FAQs

WHO IS OUR MINISTRY PARTNER, HOPE OF LIFE?

Hope of Life International has been working for more than 25 years in Guatemala to carry out its mission of watching over the well-being of the less fortunate and reaching “the least of these” before it is too late. Every day, life-changing hope is offered through the child rescue center, orphanage, elderly home, feeding centers, education, construction projects, and numerous other ways. Hope of Life International is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island.

THEIR MISSION At Hope of Life International, every life is precious to God and precious to us. For more than 25 years, Hope of Life International has been the helping hands, loving arms, and busy feet of Jesus Christ in the heart of Guatemala. Through humanitarian aid efforts, rescue missions, feeding programs, and more, Hope of Life International has carried out its mission to hear the cry of the hungry and needy and respond with hope and care.

THEIR VISION Hope of Life International began with a single outreach to the elderly in 1987 and now encompasses over 3,000 acres with dozens of ministry outreaches. As a fully functioning humanitarian organization, our vision is to provide “hope of life” to the people of Guatemala. By meeting the physical and economical needs of the less fortunate, we are able to share the love of Christ in a more tangible way, thus giving them the greatest gift of all.

THEIR HISTORY After falling sick, Carlos returned to Guatemala. During his time there he was approached by an elderly blind man and a child begging for any help they could find. At that time, Carlos called out to the Lord and promised that if God chose to heal him, that he would dedicate his life to the poor of his country. He started with a home for the elderly and was soon rescuing babies on the verge of death, and thus Hope of Life International was born.

THEIR WORK  

3,000: The number of orphans we have cared for from infancy to adulthood. Our goal is to give these children a bright future.  

2000: The number of children rescued by Hope of Life last year; nearly 70 percent in the high country suffer from malnutrition.  

7,000: The total number of children we have been able to rescue over the past six years.

500: The number of homes we will build this year. Over the last few years, we have constructed 4,300 homes.

Millions: The number of meals we have been able to provide since we began.

78: The number of feeding centers. Our food program directly benefits 20,000 families yearly who depend on our help to survive.

70: The number of cleft palate surgeries completed each year to improve speech, feeding, and socialization.

300: The number of children currently, residing at Paradise Children’s Home, rescue center, Kelly’s house and HOL village where they are loved, educated, and protected.

1,250: The number of children who have graduated from our academy. Students receive a sound education combined with Christian values.  

WHAT IS GUATEMALA LIKE?

To get the most out of your experience in Guatemala we suggest learning about the culture, geography, and language before your trip. Hopeoflifeintl.org is just one of the many places to learn more. We encourage you to seek out information that will prepare you for your trip and make you more knowledgeable and comfortable with the new world you will be experiencing!  

THE PEOPLE Guatemala’s culture is a unique combination of Mayan practices and Spanish colonial heritage. Approximately fifty percent of the population is mestizo (a mix of Amerindian and Spanish, called Ladino by the people of Guatemala). The remainder of the population identifies with European, K’iche, Kaqchikel, Mam, Q’eqchi, or other Mayan and non-Mayan groups.

The vast diversity of ethnicities results in nearly 21 different languages spoken throughout the country. The majority of people speak Spanish; however, there are twenty indigenous languages represented.

Many indigenous people of the rural highlands follow traditional religious and social customs and continue a rich tradition of textiles and other handcrafts. This same population practices spiritual acts that are rooted in the country’s history prior to the civil war, sometimes blending elements of Roman Catholicism. The majority of the population identify themselves as Roman Catholic, Protestant or part of the Maya-Catholic fusion.

The fourteen million people of Guatemala thrive on the country’s fertile land as 52 percent of the population is engaged in agricultural work. Guatemala has traditionally produced a variety of natural exports including coffee, sugar, bananas, and vegetables. The urban areas, however, are heavily influenced by European and North American trends.

The diversity between the urban, modern ways practiced in Guatemala City—the hub of cultural activity—and the traditional practices and customs of the Mayan population gives Guatemala a colorful and unique culture.  

THE COUNTRY  

Guatemala is home to more than fourteen million people, covers over 42,000 square miles, and is sandwiched between Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, Honduras, Belize, and El Salvador. With lush greenery, 205 miles of coastline, exotic wildlife, majestic mountains, and striking landscapes, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. The physical appeal of Guatemala, meaning “the land of forests,” masks its bloody past and uncertain future.  

