From our Executive Director

Dear Service-Learning Group,

We are grateful that you have chosen to invest a few key days of your valuable time to discern how to strategically listen, love, and serve the people of La Limonada. On this Vision Trip we will give you a “behind-the-scenes tour” specially designed for key leaders to explore possible partnerships and ways that we can serve better together.

We are honored to introduce you to our friends and facilitate what we believe will be a significant time in your lives.

Your week will be filled with encounters with dozens of children who will be so happy to see you and families who will welcome you into their homes. You will meet with the directors of each of our programs and the people they serve. You will see tremendous needs and you will spend time with people who have given their lives to meeting those needs.

You will quickly see that La Limonada is a place filled with brokenness as a result of poverty, but you will also see it as a place filled with so much hope.

We ask you to approach your time with us from a posture of humility—seeking to take in as much as you can. We ask you to listen to the stories of people’s lives and enter into their stories. We ask you to look at the brokenness and the hope. Don’t look away from the pain you will experience – look at it longer than you are comfortable with.

And we ask you to embrace the people you meet and allow them to become a part of your life story.
Thank you for serving with us. We pray that God will use this time to tattoo His love for the marginalized children and families of La Limonada on your heart.

Grace and peace,

Chal Knox

Introduction

Our work in La Limonada is founded on our relationships with the people who live there. It is our desire that those relationships are extended to include you as well. While your group may focus on a specific project during your time in La Limonada, we strongly encourage you and your group to engage in the community as a learner.

We believe we learn more from the people who live and serve in La Limonada than we could ever teach them. Therefore, our desire is for exploratory trip participants to approach their time in Guatemala from a perspective of “learning from and participating with” the people of the community.

A quote from one of our favorite books says,

“We believe that God’s voice, like the voice of Abel — whose very names means vapor or breath — is speaking through the bloodstained ground of the people and places where suffering and death is a way of life.

In fact, it is our hunch that God’s voice is clearest and most strikingly Godlike in these places. In this sense, theology from below is to the Church as research and development is to business – when we learn to hear the voice of God in the vaporous holes of the world, we learn how to make sense of His voice, and perhaps even to occupy one or two of the holes we stumble into” (Kris Rocke & Joel Van Dyke, Geography of Grace).

Your time in the La Limonada community will be just as much, if not more, about being and learning as it is about doing. As we schedule your time in the community, we will create as much time as possible for your group members to interact with the people who live and serve there – capturing their stories and learning as they share their lives. We fully believe all people are created in God’s image, and we want to encourage group participants to capture this perspective as they spend time in the community we serve.

We believe that God’s hand is in this community, writing its story.

“It is our distinct privilege to be in a community with people in hard places who live as God’s enfleshed poetry” – Geography of Grace

It is important to remember that God is not a God from our culture or our own comfort zone… but a God that is boundless, not American or Guatemalan… but a God that makes all places holy.

“Traditionally, the Church approaches mission with the idea that there are many unconverted people out there who need the good news of Jesus Christ; therefore, it is our responsibility to go to them for their benefit. This might be true, but what else might be happening as we go out there? We discover Jesus.” – Geography of Grace

We invite you to join God’s story in La Limonada. We invite you to allow yourself and your group members to be interwoven in the beautiful brokenness that exists in the lives of the people you meet. We invite you to tuck away your preconceived perceptions (which all of us have) and to open up your mind, heart, and soul to what God will show you.

We invite you to roll up your sleeves and to get your hands dirty — to embrace the messiness that accompanies humanity — remembering that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Finally, we invite you to fall in love with these people, their lives, and their stories. For when you do, we believe you will be transformed.

About Guatemala

Guatemala is a country in Central America, bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It has an estimated population of 17.1 million. Its capital city is Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America, with a population estimated of 3.5 million.

About 40% of the population is Ladino, also called Mestizo (mixed Amer-Indian and Spanish). Whites (primarily of Spanish descent, but also Italian, German, British and Scandinavian) make up about 16% of the population. Amer-Indian populations include the K’iche’ 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, and Q’eqchi 6.3%. 8.6% of the population is “other Mayan”, 0.2% is indigenous non-Mayan, making the indigenous community in Guatemala about 40% of the population.

In 1996, a thirty-six year long civil war ended in Guatemala. Throughout the years of the civil war, most of the violence took place in rural areas of the country. As a result of the violence, many people fled to the city to escape, and with nowhere to live, many staked claim to land in such places as the ravine that is known as La Limonada. Although the civil war has ended, the violence has not. In fact, there are currently more violent deaths on a daily basis in Guatemala than during the time of the civil war.

About La Limonada

La Limonada (translated The Lemonade) is an urban settlement community of approximately 60,000-100,000 people in the heart of Guatemala City. The community is built into a ravine that is approximately one mile long and half a mile wide. Within La Limonada there are ten neighborhoods (or “barrios”) and each barrio has its own forces of protection – gangs that rule the territory.

