MEMORIES OF GUATEMALA 2006

Suggestions from our Host

ITEMS TO BRING FOR YOUR BUILD WEEK

• Sturdy work shoes or boots--Shoes on the work site MUST be close-toed. Don’t forget comfortable shoes or sandals to change into after
• Old clothing for the work site (Shorts must be knee-length or below. Tank tops are NOT allowed on the worksite)
  o Please note that you will be able to leave all clothing that you do not want to take back home with the affiliate as a donation. They will then distribute it throughout the community as they see fit. And it’s a double bonus, as you will then have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
• Work gloves
• Hat and bandana for sun protection
• A very cool and light long sleeve shirt for sun protection (especially if you are building in the
  east of the country)
• Protective goggles (at least one pair per house)
• Old sunglasses
• Mosquito repellent (especially for tropical/coastal locations)
• Sunscreen and plenty of it. The sun is a LOT stronger down here, even if it is a cloudy day
• Rain gear like plastic ponchos
• A water bottle with a wide mouth that is easy to refill

o If you get sick of the (lack of) flavor of water, bring flavor packets to add to your water bottle. Anything to keep you hydrated!

• Duct Tape and a Sharpie marker for name tags
• First aid kit (the team leader is in charge of having one per worksite)
• A bathing suit in case your hotel has a pool
• One nice(r) outfit for a dinner in Antigua, not too fancy but not building clothes!
• If you are a coffee addict, bring a thermos to fill up in your hotel in the morning and
  bring to the worksite with you.
• If you have an allergy to bee stings, nuts, etc. please bring your epi-pen!
• Any necessary medications
• If you’re vegetarian, have specific dietary restrictions, or are a picky eater, bring
  peanut butter, power bars or snacks!!!
• Handy wipes/moist towellettes or hand sanitizer come in handy before lunch on the
  worksite
• Bubbles, balloons or other fun things for the kids on the worksites. These can then be donated to a local school or to the affiliate at the end of the week.
• Guatemala is a LOUD country. Sometimes, you will feel like you just can’t escape the noise. Pack Ear Plugs if you’re a sensitive sleeper
• If you don’t have your cell phone, pack some kind of small alarm clock. The roosters aren’t too reliable!
• Chocolate (to share with GV Guatemala staff!!) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Videos

  Recommended Pre-trip Media
  
  

  • The Global Village Experience http://vimeo.com/12123626
  • Our Towns Global Village Project http://www.vimeo.com/20910518
  • AMWAY in Zacapa http://youtu.be/6uTLfEW0WoE
  • The First Presbyterian Church of Bend in San Lucas Tolimán http://vimeo.com/63696522 • University of Oregon in Zacapa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVsOgqX7Tv0
  
  Movies
  
  

  • When the Mountains Tremble
    
  • El Norte
    
  • La Hija del Puma
    
  • Todos Santos: The Survivors (Documentary)
    
  • Who’s Counting: Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies, and the Global Economy (National Film
    Board of Canada)
    
    Links
    • Local Press (Spanish) www.prensalibre.com
    • INGUAT National tourist agency http://www.visitguatemala.com/soyparati/es/portada/
    Books
    

  • I, Rigoberta Menchú Trans. By Elizabeth Burgos-Debray
    
  • Bitter Fruit by Stephen Schlesinger
    
  • ¿QUÉ ONDA VOS? By Juan Carlos Martinez (English guide to Guatemalan slang written by
    a language school director)
    

     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Travel Advisory

http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guatemala

TRAVEL TIPS

TRAVEL TIPS

Preliminary needs:

 Passport:         Scan a copy and send it to Paul at tpmack@rogers.com

Health card:    Scan a copy and send it to Paul at tpmack@rogers.com

We will have all the copies with the emergency kit in case of injuries.

 See your local travel clinic re. Shots and meds

2) Packing:

Less is better. Split luggage to include a day’s essentials in carry-on.

Baggage loss and delay is getting common. (No complaining allowed).

