🇬🇹 Xela Ministry & Night to Shine Individuals Trip
Friday, February 6, 2026 to Saturday, February 14, 2026
9 day / 8 night mission trip to Guatemala
Estimated Land Cost: $2,450
Airfare: Individuals are responsible for purchasing their own international airfare after approval of itinerary by Orphan Outreach.
Estimated Total: $3,400
The range of costs are subject to change based on airfare, number of trip participants, trip itinerary or length of trip.
Trip Code: GU26-02IDV
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
Join Orphan Outreach in serving children in Guatemala. This is a 9 Day/8 Night mission trip to Guatemala. This team will visit Xela, Chimaltenango, and Guatemala City to serve at Down Guatemala, Santa Catarina Montessori, Cada Nino, Outreach Center Chimaltenango (CCC), and Special Needs Homes. This trip is for any individual that is interested in serving on a team of others from around the United States. Join us in serving kids and families in Guatemala!
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.
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
Friday, February 6, 2026 – Depart USA; Arrive Guatemala
Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Ministry at Cada Nino; Travel to Antigua
Sunday, February 8, 2026 – Ministry in Antigua; Travel to Xela
Monday, February 9, 2026 – Special Needs Ministry in Xela
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – Special Needs Ministry in Xela
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – Xela Night to Shine; Travel to Antigua
Thursday, February 12, 2026 – Ministry at CCC
Friday, February 13, 2026 – Guatemala City Night to Shine
Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Depart Guatemala; Arrive USA
Worried about finances?
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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.