THE SITUATION In 1996, the country emerged from a 36-year-long civil war in which hundreds of thousands of people were lost. In 2009, the country declared a “state of public calamity” bringing to the surface a severe hunger crisis that was sweeping the nation.

The “dry corridor,” located in eastern Guatemala, is said to be an area of severe malnutrition as a result of adverse weather, poor soil, and the global economic turndown. In this corridor, it is estimated that 54,000 people go hungry on a daily basis. According to UNICEF, nearly half of Guatemalan children suffer from severe malnutrition. The chronic hunger rate for children (49.8 percent) is the highest in the region and the fourth highest in the world.

As a result, over 75 percent of the country’s population falls below the poverty line.

Illiteracy, infant mortality, maternal mortality, and starvation are among the highest in this region. To compound the situation, the country is victim to organized crime and gang-related activity, as well as recurring natural disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and mudslides, destroying the lives of people living in vulnerable areas.

Infectious diseases complicate the problem. Food-borne or waterborne illnesses such as bacterial diarrhea, Hepatitis A, and typhoid fever are common, as is dengue fever, malaria, and leptospirosis.

This country, though beautiful in appearance—picturesque, even—is overwhelmed by crime, poverty, and severe malnourishment.

THE LANGUAGE Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Guatemala. With 93 percent of its residents communicating in this language, we encourage you to have fun practicing and using it while visiting. Duolingo is a free smartphone app that offers basic lessons in Spanish. Why not learn a few key phrases?

HOW IS THE FOOD?

• All meals are served buffet style and each person can serve themselves as desired. Breakfast provides the option of cold cereal and toast with all meals. Lunch provides the option of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if desired. Examples of options at meal items are as follows, depending on the daily menu:  
• Breakfast: fresh fruit, eggs (various styles), black beans, salsa, meats, omelets, pancakes, french toast o Lunch: tacos, chicken salad sandwiches, rice and meat, hamburgers, fried chicken, potatoes  
• Dinner: Chili rellenos, tostadas, hamburgers, vegetables, rice and meats, pasta dishes.
• Sodas, Gatorades, snacks, and ice creams are available for purchase at all times.  
• If there are any allergy concerns, please notify us before your trip so we can prepare accordingly. Also, be sure to mention your allergies on arrival to your translator so they can validate the accommodations that will be made.
• All meals are currently served in the main dining hall at specific times set by staff, and as needed for team needs.
• NOTE: Hydration while in Guatemala is essential. Due to the excessive heat, it is very easy for persons to become dehydrated. You must conscientiously drink plenty of water throughout the day. Purified water coolers are located throughout the campus. It is recommended that you bring your own individual water bottle in order to refill it throughout the day as needed. The water in all faucets and showers on campus is not purified and should not be used for drinking or brushing your teeth.  

WHERE WILL WE BE STAYING?

•  We will be staying in the lodge with comfortable beds and warm showers. Although certainly not a 4-star hotel, the facilities are quite nice and include air conditioning. The A/C units need to be turned off anytime you are not in your room.
• If you are traveling with your spouse , there may be smaller private rooms for you, however this is determined by availability, amount of guests on campus, and location. Please be willing to be housed separately if necessary.
• All housing areas have separate bathrooms for males and females, however most of the housing will require you to use a large bathroom with multiple stalls and showers. Be aware that you will likely share a bathroom with members on your team, and possibly members of other teams of the same sex.  

HOW'S THE WEATHER?

The year-round weather in Zacapa, Guatemala is normally quite warm. There is a slight difference in temperatures between the seasons. May to October is rainy season in Guatemala. During this time temperatures will typically be in the 90’s and 100’s. The skies are a mix of sunshine and clouds and periodic short tropical downpours can be expected in the late afternoon and throughout the night with a bit of humidity to follow. 

DO I NEED IMMUNIZATIONS?

•  No immunizations are required to visit Guatemala. However, Hope of Life recommends that you follow the recommendations of the CDC. All routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever. To obtain the most current immunization recommendations for Guatemala, please visit the Center for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov. It is at your own risk should you choose not to follow these recommendations.
• Please be aware that any or all of these vaccines can make you feel ill and should be administered in the recommended time frames. Should you choose to take Malaria medication while visiting Hope of Life, be sure to check with your physician regarding which medication would be best. It is our experience that any of the Malaria medications that cause sensitivity to sunlight should be avoided. 
•  If you have a medical emergency, experience a reaction to a medicine, or have a reaction to a food or allergy, there are medical professionals available at all times and Hope of Life is within driving distance of a private hospital.