Suggested inclusions:

-          Two pairs work pants, two long sleeve work shirts

-          one pair khaki or casual slacks, or skirt, dress tops, shirts for dinner, R&R and travel

-          basic first aid kit, tweezers, travel wipes, hand sanitizer

-          A couple of pairs work gloves, one pair casual/hiking shoes, one pair work shoes or boots (open shoes not allowed on site),

-          wide brimmed hat: Tilley-type, (sunstrokes and dehydration  do occur)

-          sunglasses or safety glasses; bathing suit, sunscreen, bug repellant

-          special foods or medications; travel alarm, tiny flashlight; rain poncho,

-          Spray on sun block is much easier to use on the build site

-          A water bottle that you can refill on the build site

-          Electrolytes replacements..they are available in “jellybean” form, they work great on those days when the tummy is just not right!!!

-          Some snacks of choice (snack or protein bars)

4) Not recommended:

Gifts or toys for locals, on one-to-one basis

On the job sites, Shorts (officially they say no shorts, we have had no trouble with the cargo type shorts) tank tops, halter tops, high heels expensive jewelry, expensive cameras, or video cameras

5) Donations:

 Gifts, tools, books, or toys…may be made through the local affiliate on a group, not individual, basis. It is customary to leave excess clothing behind upon departure.  

6) Research:

http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guatemala

GUATEMALA - Exercise a high degree of caution

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Guatemala. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the violence, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur periodically throughout the country.

Emergency services

Dial 110 or 120 for police, 122 or 123 for the fire department and ambulance services. It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources and are often corrupt. National police officers do not speak English. PROATUR officers are able to provide assistance in English.

7) The weather:

Natural Disasters & Climate

Forest Fires

Forest fires often occur from November to June. Even though they can happen anywhere, they usually affect the department of Peten. In the event of a major fire, you should follow the instructions of local emergency services, particularly with regard to evacuation procedures. Monitor local media for updated information.

Hurricane and rainy seasons

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Centerprovides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Flash floods and mudslides are common occurrences, causing temporary road closures. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Seismic activity

Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in hotels and public and private buildings, and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an earthquake.

Volcanoes

The Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito volcanoes present consistently moderate activity which is considered to be within normal parameters. Monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media and amend travel arrangements accordingly. Hiking on volcanoes should be done only with a reputable tour company that tracks volcanic activity. Follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an explosion or eruption.

8) Money: US dollars!!

VISA, Mastercard, and Bank Card. In most places, one of these three works in ATMs , for cash withdrawals. American Dollars are also recommended.  American Express and Traveller’s Cheques are not popular.

9) Waters and Diet:

Bottled water is provided, free, continuously. Katadyn water treatment bottles are handy, if you bring them.  If it isn’t cooked or peeled, don’t eat it.

Smile, and expect the unexpected!!!

Coban

The following information was located on Wikitravel.

Coban 

is a city in the Alta Verapaz department of the Central Highlands region of Guatemala.

Get in

The most common way to get to Coban from Guatemala City is using the Monja Blanca bus service from the capital, approximately four hours. There are also competitors, as well as more expensive shuttles. A ticket to Coban on the Monja Blanca costs about 55 Quetzales per person (according to January 2012).

The real magic is all the villages the spread all over. On the the way, all the mountains are covered with beautiful Mayan villages. If you are looking for adventure, just ask some locals from Coban about the villages. In Spanish pueblos like Tactic, Tomtem, Yoho, you will discover a new world.

From the Western Highlands, regular microbuses run from Quiche to Sacapulas to Uspantin to Coban (you will probably have to change buses in each town). The road between Uspantin and Coban is only paved about half way, and has some rough stretches. Travel time (in 2010), including time spent waiting for buses, is about 6 hours from Quiche to Coban and 2.5 hours from Uspantan to Coban.

Get around

Coban is a relatively walkable city in terms of size (sidewalk conditions are horrible, however, and you should always assume that cars will take the right of way). For local destinations around Coban, there are buses that leave in front of Plaza Magdalena. You can take a taxi almost anywhere around town for Q20 for something like 5 Kilometers. Always get in the taxis that are marked with a Taxi number on the door, the unmarked ones are not licensed to work as a taxi. Another option is to take a bus (collectivo) that start from coban and finish at the nearest villages like Tactic, San cristobal and etc.

