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San Lucas Mission

San Lucas Tóliman, Guatemala

March 3rd-10th, 2012 

"Spending this week in Guatemala was a life changing experience for me. Not only did I learn about myself in a deeper way, I had the opportunity to connect and relate to a culture very different from my own."
-2010 Participant
 

San Lucas Mission

 At San Lucas Mission, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Guatemalan culture, as well as build relationships with the community of San Lucas.  Father Greg, a Minnesota native and priest of San Lucas, is the founder of the mission.  Student work may include but is not limited to the following: assisting in cooperative community projects such as helping with the reforestation project, sorting coffee, assisting families on their land, and helping to restore buildings that are in desperate need of repair.

What to Expect:

• Travel:
  Students will be flying down to Guatemala. In past years flights have cost: $993 (2008), $473 (2009), $643 (2010), and $1,145 (2011).  Once there, transportation will be provided by San Lucas Mission.
• Lodging:
  The group will be staying in one of the hotels near the mission during the week.
• Food:
  The basic and traditional foods of Guatemala are beans, rice, meat, and tortillas.  Groups will eat a variety of these kinds of food and more at the mission.  Typically meals are provided at the mission so you have the opportunity to dine with other volunteers and guests from the mission.
• Work:
  Groups may be working in housing projects, reforestation, coffee bean processing, and more!  Their work will be based on whatever the community's needs are at that time.
• Dress:
  Groups are advised to wear light cotton clothes.  In the traditionally Mayan town, it is best to wear long shorts and skirts or pants and t-shirts.  A light jacket and raincoat are recommended.  Typical attire for a day is athletic shorts, t-shirts, and tennis shoes.  Bring items that can get dirty!
• Extra Fun!:
  Lake Atitlan is nearby although people may not swim in it, it is a stunningly beautiful view. There is also an opportunity for an excursion across the lake to other towns, such as Santiago or Panahachel.
• Focus:
  Cross-cultural awareness, poverty, intentional living

Interested in applying to co-lead or be a participant on the Border Trip?  Apply here to co-lead or here to participate!

Any questions about this trip can be directed to Alternative Break Experiences at abe@csbsju.edu