IN AN
ATTEMPT TO HELP YOU AS YOU PREPARE TO COME TO VISIT US AT SONGS OF JOY, I HAVE
COMPILED A LIST OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....which
I augment with each new relevant question I receive. I hope this
will be helpful to you.
What
kinds of work/activities will I be doing?
We want
you to have time with the children. Maybe you do craft projects, teach them to
crochet, knit or cross stitch if you know how, read to them (depending on your
level of Spanish....or many understand English), take them to the soccer
field, basketball court, or for walks. Any craft projects would be
great for you to bring. We can always use "balls" (soccer balls,
basketballs, kick balls,
etc.). If you can get your hands on any Spanish language story books
that would be great. If you know how to sew I have a good sewing machine
and we always have mending and sewing projects waiting!
We are
often involved in construction activities, so there are all kinds of opportunities
there. Be SURE to bring work gloves if you'll be helping in
construction! You might be asked to work in a technically skilled area
IF you are experienced to do so (i.e., carpentry, plumbing or electrical).
We are
increasingly doing outreaches into the mountain areas to minister to the poor
through medical clinics, clothing/food distribution, and sometimes physical
labor such as helping re-do the home of a poor pastors' family. Depending
on the time of year you come, this may or may not be a part of your visit with us.
You
will take turns helping with kitchen clean-up! If you like to cook
we'll be glad to take advantage of that interest.
If you
play an instrument, be ready to share that talent. We have the following
instruments: a portable electric piano, a flute, a trumpet & trombone, 2
guitars, an amplifier, and a drum machine.
Do
I need to speak Spanish?
No, but
we recommend that you get some language study, if possible. The amount of
Spanish you understand and can speak will determine your ability to relate to
the children. Many of our children understand a bit of
English, because they have studied it some and because of the amount of time
they have been with us and listening to it. There are several who are
bi-lingual enough to translate for you.
What
about drinking water?
We have
our own purification system in the kitchen and we fill our pitchers with that
filtered water. That cold water is always available for you to drink or to use
in filling your water bottle. We recommend that you only use "agua pura"
(purified water) to brush your teeth while you're here. We will have
plenty of water for you but if you are away from the home and need to purchase
your own individual bottles it is readily available in stores everywhere.
Note:
You must be very careful
NOT to eat "on the streets" or in
places which we do not say is safe. Always drink bottled water, canned/boxed
juices or sodas when you're away from the Home.
What
kind of eating and sleeping arrangements do you have and how do I compensate
for them?
You
will eat here with us and the children. You will be asked to make a
contribution to the Home to cover your "room & board" — that is
covered in our "Financial Considerations" which will be sent to you
when you book a time to visit Songs of Joy.
You
must complete
the
Personal
Information and Agreement Form and
bring
it with you
when
you come. If you are a minor, it must be signed by
both yourself
and a parent/guardian. Click
PLEASE
NOTE
that if
any problem should arise that cannot be resolved, we
reserve the right to ask you to return home (at your cost) ahead of
your scheduled return date!
Will
we get to do some sightseeing and shopping?
YES, we
usually plan a day for shopping before your return home.
Do
I need a passport and Visa?
You DO
need a passport, but not a visa. When you enter the airport in
Guatemala, the immigration office will stamp a visa into your passport —
usually for 90 days.
In
addition, if you are under age 18 and traveling without a parent, check with
the U.S. Embassy to find out what kind of additional permission form (if any)
is needed. Also, if you are under 18, we ask that you bring with you a copy of
our "Medical & Liability Release" form signed by a parent. (Please request
that and we will send it to you.)
Please
make a photocopy of your passport to carry with you while you're in the
country, keeping the original in a safe here at the Home. We will be glad to lock up not
only your passport but your money and airline tickets while you're here with
us.
Is
there anything I need to know about going through Customs?
On the
plane they will give you a Customs form to fill out. Simply indicate that you
are a "tourist." If they
should question you, just tell them that you're bringing items for an
orphanage. You shouldn't have any problems.
Mark
all your bags with something recognizable like a certain colored yarn tassel
or colored tape or cloth...so you will know which are yours when you are
watching all those "look alike" bags coming around the conveyer
belt.
