All of us will be working in a poor developing country environment. Generally equipment in Guatemala is extremely limited. While this clinic is well equipped due to a multitude of donations to Spirit Education Foundation and from a wonderful Rotary grant, we will not have everything you are used to. Sometimes, we have to improvise and make do.

However, know that our clinic is tremendously better equipped than most such clinics due to the generosity of many donors.

We are "RICH AMERICANS" visiting a very poor region. We will not flaunt our wealth by dressing up or hanging out of the car window with our cameras. These people are warm hearted and loving, not Zoo animals on display.

Also, repeatedly displaying our cameras and other expensive gear makes targets of us. We must be discrete for our protection and to respect them. Enjoy taking photos carefully and discretely. 

I have been working with the local Rotarians and Finca owner and host, Tony to improve our experience. It has been a bit of a challenge, but they now realize our stomachs are tender. I suggest we take the advice of Rotarian Dr. Ramirez, who runs Rotary medical missions and has his volunteers take 1 Cipro daily while in Guatemala to prevent tummy troubles.

When assistance is needed, we will try to accommodate that need, but much of the time, you may be working independently. Our scholarship girls do their best to assist. There will be plenty for everyone to do and everyone is important to make this a success.

My job as facilitator  at the clinic will be to make your experience as rewarding as possible, given we will be working in an extremely poor region of Guatemala. We may encounter water problems and electrical outages, although we do have back-up systems in place.

We will be staying at either a 150 year old finca or farm near the clinic site or a family hotel 40 minutes away. At the finca, they are helping us by allowing some “deluxe” rooms in the owner’s house. The Economy finca lodging is in small dorm style rooms, used by many groups from the US and Canada. These accommodations are not equivalent to 4 star bed and breakfasts in the US.

While the finca owner is upgrading the hot water delivery and hopefully beds, this is a poor country and time has a different meaning. They are so happy to have us helping the poor, but can not always provide what we are used to. It doesn’t exist down there.

In the economy priced trip, expect scout camp accommodations and you will be pleasantly surprised.

The other alternative is the family hotel in Coatepeque, which will be hotter, as it is at a lower altitude. We will try to pick the option as preferred by the majority of the group. We will not split the group up.

Unexpected situations will arise, but we have tremendous support from Rotarians and others in the area, who are also dedicated to making this a wonderful experience.

Generally, this trip is on the strenuous side. The work and travel may be tiring for you. If you have extreme physical limitations, this will not be the trip for you.

Please let me know if you have any other special needs.

Any further questions, please contact me directly.

               480-836-9946,   info@dentalcare-vols.org

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Donate supplies for the clinic and the teams going down there. Please write or call for the "needs" list.  

2. VOLUNTEER 5 days of your time in the clinic in Colomba Guatemala.

3. Enjoy great food and relaxing evenings on a 150 year old coffee, macadamia & cheese finca (estate).

4. Meet the girls and children who need your help. Be a hero...

5. Have 4 days traveling escorted through the wonderful land of the Maya, see Spanish history, volcanoes & a huge crater lake.

6. Save Teeth; Save Smiles

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