It is common for residents of one barrio not to cross over to another barrio because gangs mark their territories and prevent them from doing so. The community is notorious for violence, drugs, lack of education, illiteracy, sexual exploitation and murder. As a result of the culture of violence and the cycle of poverty, the people of the community have been marginalized and dehumanized by the people of Guatemala City. Merely having a La Limonada address is enough to prevent a person from finding a job elsewhere in the city.

Read more about La Limonada

About our Work

In 1994, Tita Evertsz, a local Guatemalan, began volunteering her time by serving in La Limonada, even after her church leaders encouraged her not to go there. Her own past included drugs and abusive relationships – so she could relate to the struggles the people face on a daily basis. When she began visiting the community she would push her children in a stroller while carrying a pot of rice and beans to share with people in the community. Years of serving the community and witnessing a cycle of poverty, drug abuse, violence and death, confirmed in Tita’s heart that she had to do something that would break the cycle.

Tita established Vidas Plenas (translated Fulfilled Lives) in 2001 as a Guatemalan NGO and the first academy was established where children are loved, valued, fed, clothed, taught proper hygiene and provided with scholarships to attend formal schools in Guatemala City.

In 2004, the first group from the US, including the founders of Lemonade International, served with Tita in La Limonada, and helped raise funds to build an addition on the school building. A lifelong friendship emerged from this trip, which led Bill and Cherie Cummings, Leah Craver and Donnie Long to establish Lemonade International in 2008 as a federally recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of North Carolina.

Our work now includes holistic community development programs through which we are committed to working in solidarity with the people of La Limonada to empower sustainable transformation within the community. Future plans include expanding into other barrios within La Limonada, as well as establishing a vocational training center and a walk-in medical clinic.

Lemonade International & Vidas Plenas

The History of Vidas Plenas & Lemonade International

In 1994, Tita Evertsz, a local Guatemalan, began volunteering her time by serving in La Limonada, even after her church leaders encouraged her not to go to such a dangerous place. Her own past included drugs and abusive relationships – so she could relate to their daily struggles and had experienced transformation. When she first began visiting the community she would push her own children in a stroller while carrying a pot of rice and beans to share with the hungry people in the community. Years of serving the community and witnessing the cycle of poverty, drug abuse, violence and death, confirmed in Tita’s heart that she had to do something that would break the cycle.

Tita established Vidas Plenas (translated Fulfilled Lives) in 2001 as a Guatemalan NGO. The first academy was established to welcome the vulnerable children of La Limonada in to be loved, valued, fed, clothed, taught proper hygiene and provided with scholarships to attend formal schools in Guatemala City.

In 2004, the first group from the US, including the founders of Lemonade International, served with Tita in La Limonada, and helped raise funds to build an addition on to the school building. A lifelong friendship emerged from this trip, which led Bill and Cherie Cummings, Leah Craver and Donnie Long to establish Lemonade International in 2008 as a federally recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of North Carolina.

Our work is continuing to expand to include holistic community development programs. We are committed to working in solidarity with the people of La Limonada to empower sustainable transformation within the community.

Expectations of your Group Leader

Your role as a group leader is key to ensuring a great experience for your group in Guatemala. We have carefully considered your role and we ask that you make your strongest effort to commit to the following:

• Be the primary contact person for us to communicate with concerning trip details.
• Represent your group as the liaison for Lemonade International staff in the US and in Guatemala.
• Organize pre and post-trip meetings for your group.
• Submit all consent forms and fees to Lemonade International by the designated deadlines prior to trip.
• Communicate with one designated contact person in the US so they are aware of your group’s safe arrival in Guatemala.
• Lead your group in brief discussions (or delegate to other group members) each night of your trip in Guatemala.
• Commit to reading the book “Geography of Grace” prior to your trip (will be sent to you following receipt of your Group Application).
• Complete the post-trip survey and provide sufficient feedback regarding your group’s experience in Guatemala.

Commitment of Lemonade International Hosts in Guatemala

Lizza Majus & Silvia Lopez

We are fortunate to have staff members in Guatemala who understand the culture. Our team is there to serve you and will commit to the following:

• Providing clear communication regarding the agenda for the week and any changes that may arise in the plans throughout the week.
• Greeting you at the airport with transportation.
• Conducting an orientation for your group the first night of your stay at the Lemonade Guest House.
• Ensuring the Lemonade Guest House is prepared for your arrival (including food, sleeping arrangements, bedding, towels, etc.)
• Making preparations for any service projects your group may be involved with so you’re ready to go when you arrive.
• Providing transportation, interpreters, and everything necessary to equip you for effective service throughout your trip.

