Mission Statement

CULTURAL REMINDERS FOR TRAVELING TO GUATEMALA

CAMERAS

Please be considerate when taking pictures of people. It is respectful of their feelings to ask permission before taking a picture of an individual. They may agree or they may ask for payment ($1Q is customary) in exchange for their picture. Families at the schools are usually more willing to have you take their pictures than people are on the street. Please remember that pictures are very personal - How would you feel about a stranger wanting a picture of you?

NEVER TAKE A PICTURE OF GUATEMALAN MILITARY.

Often the HOLA mission teams have picture parties after they return in order to exchange pictures. It is not uncommon for team members to end up with duplicate shots, so you may want to consider having members of your group share cameras to save film. Having fewer cameras makes your group look less conspicuous. Try to imagine how you would feel if you were the object of a wealthy foreigner’s curiosity.

HANDING OUT CANDY AND TOYS

It is not advisable to hand out items such as candy, balloons, marbles, crayons and money to the Guatemalan children on your own. Candy can create a problem since children cannot brush their teeth on a regular basis. Handing out toys or money also sets a difficult precedent in that Guatemalans begin to see North Americans as people with unlimited wealth who come simply to offer gifts.

GREETING GUATEMALANS

Guatemalans are very friendly, but very formal. They are accustomed to greeting each other frequently and will greet you as well. It is much appreciated if you can respond in the appropriate way, so look at the list of basic Spanish words and phrases included in this packet. Perhaps someone in your group who knows Spanish can teach the more familiar phrases to the rest of you. Buenas dias, buenas tardes, and buenas noches are easy and a must to learn!

MAYANS ARE QUIET PEOPLE

The Mayan Indian people are very gentle and quiet when compared to most North Americans who have the reputation of being loud and boisterous. When your team is walking down the street or is at a restau rant, bear in mind you might be talking louder and making more noise than anyone else around you. This is often offensive to those observing you and is something to remember. Loud boistorous U.S. tourists are considered the classic “ugly Americans” and this image is not the one Faith In Practice wants to portray.

WE ARE GUESTS

As invited guests of Andrew and Becky Loveall at Escuela Integrada or anywhere in Antigua, it is not our responsibility to analyze or critique established methods put into place by our hosts. Arguing or second guessing school procedure or policy is not permitted. Remember not to criticize our Guatemalan friends as they are very sensitive and understand everything you say, even if they do not speak English.

 DIFFERENT, NOT BETTER OR WORSE

Indigenous Guatemalans do most tasks by hand and are very skilled and strong. You will see them manually washing clothes, mixing concrete and hauling wood. Given the premium the U.S. culture puts on using machines to do things efficiently, many North Americans are quick to think of the Guatemalan way of doing things by hand as inferior. Try to be open-minded and not assume one way of doing things is necessarily superior to another way; it is just different. A snicker or snide remark about how things are being done will be taken as an insult. This is not the image that we want to portray.

YOU ARE REPRESENTATIVES

By going on this trip, you will be representing Hearts Over Latin America and the United States. HOLA has a very strong and positive reputation in Guatemala. Help us to maintain it by being as caring, respectful and polite as you can be. We are guests and should treat our hosts with utmost courtesy.

DRINKING ALCOHOL

Drinking of alcohol and the behavior that results will not be tolerated by Hearts Over Latin America. The offensive volunteer will be asked to return home and will not be invited on subsequent trips.

FLEXIBILITY AND OPEN-MINDEDNESS

One of the most important things to remember is to go with a flexible attitude and open mind and heart. The pace in Guatemala is different and more relaxed than our rushed, time-conscious lifestyle. Guatemalans do not judge themselves according to the speed with which tasks are done. Try not to be frustrated by this! This can be a very enlightening and enjoyable difference.

SAFETY REMINDERS

Do not wear expensive jewelry or display large amounts of money at the market--You are being watched!

Watch what you eat and drink! Cooked or peeled fruit and vegetables are fine. Salads are not advised at most restaurants.

WE ARE DOING GOD’S WORK!

While we come to serve and to offer our skills and time for Guatemalans in need, we will undoubtedly receive far more than we could ever give.