Serve with Us

Do you have a calling to serve? Want to make a difference in the lives of children in Guatemala? Join us!

About Guatemala

Guatemala Map Location

Guatemala is a country in Central American bordering Mexico and Belize to the north, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. With a population of 18.2 million as of 2021, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. Approximately 60% of the total population lives in poverty. Although most demographics in the country face poverty, indigenous communities feel the effects the most. Forever Changed International serves those families that are marginalized living in poverty and in crisis..

You can change a life. Join us in Guatemala for a week you’ll never forget and experience the difference you can make in the life of an orphan. 

TAKE A TRIP WITH US

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Become forever friends with the children of Dorie’s Promise Orphan Care Home
  • Serve families in crisis that call the Guatemalan Garbage dump home
  • Help transform the life of a family living in poverty through our family preservation program
  • Visit a government run orphanage to see what life is like for children living in institutionalized care
  • Experience the beauty of Guatemala through exciting sightseeing options
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A TRIP?

Please complete our inquiry form and one of our staff members will contact you within the next 24 -48 hours to discuss open trip dates as well as the process to apply.

WHAT IS THE TRIP COST AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?

The trip fee payable to Forever Changed International is $1,375 for a 7-day/6-night trip. This includes all in-country meals, transportation, housing, and assistance from our staff.

Airfare to Guatemala City from your home airport is not included. You are responsible for booking your airfare. Souvenirs, discretionary spending, and expenses incurred during travel are not included.

All mission trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please refer to complete trip terms and conditions.

WHAT IS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE?

No mission trip fees will be accepted until participants complete a required background check, are approved, and are confirmed.

$625 non-refundable deposit payment due upon application approval

$750 non-refundable final payment due 30 days before arrival

Please refer to complete trip terms and conditions.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE OF PARTICIPANTS?

Dorie’s Promise is open to individuals of all ages. Our teams are quite often filled with teens and adults, but we welcome families who desire to serve together as well. We are available to discuss our programs with you to help determine if your children are ready to visit Guatemala.

ARE BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED?

Yes. When you apply for participation on a trip with Forever Changed International, you will also consent to have a background check. The safety of our children, staff, and trip participants is a high priority—we require all participants to adhere to this policy.

DO I HAVE TO BE PART OF A LARGE TEAM TO GO ON A MISSION TRIP?

No, we offer limited individual/small group weeks throughout the year.  Participating with us during these weeks is a great way to meet new people from all over the United States and Canada. Inquire now to find out more about our opportunities for individuals and small groups to serve with us.

I AM A TEAM LEADER; HOW MUCH NOTICE IS NECESSARY TO BOOK MY TEAM TO TRAVEL DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?

Summer is the busiest time for our program. If you are interested in traveling during the summer months we recommend that you begin building your team at least six to twelve months in advance of your proposed date of travel.

Before building your team, you must be approved as a Team Leader and your trip dates must be confirmed by our Missions Director. Do not assume the week you want is available.

 Teams are limited to 20 people maximum, including Team Leaders.

WHAT TYPES OF GROUPS PARTICIPANTS HAVE TRAVELED WITH YOU ON A MISSION TRIP?

Church, youth, ladies, community and men’s groups, families, and individuals have been serving with us for over 10 years.

IS GUATEMALA SAFE FOR TRAVEL?

Forever Changed International takes precautions to make sure you are safe during your stay with us. Our dedicated trip staff in Guatemala stays aware of all political and social situations in the areas where we work. We only work exclusively in communities where we have longstanding relationships and feel safe. We never send teams into situations that will put their safety at risk. Additionally, we do not allow trip participants to travel outside our community alone. From the time you exit the airport you are accompanied by our staff—they are responsible for all of your travel within Guatemala as well. Our orphan care home as well as your accommodations are in a private, gated community with private security. During our daily trips we also have security who accompany us.

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA?

All visitors must abide by all current travel requirements, as defined by local governments and authorities and current COVID-19 protocols in effect at Dorie’s Promise. Read our COVID-19 policy here.

The Center for Disease Control and local governments may require vaccinations and/or testing for travel to Guatemala and return travel to your home country. Please consult local authorities for current vaccination and testing requirements. We also recommend that you consult your personal physician and be up-to-date on standard vaccinations.

TYPICAL TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1:   Bienvenido! Welcome to Guatemala. 

Your trip begins when you arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.  Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Guatemalan Trip Leader.  We partner with a small local hotel located a short drive from the airport to host our guests. This facility is conveniently located near our Orphan Care home, Dorie’s Promise.  We ask that you arrive after noon local time. Your evening will be spent unpacking and sorting your donations. Dinner will be served for all teams arriving before 10 pm.

Day 2: Meet the Children of Dorie’s Promise

Each day starts with a hearty breakfast. Day 2 activities begin by experiencing an uplifting worship service with our children at our local church.  Afterward, we will have lunch at Dorie's Promise and spend the afternoon on a special outing with our children.