See

By walking on the street from the Parque Center to the terminal Market you will fell the Spirit of the Mayan, Workers from the nearest village that surrounding Coban come to the city in the morning to work and leave afternoon. The people all over, their smile on the morning and Saying hallo at afternoon are the view.

the Main Cathedral at the town Center. Semuc Champey about two hours from Coban - There are private tours you can hire to get there that contains also visiting the Caves in lanquin. On 1 Avenida there are several tours guide.

You don't have to book tours or walk around with your nose buried in your LP guidebook to figure all this out. I f you want to go to Champey, hop on a colectivo across from Plaza Magdalena (a big yellow shopping mall - everyone knows it, just ask) and go to Lanquin; get off there, hit up the dudes at El Zapote immediately to your right when you get off for a free ride down to Las Marias hostel, and pay 15Q for a mattress and 15Q for a tour. Simple as that.

Do

Every Sunday there is a small crafts market in the center of town. Be sure to offer a lower price or ask what the sellers best price is. Same goes for the market behind the cathedral. Take a tour around and buy some of the local clothing. A Huipil, or women's woven and sometimes embroidered shirt can go for as much as 500 Quetzales / $50 USD or more depending on the quality and detail of the work, so don't be surprised if it seems like a high price for a non-tailored shirt. More simple styles can be found for about 100 Quetzales.

Team Members

The 2013 Guatemala Team 

TONY BENNETT

Hola.  This will be trip number eight to Central America.  Thank you Joe McGuire for introducing Habitat to Carolyn and I.  This will also be trip number five co-leading with Paul MacKillop.  This year's team has twenty-four members with sixteen veterans and eight rookies.  I am happy to have my wife Carolyn join me again and our daughter Lauren on her first Habitat build. I look forward to returning to Guatemala as it was the destination of the first build I did with Uncle Joe in 2006.

Paul MacKillop:

Hola! My name is Paul MacKillop and this will be the 5th build for Tony and I as team leaders. I'm from Ottawa Ontario and I'm married with no kids. I can't wait to land in Guatemala and get to work. Looking forrward to experiencing Guatemala with this great team of ours!

Tad and Mark Pierscianowski

Tad Pierscianowski is a Dermatologist who has been practising in Ottawa for over 28 years. He is a Brit with a strong Polish heritage who immigrated to Canada from England in 1977. He served with the CAF for 20 years. This is his second trip so he is no longer a newbie. Tad is looking forward to spending time with old friends again and meeting new ones.

Mark Pierscianowski graduated this year with an Honours in Communication and a Minor in Business from U of O. He is presently working with Cineplex. Mark is going to be the newbie this time. He is looking forward to the experience, having heard so many positive comments from his younger brother Jake, who was in Nicaragua last year.

The photo is of us hiking in the Tatry Mountains, Poland last May.


Jeff Darwin:

I was born into an entrepreneurial family in Ottawa, where I continue to reside with my wife of 24 years. Together, Wendy and I have raised three great kids and brilliant student/athletes: Brad (Aerospace Engineering – Carleton University), Jackie (Nursing –Queens University), and Allie (Journalism – University of King’s College). This will be my 5th Habitat build in Central America. When I get a chance I love to fly small aircraft.

Dave Gervais:

Hello fellow “Habitatters”. My name is Dave Gervais and I live in Ottawa, ON. I am married with 1 daughter (25 years old) who is currently in college. During the week, I work at TD Commercial Bank…+ 25   years. I love to travel and meet new people, experience new cultures, foods etc…. In my spare time I enjoy playing soccer and golf.

I’ve been on several trips with Tony and there is never a dull moment. This is trip will be my 5th with Team Bennett and MacKillop. I look forward to seeing my friends from last year’s trip and meeting those new for this year.

Ron Wiltshire


Me llamo Ron. I am a 56 year old Occupational Therapist. I have two grown boys (ages 24 and 22, just finishing school – yahoo). I have a lovely, supportive wife. I am looking forward to the adventure, and to getting dirty.