A note
about packing. If you are bringing anything liquid in bottles, be sure
they
are in zip lock bags. We put bottled things inside a small box and then pack
the box down inside the duffel bag with clothing around it. Things like
shampoo, medical supplies, and breakables then arrive safely.
Will
someone meet me at the airport?
If you
are coming alone or with one or two others, we may have a friend there to meet
you — depending upon the hour of your arrival and our availability to travel
into Guatemala City. We will confirm that with you as your arrival time nears
so you will know what to expect. If you are traveling
with a group we will most definitely pick you up.
Please
note our phone number (below) to carry with you in the event that you should
arrive at the airport and we are not there as planned. There could be a
traffic jam or flat tire.... In any case, you will have an option to
contact us in case there is a problem.
Our Home phone: 7944-0110,
Robert's Cell: 5997-2000, Carla's Cell: 5369-6001
OR....Friends in Guatemala City: Kirk & Diana DeVenney
2432-8965
Any
special shots recommended?
No.
You should, however, know when your last tetanus was
given; then if there is a reason to need a tetanus shot, they are easily
obtainable here.
Any
insurance recommended?
If
your health insurance covers foreign travel, nothing extra is needed.
If not, you may discuss options with your travel agent, but we do not believe
it is necessary.
Can
you recommend a travel agency?
We
have been very happy with service and prices we've obtained through:
Fellowship Travel, P.O. Box 15360, Richmond, VA 23227 Phone: 1-800-2-FLY-FTI
E-mail:
mail@fellowship.com
(Tell
them you're coming to Songs of Joy in Guatemala)
One
of our visitors also recommended:
World
Travel Mates (She worked w/ "Cathy")
10722 Carmel Commons Blvd., #450, Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: 1-800-607-7104 E-mail:
worldtravelmates@mindspring.com
What
about costs?
If
you are seriously considering a visit to our Home, please request (by email:
info@songsofjoyhome.org)
a copy of our "Financial Considerations" concerning room and board,
transportation, and other expenses that you will need to cover for your
trip.
What's
the weather like there? Average daytime and nighttime temperature?
May
thru October
is the rainy season and the rest of the year is dry. It is almost always
H
O T! Be sure, however, to bring a sweater or jacket.
It
may be unexpectedly cooler here or in Guatemala City. In November thru
January
sometimes it gets cool enough for sweaters nearly every evening and/or
morning.
What
type of clothing should I bring?
Because
we have a very hot climate you need to bring cool clothing -- stick to cotton
or cotton blend fabrics if possible. Pants/shorts are acceptable for ladies or
men, as long as they are modest. (See our suggested
Packing
List.) Make sure you bring
comfortable shoes!! Walking shoes or tennis are best. Here at the
Home sandals are a good choice. Women should wear dresses or skirts to
church (we will expect you to attend with us) or if/when we go out to do
ministry in the villages, but they do not need to be "fancy."
Men, a short sleeved "dress" shirt or sports shirt is sufficient for
church. Ties are not necessary.
Please
be realistic in your clothing needs and
do not over-pack!
At the same time, especially if you'll be working on construction, you'll get
very dirty, so be sure to bring enough cool shorts & t-shirts to change
once you've finished your day's work and joyfully get a shower.
DRESS
CODE
( note: Especially for
Teens
)
See also our
"Suggested Packing List"
There are
a number of things that we do not want here at the Home in terms of
appearance. Keeping in mind that we have a standard for our children, we ask that you respect these
regulations!
• No pierced body parts of any kind, except earrings for
girls/women. Women, we would ask
that you have no more than 2
earrings in each ear!
• NO earrings for boys/men -- in this culture, this is a sign of homosexuality!
• No leather studded "necklaces" or other "freaky" jewelry.
• For girls, full tank tops are okay but we say NO
— spaghetti
straps
— midriff
shirts
— low-cut pants or shorts
(with stomach exposed).
IF we see you in any of the above, you will be asked to change!
• All dresses or skirts should be knee length or longer.
• For boys, NO extra-big, low-hanging pants.
• If you bring shorts, make sure they are knee length.
NOTE: There is
to be NO DRINKING or SMOKING while on a visit to Songs of Joy. Thank you!
