Guatemala Service Trip

We will stay in a convent of Carmelite nuns in the town of San Andreas Iztapa (about 35 miles from Guatemala City where we land). Depending on how many go on the trip, you will either have your own room with a full bath or share a room with one other.

The nuns will cook three meals a day for us. It’s quite good!

We will visit the sick, visit an orphanage, and help upgrade some homes (think Habitat for Humanity).

Usually, this trip costs around $1,600 per person. This covers airfare, food, lodging, and materials needed for the work projects. Thanks to a generous grant, you can go on this trip for the reduced cost of only $500.

The airline requires a non-refundable deposit of $500 for your ticket by May 31st.

Write a check for $500 made out to St. Thomas More, and mail it to Tom Turner, 111 Garfield Pl, KCMO 64124. (Sorry, there's no electronic way to do this with a credit card.)

Later, if you decide not to go on the trip, you will lose this $500. This isn't my rule, it's the airlines.

Items not covered by the $500 include food in airports between flights and any souvenirs you want to buy. Also, if you plan to check luggage instead of only carry-on luggage that cost is yours (typically around $30 each way).

We will bring some Quetzales (the Guatemalan currency) that you exchange at the airport in Kansas City before departure. Whatever you do not use, we can exchange back at the end of the trip.

Yes. Phil Smith, the group leader, has taken over 100 groups over the past 30 years and has not had any unsafe experiences. The convent we stay at is secure. We always travel in a group. We have local, bi-lingual Guatemalan people with us at all times as our interpreters.

San Andreas is about 7,000 feet above sea level, so the weather this time of year is mild – mid-70s during the day and low 60s at night. Evenings can be cool as the sun sets around 6:30.

Bring “work” clothes, jeans or sweats. You’ll get dirty. We ask women to dress conservatively, with no shorts, and if wearing leggings, please wear a shirt that covers your behind.

Bring a poncho as it is the rainy season.

Other items:  work gloves, sunscreen, a towel, toilet paper, and the usual toiletries.

Phil Smith, former owner of Dick Smith Ford, now semi-retired has led over 100 groups over the past 30 years on this service trip. 

Tom Turner, Director of the Catholic Summer Internship program. Tom has made numerous trips to Guatemala since 1980, as his cousin used to be a missionary nun there.

Yes. We will travel a relatively short distance, to Antiqua, Guatemala. Antiqua is a beautiful colonial town surrounded by volcanoes. Lots to see and a good place to buy souvenirs.

Here's our itinerary:

Departure on Monday, July 28th.

Departing from KCI: American Airlines, #1098, at 5:49am, arriving in Dallas at 7:31.

Departing from Dallas: American Airlines, #1013, at 10:05, arriving in Guatemala City at 12:33.

Return Flights:

Departure on Sunday, August 3th.

Departing from Guatemala City: American Airlines, #1006, at 1:10pm arriving in Miami at 5:55pm

Departing from Miami: American Airlines, #0670, at 9:00pm arriving in KC at 11:31pm.

If you want to check a bag, instead of carrying-on, that cost is on you, about $35 each way.

You must have a passport. And your passport’s expiration date must be more than 6 months from the date of our return. If not, you will not be allowed to board the plane. If you do not have a passport, or need to renew, start the process right away so it comes in time.

Optional: If you would feel would have more peace of mind if you had medical insurance for international travel, then that is up to you to buy it.

We will do a fair amount of walking, so be prepared.

No drinking of alcohol on this trip.