WILL I HAVE INTERNET ACCESS?

• On campus there is Wi-Fi available in eating areas and in your housing areas, at a cost of $10 per week; this price must be paid before arrival on Campus. However, please see the list below for user awareness o Hope of Life is located in a mountain range and often experiences heavy rains, and weather. The Wi-Fi is as available as they can make it. Please be aware that it can be slow or lost at times due to a high amount of users at one time, weather, and other unforeseeable factors.
• While Wi-Fi is available, we recommend being as present as you can be during your time with us, and limiting your Internet usage.
• Wi-Fi and cellular service is not available in the villages, and the use of your phone and hotspots is discouraged while you are ministering to the people. Please notify your translator if there is an emergency and you need a communication device.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

YES!!! You need a valid passport that expires at least 6 months AFTER the last day of the trip. You do not need a travel Visa. It's a good idea to make three copies of your passport, immunization record, and contact list before travel. Leave one copy at home, pack one copy in your luggage, and carry one with you.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE AIRPORT?

There are a few helpful tips to guide you in retrieving your checked bags, immigration, customs, and finding the staff member who will meet you are the airport:

•  When you board your first flight, you will be given luggage tags for your checked baggage. Please keep these with you as the security in Guatemala will check these tags against your checked baggage to ensure you have the correct luggage.
• While on the airplane you will receive an immigration form. There is a section that asks you to put the address in which you will be staying while in Guatemala. Please write, “Esperanza de Vida, KM. 146.5 Carretera Atlantico, Aldea Llano Verde, Río Hondo, Zacapa, Guatemala, C.A.” You will be asked to fill out another form when leaving the country as well. It will be provided to you after check-in at the immigration desk before you enter the security area.
• When filling out customs and immigration forms, do not declare gifts, toys, aid supplies. These are not taxable items and you should not have to pay any fees. By declaring them, you could end up paying fees to leave the airport.
• When you arrive in Guatemala City, you will first go through immigration; this will require a form given to you by your flight staff and your passport. It is a very simple process and will just take time, depending on the length of the line.
• When you reach baggage claim you will find your bags, locate your saved tags and line up to go through security and customs. Should you be missing a bag, you can approach the baggage claim desk and inquire. They will be able to locate the last place your bag was and give you an estimated delivery time in which they will bring the bag to our ministry. These staff members do speak English for your convenience.
• Once you pass through security you will enter a final foyer before stepping outside the airport. We suggest you wait in this area for your entire group to gather together before leaving - once you leave the airport, you cannot go back inside.
• Upon stepping outside you will find a large crowd of people waiting for arrivals, and luggage men who will attempt to help you with your bags. We recommend not utilizing these men, as we will be able to assist you with your bags and will have parked nearby.
• Outside the airport you will navigate to the right. Our staff is usually right next to the barrier that you’ll have stepped into; there should be a translator and usually one of two guards. They will be looking for you and will assist you with your luggage.
• Depending on the time of day you arrive, you may stop for lunch: this will likely be Pollo Campero, a chain restaurant that serves chicken meals.
• The bus ride to Hope of Life once you are leaving Guatemala City is approximately 3.5 hours. There is a bathroom stop halfway, so you can plan accordingly.

SHOULD I BRING MONEY?

If you would like to purchase souvenirs or other items during your time in Guatemala, we recommend bringing between $50 and $150 USD. Hope of Life can exchange cash at the office on their campus. All bills must be $20, $50 or $100 and must be crisp and brand new. You do not have to exchange money in the airport if needed Hope of Life with take care of the matter for you.  

CURRENCY The Guatemalan currency is Quetzales (pronounced KETS-ALL in singular form and KETS-ALL-LEHS in plural form). At the date of this publication, there are approximately 7.5 Quetzales to every U.S. Dollar. The currency exchange rates change daily. Visit www.coinmill.com or other exchange rate sites to learn more about the current rates.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK? 

