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Join me on a service trip to Guatemala this February!

Join me on a service trip to Guatemala this February

Hi Friends,

Would you like to join me on a service trip to Guatemala in February? I went on the trip last year and fell in love with the Project Somos Children’s Village, a nurturing educational community for at-risk children in the beautiful highlands of Tecpan. Volunteers (like you!) will spend a week helping in various ways to support the community. There are opportunities (no matter your physical or language abilities) to read and play with children, help in the kitchen, work in the gardens or share whatever gifts you can offer!

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 10 - Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 (we will be at the project from the 11th to the 17th).

WHAT IS REQUIRED: Everyone on the trip needs to raise a minimum of $700 as a donation to Project Somos. Volunteers also pay a flat fee for accommodations, food, ground transportation, and the hotel rooms for Saturday, Feb 11th and Saturday, Feb 16th. There may be a few meals you’ll cover in addition. The total including the $700 donation will amount to about $1750 for the ground portion of the trip. You will need to book and pay for your own flight to Guatemala City, arriving on Feb 10th and departing on Feb 18th. Many participants launch GoFundMe campaigns to help pay for their trip and raise funds for Project Somos.

WHAT NOW: There is room for 20 on the trip, and we currently have about 10 people planning to go. We will fill the trip on a first come first serve basis and subsequently start a waiting list. If you are a yes or a maybe or have more questions about the trip, please email our organizational wizard Arne Bister at catiesomostrip24@gmail.com. We will ask you to put down a $200 dollar deposit to secure your spot by December 1st.

Last year I decided to go on the trip largely because folksinger Antje Duvekot, who led the trip for many years, let me know about the trip. I trusted Antje, and I'm so glad I did! Now it’s my turn to invite others into the experience. This is a volunteer trip, but it's also a retreat from our busy lives. I’ll do a concert one night for the volunteers. If you happen to enjoy singing or playing an instrument, there will be opportunities for informal music sharing in the evening. Maybe you’d like to star gaze or use some time to write and reflect. Last year, I came back from the trip with some faith restored in the power of community, connection and love. Who doesn’t need some of that?

Warmly,

Catie