Jane Marie Obst

Well...    Here we are getting ready to bring this great team to Guatemala and lend a hand where it is most needed. 
This will be my 3rd trip with this hardworking group and I am looking forward to again making a small difference to big need. 
I am always amazed and truly appreciate the internal reboot I get from being part of this team and from the great  work we are
able to accomplish. Looking forward to working and reconnecting with team members I know and new team members 
I am sure I will get to know.   :-)) 

Jill Woodley Tessier

For those who don't know me, I am a young at heart idealist with a Maritime sense of humour and a great appreciation for life.

I started building in 2010 and have not looked back.  I have been so thankful to share these builds with two of my three daughters, Morgan and Grace and I cannot wait to share with my youngest, Kyra in the next couple of years.  It has been a truly unique experience that we have shared as a family, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity.

It was the enthusiasm I felt from my husband, Chris, when he returned from his build in 2009 that inspired me to take the challenge and join the team.

The best decision I have ever made.

In my day to day life I help people affected by HIV/AIDS find housing, hope and compassionate care.  I believe that a home is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right.

Building homes in Central America has changed the core of our family and it has been a honour to work side by side with so many incredible people.

Our hearts are enriched year after year, and each time we take back far more than we could possibly give.

Nos vemos pronto en Guatemala!

Jill Woodley

Cheryl Pettit:

"This year is #4!  I feel so blessed to have found this group.  Never thought I could say that I love shovelling, but it never feels like work being with this crew.  Can't wait to see you all again....."

Cheers, Cheryl

CAROLYN COLLINS BENNETT

Greetings. My name is Carolyn Collins-Bennett. This will be my 4th Habitat Adventure with Tony and Paul.  Habitat has been a wonderful experience for our family, and extended family. Tony and I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. During the day I am an elementary school teacher (grade 6). My hobbies include running, skiing, reading, yoga, gardening and just staying busy. I love being outdoors during all seasons. I enjoy meeting new people and I look forward to being thrown into the culture of Guatemala.  One of the highlights of our Habitat trips is the teamwork.  Last trip I was part of  the circle to make cement on the ground.  It was an amazing feeling as we all turned and shoveled until we had the right consistency of cement.  What teamwork!   

RITA CONTI

Hello Fellow Habitaters! I am looking forward to another trip with Tony and Paul. I was born and raised in Ottawa. I`ve been married to Steve Ryan for 18 years and have two children, Liam, age 13 and Sarah, age 11. When I`m not shuttling kids to hockey and ringette, I spend my days working as an Information Assistant in the Animal Health Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. I was on the last two trips to El Salvador and Nicaragua with Tony and Paul. It was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am looking forward to seeing everyone from last year and meeting all of you new to the team. Much fun and adventure to be had!


BARRY MACKILLOP

Hello all! My name is Barry MacKillop and I was born and raised in Hull along with my little brother Paul . ! After working for over twelve years with the Youth Services Bureau in Ottawa and a couple of years addressing youth and violence issues in Ottawa, I took a position with the federal government. I currently work as the Deputy Director with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. I have been lucky to share my life for the last thirty with a beautiful and wonderful woman and we have two teenagers to keep us busy. This will be my 5th build and I am looking forward to what promises to be a great experience.


JOHN LINDSAY

Chris,John,Dave G. and Dave T.

This is my 5th trip with Habitat for Humanity. Tony first introduced me to the experience  and I had to go back. The smiles on all the faces during the week we there just makes your day. 
During the week I work with BMO Harris Private Banking as an Investment Counsellor. I am married and unfortunately my wife Gail can not attend this trip. We have one son named Grant who is 16 years old. 
My other main responsibility is driving Grant from one soccer practice to the other 52 weeks out of the year. Looking forward to meeting everyone shortly.  That's me in the shorts.

CHRIS TESSIER

Hola my friends! I’m Chris Tessier and this will be my 6th build with the stellar Bennett/MacKillop leaders and I can’t begin to tell you what these trips have meant to me. You not only build homes, you build friendships that last a lifetime. Again this year I am lucky to have my beautiful wife Jill along for the experience.  Looking forward to seeing this beautiful country and leaving some sweat behind. I am an avid volunteer in my community and love it, but there is something to be said about challenging your horizon and going global too. I am always inspired by the incredible people along the way.


JOE MCGUIRE 

Hi Everyone!

