
service
–
if
you
want
international
calling
Filled
prescriptions
Purchased
Imodium
and
other
needed
over
the
counter
meds.
Recruited
someone
for
airport
drop
off
pick-­‐up
Purchased
hand
sanitizer
Packing
Day/Night:
Put
prescription
drugs
in
my
carry
on
luggage
–
containers
must
be
clearly
labeled
with
your
name
or
the
drugs
are
at
risk
for
confiscation.
Over
the
counter
meds
should
also
be
packed
in
carry
not
check
luggage.
Packed
a
light
jacket
and
poncho
or
other
rain
gear.
Cleaned
out
purse
and
wallet
–
taking
only
essentials
Weighed
luggage
to
make
sure
it
is
less
than
50
lbs
–
You
will
be
responsible
for
any
over
the
weight
limit
fees
on
your
personal
luggage.
Taken
unapproved
items
out
of
my
carry
on
luggage
including:
over
sized
liquids,
nail
clipper,
files,
etc…
Packed
a
good
pair
of
sturdy
work
boots.
The
Shalom
Foundation

35.
Tips for Travel
 Arrive
at
the
airport
two
hours
before
scheduled
light
departure.
 International
Flight
gates
sometimes
change
from
the
published
itinerary
gate.
Be
sure
and
check
the
monitor
as
you
depart
your
arriving
flight
to
make
sure
you
are
headed
to
the
correct
gate/terminal.
 Keep
your
team
manual
with
you
on
the
airplane
so
that
you
will
have
the
Nazarene
Center
address
and
other
information
that
you
will
need
to
complete
your
customs
information.
Select
tourist
as
your
reason
for
travel
on
this
form.
 There
are
carts
in
the
Guatemala
airport
to
help
transport
your
bags.
If
a
porter
approaches
and
asks
to
help
just
say
no
thanks.
 Never
walk
around
alone.
 Only
drink
bottled
water.
Use
bottled
water
to
brush
your
teeth.
 When
you
arrive
back
at
the
US
Airport
on
the
return
flight
you
will
have
to
retrieve
your
luggage
and
take
it
through
customs.
Once
you
have
cleared
customs
you
can
recheck
your
bags.
 When
in
doubt
on
the
food
in
Guatemala
“don’t”.
Avoid
lettuce
and
mayonnaise
based
sauces.
 If
you
start
to
feel
woozy
immediately
start
taking
your
cipro
if
you
have
it.
Better
safe
than
sorry.
 Bring
a
bottle
of
hand
sanitizer
and
use
it
frequently.
 Bring
old
cloths
that
you
can
leave
behind
to
donate.
 The
Shalom
Foundation
loves
to
get
pictures
from
team
members
so
please
take
lots
and
share
with
us
so
we
can
let
our
supporters
know
the
great
work
you
are
doing.
 Please
be
punctual
in
the
mornings
it
is
important
for
the
team
to
get
started
on
time.
The
Shalom
Foundation

36.  Be
flexible!
Changes
in
the
schedule
may
need
to
be
made.
 Always
wear
your
seat
belt
when
traveling
in
Guatemala.
 *
Female
only*
If
you
could
possibly
need
feminine
hygiene
products
be
sure
and
take
them.
They
are
hard
to
get
in
Guatemala
and
if
you
find
them
they
will
not
be
of
the
same
quality
as
here.
The
Shalom
Foundation