Catalystresources.co

Team Information Packet
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are
destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8–9
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions

When can we come to Guatemala?
Contact CRI to schedule dates for your group to come and serve in Guatemala. Dates fill up
quickly, especially in the summer months, so contact us now to ensure that you get the dates
you desire.
What does the trip involve?
Your group will travel to Guatemala City and stay with Fontaine and Paula Greene at their home
in San Cristobal. The Greene family lives at a ministry center that includes two team houses
and Mimi’s House, a home for girls on the property. They utilize your skills and expertise as
well as our passions and desires in order to serve those in need.
What is expected of me as the team leader?
Communicate information with your team as well as with CRI, have planning meetings if
necessary, collect funds for your trip.
What is expected of our group?
We ask that everyone keep a positive attitude throughout the planning of the trip as well as the
trip itself. Group members need to BE FLEXIBLE and be respectful of Guatemalan culture
while in the country. There are several sources in the back of this packet if you wish to learn
more about Guatemala and the culture.
What kinds of projects are available?
CRI has several projects in which teams can be involved. Below are some examples of past
projects along with a brief description of each:
• Home construction projects – at a cost of $3,000 each, families are provided with a
16’x20’ wood home, two twin beds, and plastic ware (table, four chairs, plates, bowls, cups, pitcher, trash can, food bin, and two porch chairs). • Building chicken coops – a two-level chicken coop with 25 baby chickens, along with a
bag of feed, is provided for families for $250. The chickens can either be used as a source of income or as a source of food for the family. • Onil stove installations – at a cost of $150 each, families are given a stove with which
to cook. They greatly reduce the amount of work that needs to be done by the women in the village because they require only 30% of the wood with which to cook. Stoves are also vented to reduce the amount of harmful fumes breathed in by families each day. • Tilapia projects – a new venture for CRI, this project provides both fish and vegetables
for families. At a cost of $500 each, families receive 100 tilapia and 100 lettuce plants along with the project bed and a large bag of fish food. The water from the fish tank is cycled through to the lettuce plants, which causes them to grow much faster than they would if they were planted normally. Both the fish and plants can be used for either food or income for the family. • Bible school for children
• Women’s ministry
• Men’s ministry
• Medical/Dental/Veterinarian clinics
• Feeding projects
The specific projects for your trip are determined by your team. There are many opportunities to
serve. Begin praying about how God may want to use you in Guatemala and make those
desires known to us. We will work with you and your team to determine the exact schedule for
your trip. For more information on any of these projects, please contact us.
How much does the trip cost?
Following are the costs associated with the trip:
• Airline Ticket: up to each individual team o Baggage fees may also be assessed depending on the amount of luggage you • Project Costs: up to each individual team • Room & Board: $50 per day ($350 for a typical week’s stay) • Sight-seeing expenses: varies based on your group’s desired outing • Money for restaurant meals and shopping in Antigua • Other costs as desired o Tips for drivers and housekeeping: $20 o Tips for luggage handlers at the airport: $10 ($5 arrival/$5 departure) o Meals/snacks on travel days (at airports): $20-40 • Other fees dependent on each individual team The room and board fees help to fund the ministry by offsetting the cost of utilities, helping to
feed the girls at Mimi’s House, and pay the Guatemalan staff members who work with us each
day.
When do we need to have our project money and fees turned in to CRI?
Because there are lots of materials we need to order before your arrival in Guatemala, CRI
needs all fees and project money to be mailed to our Ohio address at least two weeks prior to
your trip. The address for mailing your payment is PO Box 967, West Chester, OH 45071.
Please include your church group’s name and the purpose of the funds (project costs, room and
board, feeding program, etc).
Where will we stay?
Your group will stay at the team house located at the ministry center operated by the Greene
family. The name of the ministry is Catalyst Resources International. The property is gated and
is also located in a gated neighborhood. Employees of CRI are completely trustworthy. To
learn more about this ministry, please go t
When do we need to let CRI know the size of our group and when we are coming?
We need to know the total size of your group at least one month prior to your arrival in
Guatemala. If you would like to make any changes in your dates for the trip, please let us know
as soon as possible. Dates fill up very quickly, especially in the summer months, and we want
to ensure that we can accommodate your entire group on the days that work best for everyone.
What do I need to wear?
Please bring conservative, modest clothing to wear while in Guatemala. The people with whom
we will be working are very conservative and we do not want to give them the wrong impression
as we interact with them each day. Ladies, we ask that you not bring cami-style or spaghetti
strap tank tops and short shorts. Please ensure that your clothing is not tight and/or revealing.
