For a typical week at the parish, volunteers and visitors may want to bring all or some of the following items. All visitors are expected to dress and act appropriately and be sensitive to the culture around them. For women, spaghetti straps and shorts of any kind are strictly prohibited. For men, shorts are cautioned against as almost all Guatemalans (both men and women) rarely wear shorts.
In the summer months (May – October), rain can be expected almost daily, so a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and/or umbrella are recommended. A light jacket, fleece, or sweatshirt is recommended; because of the altitude, temperatures at night usually drop into the 50’s.
- Water bottle
- Work clothes
- 2-3 pairs long pants
- T-shirts
- 2-3 long sleeve shirts
- Sweatshirt(s) and jacket – it can get cold at night
- Between the months of May and October, a rain coat or poncho
- Work shoes/tennis shoes
- Flip flops/shower shoes
- Work gloves
- Church outfit
- Small flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera & batteries or battery charger
- Necessary toiletries (purchasing of specific products is limited in town)
- Travel alarm clock
- Handi wipes
- Toilet paper or tissues (travel size)
- Prescription drugs
- Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin, Benadryl (if desired)
- Dramamine (if one suffers from motion sickness)
- Journal
- Books/games/cards
- Spending money (cash or checks can be exchanged in the parish office)
- Cash for exit fee – approximately $3.00
- Passport