 Active wear (appropriate for hot weather and outdoor activity that may be ruined during work)  Undergarments  Sleepwear  Sunglasses  Hat  Work gloves  Tennis shoes (may be ruined during work)  Flip-flops or sandals (for shower or evenings)  Sunscreen and aloe vera  Reading materials (Bible, journal, Spanish dictionary, reading book)  Towel & washcloth  Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, contact solution, brush, etc.)  Bug spray with DEET  Medicines (Rx, antidiarrheal, headache, etc.)  Towel and washcloth  Flashlight with batteries  Hand sanitizer  Cleansing Wipes  Refillable water bottle  Camera  Ear plugs/Eye mask  Modest bathing suit  Snack items  

ANYTHING I SHOULD NOT DO?

Please DO NOT give any gifts or money to locals, children, elderly, or staff without advanced permission. This is for your safety, that of the recipient, and our staff. If you feel compelled to give something including clothing, shoes, or other items, please seek out the permission of a director. 

We ask that you DO NOT exchange any personal information such as addresses and phone numbers with locals while you are in Guatemala. If you would like to communicate with someone in Guatemala after your trip, please make arrangements with the Hope of Life International staff member working with your group. In addition, we ask that you are careful not to make promises in regard to communication, future visits, or help. Broken promises, no matter the intention, can lead to immense hurt.

PLEASE BE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE The culture in Guatemala is very conservative. We ask that you pack modest clothing for work and other activities. Tattoos and piercings are considered taboo, and we ask that you are respectful of the cultural differences and cover them when possible. Additionally, please consider the logos and messages displayed on t-shirts and clothing during your trip. Children are very impressionable, and we ask that you are mindful of this during your time at Hope of Life International.  

MEN’S ATTIRE Work/Casual: modest shorts, pants, jeans, and t-shirts. Please note that your clothing and shoes may be ruined during work. Church: Khakis, jeans, button-up shirts, or polos. Attire for church is more casual than formal but should be respectful.  

WOMEN’S ATTIRE Work/Casual: modest shorts, capris, pants, jeans, and t-shirts. Please note that your clothing and shoes may be ruined during work. Church: Skirts or dresses (knee length) with a sleeved shirt, light sweater/shrug.

DON'T FORGET WE ARE ON A MISSION TRIP

During the trip we are trying to create an environment that is free of distractions in order to allow God to work in our lives. Therefore, we are challenging your team to focus on three areas:  

1. “Mediafast.”  Please do not bring iPods, CD/DVD players, headphones or any video games.  It’s fine to bring your cell phone but please turn it off after you arrive – only use it during travel. Trust me, you will survive without constant connection.  

2. Modesty  No short shorts or short skirts, halter tops.  No tiny bikinis or revealing swimsuits.  No male racing swimsuits or “Speedos.”  

3. “OthersFocus”  Please avoid any attire or accessories that tend to draw attention to yourself.  No t-shirts displaying cigarettes, alcohol products or suggestive language,  Please do not bring or expect to use any form of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.  We recommend no jewelry other than a watch and wedding ring. You may want to avoid wearing engagement rings with large or multiple diamonds.  Excessive “primping” is not necessary so limit the use of electric dryers or curling/flatting irons.  No “coupling.” The goal is to serve the people of Guatemala, not you. Pulling away from the group to spend time with one “special” individual can be alienating.

WHAT IF SOMEONE NEEDS TO REACH ME IN AN EMERGENCY?  

In case of emergencies and/or flight time changes (of more than an hour difference) made in advance of your flight, we ask that you notify the United States Hope of Life International contact, Katie Arriaza at (401) 486-6885. As this is a personal number, we ask that you only use it for emergencies or flight changes on the day of your trip. You can also contact Hope of Life by email: Katie@hopeoflifeintl.org or Cheryl@hopeoflifeintl.org All change notifications made during the week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. should be made known to the United States Hope of Life International office at (401) 421- 9078. Upon arrival at the airport in Guatemala, Hope of Life International staff members will be in person to greet you at the time indicated in your flight itinerary (sent in advance by you). If, for unseen reasons, a staff member is not present upon your arrival, we ask that you exit the airport to YOUR right and wait inside the café until met or advised by a Hope of Life International staff member. This is for your safety. While in Guatemala, if there is a change, emergency, or problem, we ask that you contact Lourdes Milian at 001-502-5978-3456 this is a personal number and we ask that it is used only when necessary.  

Office in Guatemala 011502-7961-4800.  

Physical Address for Hope of Life International in Guatemala: Esperanza de Vida KM. 146.5 Carretera Atlantico Aldea Llano Verde, Río Hondo, Zacapa, Guatemala, C.A.