Guatemala – 2024
May 11 - May 18
We are excited to announce that we will be returning to Guatemala in 2024, partnering with Hope of Life!
Details:
The trip dates will be Saturday, May 11th, 2024 through Saturday, May 18th, 2024.
The cost of the trip will be $1100 plus airfare. This price will cover lodging, food, in-country ground transportation, devotional material, and travel insurance. We will be conducting separate fundraisers to fund ministry and outreach opportunities. These funds will need to be in your HFM account on or before April 7th, 2024.
Airfare:
Unlike previous trips, we will not be reserving/purchasing group tickets. Hands & Feet Ministries will purchase airline tickets for you upon request but will require there to be enough funds in your account to cover the cost. You may also choose to purchase the ticket yourself. Oftentimes, via special deals or promotions, or through frequent flyer points, you can find significantly better prices online. If you do choose to purchase your airfare, please make sure your flight arrives in Guatemala City, Guatemala, (GUA) before 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11th, and does not return before noon on Saturday, May 18th.
Passport:
A valid passport (with an expiration date beyond November 2024) is required for entrance into Guatemala. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for one through your country’s process. US passport applications can be completed at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/
Although an expedited process is available for a fee, the wait times for receiving your passport can be long (whether new or renewed), so make sure to begin this process as soon as possible if you need one.
Trip Application Process:
Everyone must fill out a trip application, regardless of previous trip participation. Please make sure to read the attached links with trip information as some procedures have changed. There is a link at the end of this message that will take you to the application. While filling out the application, you will be asked to provide your passport number. If you do not have one yet, you may enter (111111) in the online application until you receive yours. After receiving it, please email it to jay@handfeet.org.
Release Form:
After you successfully submit your online application you will be taken to a page that contains two different types of release forms.
ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST FILL OUT A RELEASE FORM!
The first link is to a document that allows adult applicants to sign the release form electronically. Applicants should read the form and then follow instructions on how to add their e-signature. When “signing” the document, everyone should select the “Type it in” option on the left side of the screen and then type their full name (first, middle, last) in the signature line on the form. This is a very quick and easy way to sign your release form.
Unfortunately, the online form is not available for minors. Each team member who is under the age of 18 years of age at the time of travel will need to download, print, fill out, and notarize their release form which will include signatures from parents/guardians. Notaries are required to witness the signing of forms, so do not sign them until you are with the notary.
Communication:
After filling out your application, your name will be added to a bulk email distribution list. The software is called MailChimp and emails will appear to come from jay@handsfeet.org. We suggest that you add this email address as a “safe sender” with most email hosts. If you do not begin to get emails, check your spam/junk folder to make sure they are not going there. These emails will contain important updates about the trip. Please make it a priority to read all emails. We promise not to send out information unnecessarily.
Support Raising:
Additionally, for those who choose to send out support/prayer letters, or if you have donors who wish to support your trip, please click here for a support supplement letter. A copy of this letter must be sent with any support letter or shared with potential donors so that they know where and how to send funds. There is no way to direct funds received without this supplement. Simply download the form and email it or send it with each support letter. Funds received at HFM will be deposited into each team member’s support account and a recap will be available periodically. At the end of the trip, a list of personal supporters will be available upon request.
Furthermore, if anyone would prefer to donate via our online giving page they are welcome to do so. Please be aware that any donations that are received via the online method are subject to a 3% PayPal fee. This fee will be deducted from the donation before being added to a team member’s account. (click here to be directed to online giving)
Information and Guidelines:
We are aware of the fact that our team is usually composed of people from many different beliefs and denominational affiliations, as well as a wide variety of personal standards. We have learned over the years to work together despite differences and to focus on common goals and purposes. To maintain unity and avoid offense to the culture in which we are ministering, guidelines have been established to help define more clear parameters.
It is expected that each team member read and comply with these guidelines.
Click here to read the “Volunteer Welcome Packet” which covers our guidelines and many other important details that will help you navigate the process of arriving and functioning at the Hope of Life campus in Guatemala. It covers a variety of topics including details around travel and transportation, required documents, customs, immunizations, emergency contact data, suggested packing list, and other very important details that will be helpful as you plan for your trip. Please take time to read through it and follow the instructions provided.
In addition to the welcome packet, click here to view an FAQ document that provides a brief overview of HFM and HOL, as well as some details about the country of Guatemala.
Apply:
Before clicking on the link below to fill out an online application, make sure to have your passport in hand as you will need it to fill out your application.
Click here to fill out the online application.
Contact Info:
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email – jay@handsfeet.org
Text or call at 724-263-8552