Men, please do not bring wife-beater style tank tops. In addition, please remain clothed at all
times, both on the work sites and on Mimi’s House property. People may get the wrong
impression when they see men without shirts on or women wearing tight, revealing clothing as
they work. We want to be an example for Christ in this community and do not want to hinder
that example in any way.
What about tattoos and piercings?
If possible, tattoos and visible piercings should be covered or removed when you are on work
sites (small earrings are acceptable for females). If you have tattoos or piercings that you can’t
cover up, please do not allow that to hinder you from coming to serve. These rural areas are
very conservative and tattoos and piercings are often associated with gang activity. This could
have a negative impact on our witness for Christ in these communities.
Will I be safe?
CRI is experienced at hosting mission groups and we do our best to make wise choices for your
in-country travel. We will travel in groups and stay away from areas of known dangers. No
travel is totally risk-free, though, even in the US. You may check the US State Department
websit for any current travel advisories. There is generally a warning
from the US government to use caution during travel.
What do we need to do about exchanging money?
There are several options for exchanging money in Guatemala. We do not recommend bringing
a lot of cash with you on your trip. The best options for currency exchange are to either
exchange money before your arrival in the country (through your local bank or at the airport) or
bring a debit card and retrieve money from an ATM machine. There is a safe ATM machine
located at a gas station we will visit regularly.
What shots do I need before we leave?
Personal discretion and your doctor’s recommendation should be considered. General
guidelines include each traveler being up to date on tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B
vaccinations.
Are passports needed?
YES! A valid passport is required when traveling to and from Guatemala. Please check your
passport to ensure it is valid through the ending date of your trip. You do not need a separate
visa. You will be given a form to register with the US Embassy as you travel.
What will the weather be like while we are there?
Guatemala hosts spring-like temperatures all year round. May-October is the rainy season in
Guatemala, so it is likely to rain if your trip is scheduled in those months. It is usually cool in the
mornings and evenings (50’s) and warm during the day (70’s and 80s). It can be cooler and
breezier than expected due to the elevation. There is no heat or air conditioning. Make sure to
pack layers, warm pajamas, and a rain coat.
Will there be a day to explore the country?
Yes, most groups usually take one day to explore and enjoy Guatemala. There are several
different options for your group’s fun day. Your group can decide what you would like to do.
Following is information on each option:
• Antigua (30-40 minutes travel time): There are many options of activities to do while in
Antigua. You can choose where you would like to eat from the numerous restaurants available in the town. Options for activities are: o La Azotea: Coffee plantation tour. Cost is $5 per person. The plantation is only
open for half of the day on Saturday and is closed on Sundays. o Capuchinas: Tour of ruins from a convent, built in the 1700s. Cost is $5 per
o Artisan Market: Shopping. The market is full of different vendors who sell
various souvenirs. Cost is whatever you choose to spend. • Volcán Pacaya (1 hour travel time): Climb to the top of this active volcano in
Guatemala. Cost is $5 per person for admission. Horses are available to ride if you choose ($10 each way). You can choose to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a hot spot on the volcano or eat at a restaurant on your own (McDonald’s, Pollo Campero, Hacienda Real, etc). • Pana (2 ½ - 3 hours travel time): Sightseeing and adventure. Ziplines are available
($30 with tip per person). Also available is a boat ride across Lake Atitlan (no cost) with shopping. You may choose to eat at Pollo Campero or at a nice steak house (Hacienda Real - $15-20 per person including tip). • Santa Teresita (30 minutes travel time): Hot springs and massages. Hosts 16 heated
pools of differing temperatures. You may also choose to get a massage. Pool admission is $6 and a one-hour massage is $20. • Aqua Magic (2 hours travel time): Water Park. Located on the Pacific Coast with a
black sand beach. Cost is $13 per person for admission and includes a lunch of fried chicken, fries and a drink. • Monterrico (3 hours travel time, August –February only): Beach and turtle release.
Hang out at a nearby hotel and swim in the pool, eat lunch at the hotel restaurant (buffet and/or menu items depending on group size. Cost is $10 per person. At dusk, release turtles and then head back home. CRI covers the cost of sandwiches or you can choose to eat pizza on the way home. Do I need to know Spanish before I can serve in Guatemala?
No, you do not need to know Spanish before serving in Guatemala. We have excellent
interpreters who will help your group with communication. There are, however, some helpful
phrases you can practice before your arrival that will help you with basic communication:
Hola - Hello
Como se llama? - What is your name?
Como esta? - How are you?
Mucho gusto - Nice to meet you.
Cuanto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
Dios le bendiga - God bless you
Habla ingles? - Do you speak English?
Por favor - Please
Adios - Goodbye
Gracias - Thank you
What about questions that haven’t been addressed in this packet?
PLEASE ASK! We want to answer any and all questions you may have.



