The experience of a volunteer at the San Lucas parish is focused on learning.  In working alongside Guatemalans and accompanying them in their daily activities, volunteers can learn about the richness of Mayan culture, the work of the parish, and life in Guatemala.

Volunteers come to beapart of parish projects, form relationships in the community, and learn about the community development efforts of the San Lucas Mission.  In being a part of this cross-cultural exchange, it is hoped that volunteers grow intheir faith, and become more open, aware, and educated global citizens.

Volunteer Work & Parish Life:
The average day for a long-term volunteer will vary during the course of his/her time at the parish. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in various projects headed by the Guatemalan directors, including but not limited to reforestation, construction, coffee processing & picking, and water projects. Initiative is required on thevolunteer's part to involve him/herself, though parish staff will help in facilitating the experience.

Health care and school work are also potential possibilities afterbecoming familiar with the culture, community, andprogram directors; they also require proficiency in Spanish. 

Long-term volunteers, more experienced in the culture, also often act as resources to the various short-term visitors that come to the parish. Visitors who are volunteering for longer time periods are also required to complete monthly reports to reflect on their experience; the reports and monthly meetings with the volunteer coordinators allow volunteers to get to know each other better.

Long-term volunteers also participate in weekly reflection sessions held in the parish, which may focus on faith, service, Guatemala, or any other issues relative to life in San Lucas; these sessions are coordinated by the volunteers themselves.

Room and Board:
Depending on the number of volunteers present, a single or shared (one other person) room is provided. Currently, the volunteer house of Casa Spencer is under construction so volunteers stay in houses of community members, which have hot showers and indoor plumbing. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are prepared in the parish kitchen and eaten in the parish library. All volunteers and staff members share meals. There are phones in the parish to call the States, but internet is not available in the parish – instead, there are several internet cafes available in town which usually cost around $1.25/hour.

Language:
Although it is not required that volunteers know Spanish before they arrive, it is suggested that volunteers 1) arrive willing to learn Spanish, 2) if possible, have a basic background in the language (High School Spanish, for example), and/or 3) attend language school in Xela or Antigua prior to arriving in San Lucas. The language schools in Xela and Antigua are among the best in Central America, but classes in San Lucas are limited.

Contribution:
Long-term volunteers are required to pay a reasonable donation of approximately $100/month (about $3/day) for room and board. Money can be exchanged in the parish office in cash or check form. Long-term volunteers need not apply for a work visa – a tourist visa can be acquired upon entry and renewed every 3 months in Guatemala City or by leaving the country. 

In order to get the most out of the long-term volunteer program, it is important that individuals come with an open mind and be willing to engage in a variety of activities. It is important to invest effort into relationships both within the San Lucas community and also within the people involved with the parish. To humbly come to learn, grow, accompany, and serve with a positive attitude and some patience will insure a rich and meaningful experience.

Travel Information: Up-to-date information about traveling to and from Guatemala can be found at the Department of State’s Guatemalan Travel Information Page  (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1129.html).