 I am very excited about joining this terrific team for a second time. This will be my twelfth build, including three Habitat builds in South America, three previous Guatemala builds, and a Fuller Foundation Build in Haiti.

 Guatemala is special in many ways that soon become obvious: for its rugged beauty, its high, steaming, volcanic peaks, its Spanish colonial towns, and above all…its wonderfully receptive people (all with stories to tell). Here, in my first two builds, I learned a new art of ‘volcano-building’……….and waiting for just the right formula in preparing mortar. We ‘Type A’s’ have much to learn.  

 It was here that I learned to ‘do it their way’. In that vein, I always return from a Habitat trip having learned and received much more than I gave. What a rush!

Antigua is the quintessential Spanish colonial town. It grows on you. An awesome place for R&R!

Looking forward to high intensity euchre sessions….

(Oh…about me…I am a former secondary school teacher, currently, a realtor, married to a patient wife, Joyce, with five wonderful kids).

Thanks, Tony and Paul for having me aboard!

BRIAN GERVAIS:

Hi all!   I’m Brian Gervais and I live in Halifax Nova Scotia with my wife and three daughters (two are going to high school and I have one daughter in university in Boston).  My favourite family member is pictured with me – that’s Charlie dog a seven year old Golden Retriever who loves to walk, swim and EAT.  I work for TD Canada Trust looking after retail branches in Atlantic Canada.  This is my second build after having the good fortune of joining this group last year in Nicaragua – I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again!  In my spare time, I like to play a little golf and watch a fair amount of sports!

Alan Shayanpour

Hello all, I'm Alan Shayanpour and I live in Stittsville, Ontario.  I am a 52 Years old

Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering grad from Carleton University 1983 with three grown up kids.

Over the years I have worked at Nortel, JDS Uniphase, Tybenkour Consulting services

before starting a small company with some really smart people in the Medical field, We are known as SPARTAN BIOSCIENCE INC.

I love golf and flying single engine airplanes as well as helping people out and am really looking forward to meeting everyone on the trip to Guatemala.

Lisa Moore:

Hello all! My name is Lisa and I am a very excited to be able to join the Bennett/MacKillop team with Habitat for Humanity in Guatemala. I am a family physician having practiced in Ottawa for over 20 years now. I am also a happy mother of 5 kids; 2 of my own and 3 of my partner, Mike; 4 boys and a girl ranging in age from 9-17!! And my son Patrick, the oldest, will be joining our team in Guatemala with me. We are a very busy household as all 7 of us play hockey, ski, play baseball and most other sports you can imagine! I am thrilled to be able to return to Central America as I spent two years there with Canadian Crossroads International living and working in Costa Rica back in the 80's. This was a life changing experience for me and look forward to being immersed in the community of Alta Verapaz!! "Life is a team" and everything about Habitiat brings out that in us all. See you soon!

Patrick Wells:

Hello Everyone…!

My name is Patrick Wells. I am 17 years old and am very excited to be joining you on this trip to Guatemala! I am from Ottawa, Ontario where I live with my mom Lisa Moore (who is also on this trip), my step-dad, my sister, and three step brothers. I am active in several sports and extra curricular activities like Offbeat (which is like Stomp). My current plan for post-secondary education is to go into health or environmental sciences. Can't wait to meet everyone and get building!

Jennifer McLinton and Mike Hudson:

Hi everyone!  My name’s Jen McLinton.   I’m 43 years old and live in Russell, ON.   I love travel, reading, being active and anything to do with the outdoors. This is my first Habitat build and it’ll be my first time to Guatemala.  I`m fortunate to be sharing this life changing experience with  Mike, my better half.  I`m really looking forward to meeting you all, working hard and getting my hands dirty!

Hola! After saying for many years “I should”, finally now I’m saying “I am”. I am very excited to be joining you all this year for my first Habitat build.  My name is Mike Hudson and at 54 years old, I guess it was getting to the point that it’s either now or never.   Here’s looking forward to making a difference in Guatemala. I’m very happy to be sharing this great experience with Jennifer McLinton. Thanks Paul and Tony, for this great opportunity. Cheers!

Lauren Bennett

Adriana Rivera