Trip Timeline & Preparation

In Guatemala

• All group members must always be with someone from the staff of Lemonade International or Vidas Plenas during your time in La Limonada.
• Your group will experience difficult stories and situations during your time in La Limonada. Please be sensitive about when and where you share your reactions to these experiences.
• If your group members have gifts for the children (whether the gifts are from a group member or from someone who isn’t part of the group) we ask that you inform your Lemonade International host to make arrangements for the gifts to be given to the children.
• Please refrain from giving any money directly to the people of La Limonada or anyone on the streets of Guatemala City. We don’t give any money to people in the streets and do not encourage to do so.
• Please do not make any promises to people from the La Limonada community or our team on the ground in Guatemala about what you plan on doing when you return home, when you will be coming back to the country, or what you plan on doing to help them. Even if you have the best of intentions it is important not to make promises. On the contrary, we encourage you to share your ideas to our Lemonade team in Guatemala.

Food and Lodging

Groups stay at the Lemonade Guest House. We worked hard to find a nice house and neighborhood, therefore, it is expected that you will be respectful of the guidelines of the neighborhood.

• The Lemonade Guest House can accommodate up to 10 people per group (including the group leader)
• It is not safe to drink the tap water in Guatemala. Filtered water will be provided at the Lemonade Guest House.
• Each day you will prepare your own breakfast at the Lemonade Guest House (cereals, eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, fruit, coffee, etc).
• Each day you will prepare a sack lunch (sandwich, chips, apple, cookies, water).
• Each day you will have an authentic Guatemalan meal prepared for you.
• Your trip you can arrange one travel day to experience Guatemalan culture and to visit a market where souvenirs can be purchased. Each group member should plan on covering the cost of lunch, snacks and souvenirs on the travel day. If this is something you would like to do, please schedule this with the Service Learning Trips and Communications Liaison.
• Important note: Please notify the Lemonade International Host of any food allergies or special dietary needs for any members of your group.

Recommended Packing List

It is helpful to limit all of your personal belongings to one piece of luggage that you will check and one carry-on (a backpack is recommended to have with you throughout your time in the country).

If your group would like to give gifts or supplies to the teachers or children, please make arrangements to check a second piece of luggage for that purpose (it is important to check with your airline to determine the cost of additional baggage).

Items to Bring:

• Toiletries
• Sneakers/Tennis Shoes to wear in La Limonada
• Weather appropriate jeans, pants or long skirts (not required) to wear in La Limonada (we recommend one pair of jeans to wear every day in La Limonada)
• Shorts (can only be worn in the Lemonade Guest House)
• Short-sleeve shirts to wear in La Limonada
• Sweatshirt – especially for mornings and evenings Clothing and shoes for outings other than La Limonada (1-2 outfits)
• Comfortable clothing to wear during the evenings at the Lemonade Guest House
• Pajamas
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Anti-diarrheal medicine
• 2 laundry bags (one for clothes worn in La Limonada and one for other clothing items)
• Water bottle (reusable – to be filled with filtered water daily)
• Anti-bacterial hand gel/wipes
• Camera (only one camera per group is allowed while visiting homes in La Limonada)
• Bible
• Journal
• Writing utensils
• Thank you cards (for hosts, teachers, etc.)
• Original Passport
• Photocopy of Passport (give it to Lemonade Host when you arrive)
• Supplies for service project pre-determined by your group
• Spending Money (suggested $100 per person)
• Medicine for cold
• Medicine for allergies
• Towel (you may leave it for donation)

Items NOT to Bring: 

Transportation

Flights:

As you book flights for your team please keep in mind that your arrival flights (Sunday) and departure flights (Saturday) should be scheduled as close to noon as possible. We recommend using World Hopper Ministry Travel to book your flights.

On your flight you will be given a customs form which requires a “Forseen Address” in Guatemala. The following is the address that should be documented on the form: 10 avenida 4-07 casa 42 zona 15 Jardines de Doña Victoria Guatemala, Guatemala

Guatemala Airport Information:

Your group will arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

You will be picked up by a representative who will have a sign with the Lemonade International logo.

Travel in Guatemala:

• Transportation is provided throughout your trip.
• Transportation is provided to and from one pre-determined destination on one day of your stay in Guatemala in order to experience Guatemalan culture outside of La Limonada.
• A vehicle/driver will not be available to transport your group to destinations other than the airport, to La Limonada, and to one pre-approved tourist destination.
• Vehicle/driver is not authorized to transport your group to La Limonada at hours where Vidas Plenas programs are closed

Other Logistics & Trip Details

Group Size:

Vision Trip Group need to be at least 3 and limited to a total of 7 members (including the group leader)

Packing: Please limit your personal belongings to one piece of luggage and a carry-on. See Appendix for a detailed list of items to bring and not to bring.

