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Orphan Outreach

Travel to Guatemala with Xela Ministry & Night to Shine Individuals Trip

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đŸ‡¬đŸ‡¹ Xela Ministry & Night to Shine Individuals Trip

Monday, February 6, 2023 to Sunday, February 12, 2023

7 day / 6 night mission trip to Guatemala

Estimated Land Cost: $1,700
Estimated Airfare: $850
Estimated Total: $2,550

The range of costs are subject to change based on airfare, number of trip participants, trip itinerary or length of trip.

Trip Code: GU23-02IDV

This trip is open to individuals from all over the country. It will be led by an Orphan Outreach staff member or volunteer.


About this Trip

This trip to Guatemala is open to any individuals from around the US. The team will serve kids who have been rescued from abuse and neglect, care for teen moms who are finding restoration and healing from sexual exploitation and trafficking, help throw some parties with the students of the Down Syndrome Association at Night to Shine 2023 (presented by the Tim Tebow Foundation), serve the students at the Community Care Center in Chimaltenango, and then finally create a fun-filled day for the students from the two Cada Nino programs to gather together. Join us!


About Guatemala

There are more than 370,000 children who are orphaned in Guatemala. 68% of all children in Guatemala live below the poverty line. Guatemala’s poverty is highest in remote areas with little access to quality education and good nutrition. 5,000 girls under the age of 15 become pregnant every year, and 8 out of 10 women are victims of abuse or exploitation. 75% of all children attending school in Guatemala will drop out after sixth grade, and only 4% will graduate from high school.

Orphan Outreach responds to the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in Guatemala in five ways. We provide safe, nurturing support for young adults as they leave traditional residential care and navigate the transition to independent living. We provide restoration and security to children whose lives have been ravaged by neglect, abuse, and exploitation. We invest in community outreach programs that strengthen and preserve families in high-risk, impoverished areas. These programs provide nutritious meals, access to Christian education, quality counseling and mentoring, and urgently needed medical care. We equip students and their families with the resources needed to continue their educational journey through junior high and high school. We provide Christ-centered therapeutic support for children and young adults with disabilities.


Team Leaders

Courtney Nowakowski – An adoptive mom who was also adopted as a child, Courtney Nowakowski has always had a passion for the marginalized and overlooked. She has served in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Uganda, Kenya, and Honduras, and loves leading volunteer teams. In addition to serving as mission trip leader, Courtney is an active Orphan Outreach volunteer, providing her design talent and expertise in user experience for special events and Orphan Outreach Marketplace. Courtney is a Tai Kwan Do Master Apprentice, and teaches self-defense techniques to individuals and groups. She and her family live in Round Rock, Texas.

Sandra Noyola – My name is Sandra Noyola and also the missions assistant for Orphan Outreach. I've had the privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus to families on several national and international mission trips in the past. I'm honored whenever I get a chance to serve an individual whether that be my neighbor or someone I just met. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

Veronica Rock – I am an advocate for the orphaned, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the disillusioned. I have served in North and South America, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, the UK, Africa, and Asia.


Accommodations

The team will stay in hotels close to the ministry sites. The land cost is based on double-occupancy rooms with bathrooms. If you would like to have your own room, there will be an additional cost. Please email missions@orphanoutreach.org if you have any questions.


Trip Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change

Monday, February 6, 2023 – Depart Hometown; Arrive GUA and travel to Xela

Tuesday, February 7, 2023 to Wednesday, February 8, 2023 – Ministry at Xela Program Sites; Night to Shine Xela; Drive to Antigua

Thursday, February 9, 2023 – Ministry at CCC

Friday, February 10, 2023 – Drive to GU City; Night to Shine Guatemala City

Saturday, February 11, 2023 – Cada Nino Day

Sunday, February 12, 2023 – Return to USA


Trip Cost

Estimated Land Cost in Guatemala is $1,700.

International and Domestic Airfare is arranged by Orphan Outreach. Estimated airfare amount is due by payment deadline. Actual land cost and international and domestic airfare will be provided once the team is finalized.

Please note: things not included in the trip cost include personal souvenirs, personal snacks, and airline baggage fees.*

Deadlines

Please take note of these deadlines and set them in your calendar. Deadlines are in place to keep up with payment deadlines set by the vendors we use for hotels, airfare, in-country transportation, food, ministry costs, etc. If you ever run into a delay in your fundraising or need more time to submit a payment, let your Missions Coordinator know immediately. We are here to help you in any way we can, but we need to be aware of your situation.

Friday, September 30, 2022
Trip Application Due (Apply Online)

Thursday, November 10, 2022
Airfare Due

Friday, December 30, 2022
Balance Due


Worried about finances?

Most people raise their support for international mission trips. Click here to learn more about raising support.


*Orphan Outreach Mission Trip Baggage Policy

All mission trip participants are responsible for the cost of their checked baggage. For the most up to date baggage allowances and fees, please check with each airline you are traveling on.

Plan on bringing all luggage home with you even if a bag is empty. Please ask before leaving behind a bag in your country of service.

Occasionally we may ask trip participants to carry humanitarian aid and items needed for ministry in country. This would be on a volunteer basis and any cost for the bag would still be your responsibility.


Yes! I want to apply for Xela Ministry & Night to Shine Individuals Trip!