Dates of trip:  July 20 – 27, 2008.

Who can participate:  Anyone older than high school age.  Jobs/activities available for men and women; no special skills required. Must have a valid passport.

Costs:  $500 per person + airfare.  The cost includes 7 nights lodging (in a simple, motel-style facility), food, local transportation in Guatemala, and emergency insurance.  Airfare is currently listed at $497 - $562 (U.S. Airways & American with one-stop service).
 
Location:  Chichicastenango (“Chichi”), Guatemala – a mountaintop community 2 – 3 hours drive NW of Guatemala City that is one of the largest trading centers in the Maya area and site of a twice weekly famous handicraft market.

This trip is organized through Pray America (http://prayamerica.org) in Lansing, MI.  Pray America has infrastructure in place in Chichicastenango for assisting our team with the construction of widow houses, including the planning and delivery of building supplies for the widow houses (the cost for constructing each house is $1,100 which will be raised within Lewinsville).  Mission project teams typically construct 4 widow houses (one room wooden structures on a cement slab) in a week.  Additionally, Pray America has an orphanage, feeding programs, and a house of prayer where members of our team may become involved.  If we have team participants interested in providing medical/health services, Pray America is also willing to assist us in making the necessary arrangements.

If you need additional information, contact:

          Bill Gray, 703/674-6180, wag9463@aol.com
          Philippe Podhorecki, 703/599-5238, Philbo17@gmail.com
          Emily Berman D’Andrea, Assoc. Pastor, 703/356-7200, Emily@lewinsville.org   
         
Or you may contact any member of Lewinsville’s Mission & Service Committee:  Mark Davis, Chair; Suzi Podhorecki; Betty Douglas; Siobhan Grayson; David Porterfield; Renie Ruehlin; Steve Hiemstra; and Alan Stevens.

WHAT TO BRING:

Keep in mind that this is a work trip.  Also know that Chichicastenango, Guatemala is located inland and at an elevation of 1,965 meters (6,450 feet) – July daytime temperatures range in the 70’s – 80’s (F), nights are cool, and rainfall at this time of year is expected.

• Work Clothes (jeans, T-shirts, shorts, etc.)
• Sturdy work shoes & casual footwear
• Sweatshirt(s)/sweater/light jacket
• Towel(s), washcloth(s), soap, shampoo & personal grooming items
• Personal medications
• Camera
• Flashlight
• Bible
• Small gift items to share with local individuals (children & adults) you are sure to meet (suggestions include stickers, candy, toothbrushes & sample size toothpaste, hair ribbons, small packaged snacks, combs, crayons & coloring books, etc.)

Brief Overview of a Day's Work:

• Arrive to a site with poles already set up
• Prepare all the tools and equipment ready for use
• Put up all the walls, then build bunkbeds, and finally put on the roof
• When family arrives, have ceremony to tell them that this house is from God
• Leave the site to go to a feeding center to helpfeed the local children (fill bowls with food and cups with drinks)
• Head back to the house to relax from a long day's work