Contacting Family Members & Friends When in Guatemala:

We ask that each group establish a primary contact person in the US who will then contact family members of each group member. Internet access is available at the Lemonade Guest House so you will be able to communicate with family and friends as long as the internet service is working (it can be sporadic at times in Guatemala).

Computer Usage:

It is up to the group leader to determine if your individual group members will be permitted to bring computers. Wi-Fi is available at the Lemonade Guest House and it is advisable to bring a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter with you for plugging in laptops. Lemonade International is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items while groups are in Guatemala.

Spending Money:

We recommend that you bring Debit/Credit Cards or US Dollars bills in perfect conditions (no ink, wrinkled or ripped) no more than $100.

Security Suggestion:

You are encouraged to register the members of your group with the US Embassy in Guatemala. Follow instructions on the US State Department website. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip for assistance in case of an emergency or natural disaster.

Immunizations & Health-Related Concerns:

Please check the CDC website for updates regarding travel to Guatemala. We strongly encourage each individual to consult a family physician for any suggested immunizations. Each person should be in good physical condition at the time of the trip. Walking long distances on uneven terrain and up and down hills is required.

Insurance:

Each group member is strongly encouraged to research their current medical insurance policy to verify there is adequate coverage for travel and medical emergencies outside of the US. Those who do not have adequate coverage are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance that will provide coverage while in Guatemala. HTH Travel provides excellent rates for out-of-country travel.

Cemetery Tour:

We have partnership with Teddy Torres, a Guatemalan grassroots leader. As part of your trip we will set aside an afternoon with him to lead your group in a walking tour of the national cemetery in Guatemala City. The tour includes a reflection that helps us understand some of Guatemala’s wounds through a historical and theological lens. This is a great opportunity to seek to understand the broader context of what you will see and experience in La Limonada.

Prayer Walks in La Limonada:
The Prayer Walks began as a result of the presence of darkness in the communities of La Limonada and their need for God’s presence. According to Isaiah 55:10-11 we walk proclaiming/reading and believing in His Word, singing, worshiping and praising God, and asking Him to bring His presence into the community. We also visit people who are struggling and bring them hope, because apart from Christ there is nothing to offer. There have been times that we don’t have the answers or don’t have anything to give, but when we visit them and pray for them we bring hope and we nurture their faith in what Christ did for humanity.

Weather:

The following website provides a helpful resource for expected weather in Guatemala City at various times of the year: Guatemala City Weather

Trip Cost - Per Person

What is the Cost of the Trip?

While groups have a great and positive impact on the community, we want to make sure that they do not put a strain on the budget and full schedules of the staff members in Guatemala. The costs covered by group members ensure the in-country staff are able to fully engage with the group, making the time a blessing for all.

Cost Per Night: $40 per person/$240 per week

The nightly cost of staying in Guatemala covers all meals, safe drinking water, housing, utilities, free wi-fi, and ground transportation. Because your security is a priority to us, all groups stay at the Lemonade Guest
House — which offers safe, clean lodging and simple bunk beds. A resident of La Limonada cleans the house and prepares authentic and healthy meals for the groups.

Cost of In-Country Staff & U.S. Administrative Support: $300 per person

The in-country cost covers the facilitation and coordination provided by the staff members in our Guatemala office. Our group hosts will meet your group at the airport and will provide transportation throughout your trip. They will also provide in-country leadership, project coordination, translation and any additional support needed throughout your time in Guatemala. This also covers the cost associated with the finances and administrative support provided by your Service Learning Trip Coordinator.

Program Support Fee: $300 per person

Hosting Service Learning Trips is one way we are able to support the work in Guatemala. This fee provides essential assistance to the programs in the La Limonada community.

Each group is responsible for the cost of airline tickets, estimated between $450 and $800. We also suggest personal spending money of $100-200 per person to cover souvenirs, gifts for family members, and snacks.

Total Trip Cost: $840 (not including airline tickets)

Non-refundable deposit: $405 — due 60 days prior to date of arrival in Guatemala

Non-refundable balance: $405 — due 30 days prior to date of arrival

Mail checks to:

11845 Retail Drive #1017,
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Please make checks payable to Lemonade International.

Payment can also be made by credit card here:

Online Payments

Please expect a 3% credit card fee in addition to the invoice total when paying online. Please write your group name in the comments section.”

Forms

Each group member is required to complete the appropriate consent form and submit it to the group leader 4 weeks prior to departure. Click on the links below to access the online forms.

Consent, Release & Hold Harmless Agreement for Adults

Parental Consent, Release & Hold Harmless Agreement for Minors (for group members under 18-years-of age at the time the form is completed)

Questions?

Contact our Service Learning Trip and Communication Liaison

Online Form – Service Learning Trip Questions