Suggested Packing List
• Clothing (Please remember to keep your clothing modest – no spaghetti straps or short 3-4 pair of pants/shorts (recommend: casual pants, capri pants, scrubs, jeans, etc.) • Warm pajamas (no heat and it gets chilly at night) • Undergarments • 2 pairs of comfortable shoes for daily use (not ‘flashy’ gym shoes and they may be ruined if • Soap/shampoo/toiletries (travel sizes are sufficient for one week’s stay) • Lice Shampoo for your personal use (optional) • Hair ties or something to hold your hair back while working • Eyeglasses, extra contacts, and sunglasses (Guatemalans do not typically wear sunglasses so please remove your sunglasses when in conversation) • Snacks for week for personal use (granola bars, raisins, chocolate, gum, etc). Snacks are going to be important while out each day, so think of things that are easy to pack and will curb your appetite if a meal is delayed) • Travel umbrella/poncho (especially during rainy season – May-October) • Earplugs if you are a light sleeper—it can be noisy at night • Backpack for daily use (use as one of your carry-ons) • Wet wipes/hand sanitizer • Digital camera • Spanish/English dictionary/phrase book (not necessary but nice) • Journal • Leisure activities: book, cards, etc. • Passport and two copies (pack in separate bags) Please make sure passport is valid
through the ending date of your trip!
• Separate photo ID and two copies (pack with passport copies) • Credit card (Visa or MasterCard is accepted in some markets. American Express and traveler’s checks are not accepted. Call your credit card company before departure to inform them you may be using your credit card in Guatemala and the appropriate dates.) • Cash (can get Quetzals (local currency) at Guatemala City airport; have US SINGLES for tips if necessary). We will make a trip to the ATM in order to get money out for shopping purposes. • Medications (Prescription & over-the-counter) Keep in original packaging/bottles!
We recommend that everyone bring their own ‘stomach’ medications – Pepto, Imodium, and ask your doctor to prescribe you Ciprofloxacin in case you get ‘traveler’s diarrhea’, which is possible Pain medication for headaches or aches/pains If you have allergies, Asthma or other breathing problems, please bring your inhalers/medications and be aware that pollution in Guatemala is high • Do not wear/bring expensive or flashy jewelry. It is recommended not wearing any at
all. If you choose to do so, jewelry should be very simple, plain, and inexpensive.
Consider leaving wedding rings at home.

Towels and linens will be supplied by the ministry center. No plug adapter is needed for things like hairdryers, laptops, etc. *Remember our days will consist of work projects, so bring items which can be ruined. MAP OF GUATEMALA

Suggested Reading Materials
• Culture Smart! Guatemala: A Quick Guide to Customs & Etiquette – An excellent
book to learn a general overview of the country. • Guatemala – Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com)
• Paradise in Ashes – Beatriz Manz
• Guatemalan Journey – Stephen Connely Benz 1996
• To the Mountain and Back – Jody Glittenberg 1994
• I, Rogoberta Menchu – Edited by Elisabeth Burgos-Debray
• The Heart of the Sky, Travels Among the Maya – Peter Canby
• National Geographic Magazine, Into the Mayan Underworld – November 2004, page
• Smithsonian Magazine, Beguiling Tikal, Mysteries of the Ancient Maya – July 2004,

Source: http://www.catalystresources.co/files/2013Info.pdf