Service Learning in Guatemala

Pilgrims are learning about life in Guatemala through Common Hope. Common Hope (see http://www.commonhope.org/) is a community development agency with headquarters in Antigua, Guatemala and St. Paul, Minnesota. Common Hope's primary goal is to help Guatemalan children obtain education. Some Pilgrim sponsor a child and correspond with a specific child. Some Pilgrims have traveled to Guatemala for a week of service learning--they have built homes, assisted in afterschool programs, accompanied social workers on home visits, and taken the opportunity to enjoy the sights and culture of this southern neighbor.

Spanish language is helpful, but NOT required for this mission trip. Trips are “hands –on” volunteer opportunities. Persons with specialized skills or interests can often be assigned to areas of their expertise. Dentists and dental hygenists are particularly needed in this part of the world.

If you are interested in being part of such a trip, contact the church office by phone or email. Trips are open to non-members as well as members of the congregation. Cost for food, lodging and cultural activities is $1000/week plus airfare. Traditionally, trip participants do some group fund raising to defray expenses.