Day 3:   Learn about the History and Reality of Guatemala

We firmly believe our visitors are impacted most when they approach their trip through the lens of learning. Guatemala's history is complicated - a mix of rich indigenous history, heavy Spanish influence, and modern international aspiration.

As a team, we'll spend the day traveling throughout Guatemala City and learning about the vast economic disparity plaguing the city.

Day 3's activities allow team members to experience the reality of poverty in Guatemala City. Some teams may visit a government orphanage and participate in activities with residents. Other activities may include visiting with local families who work in the Guatemala City landfill, exploring local organizations who work to educate underserved communities, and local fair trade organizations.

After returning to Dorie’s Promise in the afternoon; you will be involved in different activities with our children. Some groups prefer to organize their own special activities, while others count on us to have activities ready to go. Either way, it will be a wonderful afternoon getting to know and play with the children of Dorie’s Promise.

Days 4 and 5:   Serving Rural Families in Crisis

Today, you will travel about an hour outside of the city to work with families matched with your team before you left for Guatemala. The families we work with are at risk of being separated due to the poverty they are experiencing. These projects help families stay together and provide their basic needs—food, shelter, water, and clothing.

Previous projects have included: building homes and kitchens, installing stoves, small repairs, delivering water filters, pouring new concrete floors, and updating community facilities.

Before leaving, you’ll have the opportunity to present your projects and donations to the families you served.

    Day 6:   Enjoy the Beauty of Guatemala

    You’ll also spend time enjoying the beauty of Guatemala. Team Leaders will work with our Missions Coordinator to schedule an enjoyable experience for your team. Some options may include:

    • Sightseeing and shopping in historic Antigua Guatemala
    • Tour a coffee plantation
    • Hiking, horseback riding, and zip lining

    Your week will end with a special afternoon and evening of activities with our children at Dorie's Promise.

     

    Day 7:   Adios Amigos!  Thank you for serving with Us

    We hope you leave Guatemala FOREVER CHANGED by the work you did and the people you met. Thank you for serving with us. Our staff will transport you to the airport for your return flight. All teams will be taken to the airport by noon.

    COVID-19 HEALTH + SAFETY POLICY (as of October 10, 2022)

     

    As always, your health and safety is a shared responsibility; one that we take very seriously. We have adapted the mission trip experience to incorporate COVID-19 health and safety standards.

    Out of an abundance of caution, Forever Changed International:

    • Requires all mission trip participants to abide by all current travel requirements, as defined by local governments and authorities. This may include testing, vaccine requirements, masking, quarantine, etc. Mission trip participants are responsible for understanding and fulfilling these requirements.
    • Requires all mission trip participants to comply with current COVID-19 protocols in effect at Dorie’s Promise. This may include testing, social distancing, daily health screenings, pre-trip health questionnaires, etc. Failure to comply with these protocols may be grounds for participant removal from the facilities.
    • Require all mission trip participants to immediately report any illnesses or symptoms of COVID-19. In the event that a person starts to experience symptoms during the mission trip, he or she will be immediately quarantined from the rest of the group. Medical personnel will advise appropriate evaluation and treatment.

    If a mission trip participant tests positive for COVID-19 during their mission trip:

    • He or she will be immediately quarantined from the rest of the group.
    • If necessary, arrangements will be made for medical care at a local hospital.
    • All expenses resulting from exposure or illness are the financial responsibility of the participant.
    • If exposure or illness occurs at Dorie’s Promise, Forever Changed International reserves the right to immediately cancel or postpone all trips.

    If mission trips are canceled or postponed due to travel restrictions, your mission trip fees will be held as a credit in your name for a future trip. Your mission trip credit must be used within 36 months of your original mission trip dates. The availability of your desired travel dates in the future is not guaranteed. Mission trip dates and availability must be approved by the Missions Director. All mission trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

    PROTECT YOUR BOOKING WITH TRAVEL INSURANCE

    We highly recommend travel insurance (including cancellation coverage) for all mission trips. Travel is more disrupted than ever, and we want you to have the best possible travel experience despite these uncertainties. Travel insurance from a trusted, reliable carrier can give you the peace of mind you deserve in these challenging times. Since your mission trip is non-refundable, we strongly encourage you to include the full cost of your mission trip in your policy.

    MISSION TRIP TERMS + CONDITIONS (as of October 10, 2022)

    These Terms and Conditions apply to all mission trip participants, regardless of the date of payment. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them.

    By confirming your participation in a mission trip with Forever Changed International, you accept these Terms and Conditions. A mission trip is confirmed and becomes definite once your application is complete, your background check is approved, and we send you a confirmation email. Even after this initial confirmation, there may be changes to your mission trip. Forever Changed International reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time and without advance notice.

    PAYMENT SCHEDULE

    You may secure your spot in a mission trip by remitting your non-refundable deposit immediately upon application approval. Your non-refundable final payment is due no later than 30 days before arrival. Trips not paid in full 30 days prior to arrival may be canceled at the discretion of Forever Changed International. If you are approved for a mission trip less than 30 days before arrival, full payment is required immediately to secure your spot.

