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
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*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.