What
about laundry facilities?
We have
staff who wash our clothes. If you are here more than 10 days
you can expect that they will wash your clothes for you or, if you prefer, you
may wash your own, but the availability of a washing machine is limited to
night time hours.
Is
electricity available for shaver, dryer and curling iron?
Yes,
but plan to go "natural" when possible. Do I need an
adapter? No. The electrical current is the same here as
in the U.S.
Can
I buy film there? Yes,
but it is much more expensive. It's better to bring plenty with you.
Disposable cameras are convenient (and
you don't risk losing a good one) but they usually do not produce the same quality
photos.... especially those taken inside. These, too, can be purchased here.
Be sure to write your name on any disposable cameras!
IF you bring a digital camera. please bring along the cord to download your
photos for me here before you leave!! I'll be grateful!
Will
I be able to communicate with my family back in the States?
If you
have either an AT&T, SPRINT or MCI phone card you can call home using
those card numbers and bill it to your account. You can also call collect at
any time. Pre-paid cards normally do NOT work from Guatemala to the
U.S. If you bring one to use, be SURE to check before hand if they will
work from here. You may also call directly from our phone if you pay
$1.00/minute for your calls as you make them.
Again,
our phone number (from the U.S.) — to give to your family for emergency use:
011-502-7944-0110.
If you do
not have a personal e-mail account, then you may
use my e-mail address to receive and send messages. I only ask that they be
brief
and you do not plan to write on a daily basis, because of the number of folks who
will probably want to use it.
When messages come in to MY email address, I print them out and we arrange a time for you to type a
response -- usually at night after I've finished in the office. Our e-mail
address is:
info@songsofjoyhome.org. We
do have an extra computer where you can access the Internet to use your
own personal accounts.
Is
there anything I can bring with me to bless the Home and the children?
Check our current
Needs List. As you share our
needs with family and friends you may find they will be willing to help you
collect items to bring. Many have had items donated from local
businesses (Wal*MartŪ, KMartŪ,
Pharmacies, etc.) when they shared the needs and their desire to bring
things for the children. Please ASK! You might be surprised.
You
should check with your airlines to find out how many bags you are allowed. We
suggest that you pack in duffel bags because you can bring a lot of things in
them, or purchase large plastic trunks called "Totes" with wheels on
one end — at either Wal*MartŪ or KMartŪ. The airlines do NOT like you to
bring cardboard BOXES....they will almost always create a problem at customs. The
totes are large and sturdy and
easy to handle. They are made to fit airline regulations and if you're
able to bring them and leave with us they are very helpful to us here! BUT
know that the regulations say that each carton/tote must be at or under
50 pound! And they are strict!
Double check with your airlines, but I think each one must also be within a size
limit of 62 linear inches....height plus length plus width cannot exceed that
measurement.
The
most important things that you can bring with you are (1) a servant's
heart — ready to do whatever we need done — and (2) flexibility!!! We
don't know from one day to the next what things may arise, and it's important
to remember that things will NOT go as planned! If you can remain with a
mindset to "go with the flow" that will be a real blessing to us.
We ask
that you listen and do as we direct. There may be things that we do or say
that you don't understand. Remember, this is a different country and a
culture that will be foreign to you....if we ask you to do something, it's for
a reason!
One
other very important thing! Be sure as you prepare to come to Guatemala that
you bathe your preparations and this trip in PRAYER. Knowing that the
enemy of your soul does not want for you -- or for this ministry — to
prosper, don't be surprised if you encounter problems, frustrations and
difficulties...things that make you discouraged and cause you to wonder if
you're doing the right thing. Press into God and press on toward your goal of
coming to serve Him in this place. You will be rewarded and blessed. And you
can trust that if it is God who is closing the door, you will know it!
We pray
that God will give you grace and courage, and place in your heart a vision for
the impact your life can make as you become a vessel of His love to these
children. We love you already and look forward to "sharing" your
life, not just for this visit but for a lifetime of friendship!!
Please
do not hesitate to write at any time should you have more questions that are
not answered here...then I will just add it to my Q&A list for the next
group!
Carla
(Updated
June 2,007)