    All mission trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

    CANCELLATION BY YOU

    If you are unable to participate during your approved mission trip week, your mission trip fees will be held as a credit in your name for a future trip. Your mission trip credit must be used within 36 months of your original mission trip dates. The availability of your desired travel dates in the future is not guaranteed. Mission trip dates and availability must be approved by the Missions Director.

    All mission trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. For this reason, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance.

    CANCELLATION BY FOREVER CHANGED INTERNATIONAL

    Forever Changed International reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any mission trip for any reason, but will not cancel a mission trip less than 90 days before departure except for Force Majeure, natural disaster, pandemic, travel bans, civil unrest, or other unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside Forever Changed International’s control.

    When a trip is canceled by Forever Changed International before your arrival, your mission trip fees will be held as a credit in your name for a future trip. Your mission trip credit must be used within 36 months of your original mission trip dates. The availability of your desired travel dates in the future is not guaranteed. Mission trip dates and availability must be approved by the Missions Director.

    All mission trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. For this reason, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance.

    AIRFARE

    Forever Changed International mission trip fees do not include airfare. You are responsible for your airfare and are responsible for any non-refundable expenses you incur in the event we cancel a mission trip.

    TRAVEL + HEALTH INSURANCE

    Forever Changed International highly recommends you obtain travel medical insurance with a minimum medical coverage of $100,000. This insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses including, but not limited to, helicopter evacuation, air ambulance and repatriation. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience that may occur during travel.

    MEDICAL CONDITIONS + SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    You must notify us in writing during the application process of any medical conditions, pregnancy, disability or any other mental and or physical condition which may affect fitness to travel and/or any medical condition. This includes any symptoms of COVID-19 or your suspected exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Failure to notify us of such a medical condition may result in your being refused travel, in which case you are bound by the cancellation terms as laid out here.

    Some activities or mission trips may be unsuitable for you due to mobility, disability, pregnancy or physical or mental conditions. It is your responsibility to clear major medical issues with your doctor prior to applying. We may refuse clients with certain conditions. Forever Changed International is not required to provide any special facilities unless it has agreed to do so in writing. We do our best to meet clients’ special requests including dietary restrictions, but Forever Changed International is not liable for not providing these requests. Medical facilities vary from country to country and we make no representations and gives no warranties in relation to the standard of such treatment.

    EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND COSTS

    Evacuation costs are to be covered by the person being evacuated. You may file a claim with your travel insurance company to try to recoup any additional costs related to injury or illness treatment or travel.

    REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

    Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport required for entry, departure, and travel outside the U.S. (passport must be valid 6 months past the return date) and certificates including vaccination certificates (if required), insurance policies, etc. are required for the whole of the journey. The participant accepts full responsibility for obtaining all such documents prior to the start of the mission trip and is solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Any information or advice given by Forever Changed International regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy and Forever Changed International is not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided by third parties such as the appropriate governmental authorities.

    If other documentation is required by the country, state, or county (such as proof of vaccination, health declaration, affidavit, COVID-19 test results, etc.), we do our best to relay that information to you during the trip planning period. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to have all the required documents completed prior to departure.

    TRIP ITINERARY CHANGES

    Forever Changed International and its partners reserves the right to alter mission trip programs and itineraries due to weather, road conditions, local circumstances or events, which may include mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, political disputes, natural disasters, and other unforeseeable factors. This includes changes or cancellation of planned activities and any other aspect of the mission trip itinerary to ensure the safety of our participants and staff. We accept no responsibility for losses, expenses due to delays, changes of flights or other services because of strikes, accidents, sickness, damage, negligence, weather, war, natural disasters, changes in schedules, or other similar causes. Forever Changed International and its partners do not assume responsibility for accidents or deaths that can be traced to the participants’ negligence, acts of third parties, or exterior circumstances.

    SAFETY + TRIP ENJOYMENT

    We take your safety and well-being very seriously. However, you are ultimately responsible for your safety, which is why we ask all participants to sign a liability waiver before departure. To avoid possibly dangerous situations, it is extremely important that you obey any rules and regulations imposed by the Forever Changed International Leaders and/or Local Guides and instructions given by them.

    Forever Changed International reserves the right to prohibit any participant from continuing on a trip or participating in any activities, with no right of refund if, in our opinion, that participant’s actions pose a threat to their own safety or that of others, or seriously jeopardizes the enjoyment of the other participants. The decision of the Forever Changed International Leader or representative will at all times be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the trip. All participants must, at all times, strictly comply with all laws and customs, and Forever Changed International will not accept responsibility or liability for any participant who contravenes any laws or other regulations.

    PHOTOGRAPHY

    In the course of participation in a mission trip, photos or video may be taken by participants, your mission trip leader or guides. These images may be used in any Forever Changed International materials, website, Facebook, etc., unless you specifically request that we not use any material in which your image is depicted.  Otherwise, you agree to allow us to perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.