Team Visits

What Teams Do

Everyone helps courier supplies from the U.S. After in-country orientation, teams accompany Mayan health workers and the Coordinator on 2- to 4-week "giras" (circuits) that, over the summer, will visit 18 rural Mayan communities--from isolated mountain settlements of the Ixil area to the Pacific coastal plain. We observe, record community data, collaborate with local health leaders and teachers, and continue the "intercambio cultural" (cultural exchange).

We accept hospitality from the communities and live at the same level as community members.

Health professionals work alongside Mayan health promoters, participating in "consultas" when requested. For the past 3 years, teams have also brought low-tech equipment to test for blood sugar levels and anemia in selected communities.

Participants

Team members must be respectful of indigenous cultures, flexible, and patient; comfortable about working with a non-proselytizing, faith-based group; in reasonably good physical and emotional health; and honest about how they respond to physical and emotional stress, fatigue, diet change, and loss of privacy.

Spanish-speaking and health backgrounds are bonuses.

Physical Demands

Depending on the "gira," physical demands vary from moderate to extremely strenous (7-9 hours on muddy, steep mountain trails). Altitudes vary from just above sea level to around 8,000 feet.

Best Team Size

Think small! We work well in 4 to 5 person teams, including a Mayan health leader, the Project Coordinator, a health professional, and others. Ideally, 3 of the 4 visitors will have functional Spanish.

Estimated Costs

Round-trip international air travel:

In-country costs (travel, lodging, food):

Donation for in-country group expenses:

Extras, personal, emergencies:

[costs based on past experience unless otherwise noted]

$500 to $740(2008)

$100+ per week

$75

$200 reserve

For more details

Contact Ila Abernathy, Program Coordinator, at ilaa@mindspring.com