Is the water safe to drink?
Absolutely not! We provide purified water for all drinking and cooking needs. Please bring an empty water bottle along to fill from our large containers.

What is the trip duration?
Unless otherwise stated all experiences are 8 days long. Two are travel days, three are building days, and two are village ministry days. The last day before leaving is used for helping us prepare for the next team, free time and possibly to finished up projects started earlier in the week.

How do I book a trip?
Please contact Heidi via heidi@paradisebound.org for open dates, and additional booking information. Email is always your surest way of communication, but can still take a few days.

What will we eat?
American style food is prepared by our staff using purified water. A few common meals are pancakes, spagetti, lasagna, and sandwiches. Noon building site meals are also prepared by our staff, but will be more traditional (awesome) Guatemalan meals.

Besides the trip fees, what expenses will I personally incur?
If you do not have a passport will you will need to obtain one. Start his process at least 2-3 months before your departure date. While in Guatemala there will be only a few optional expenses. Generally a group will chose to eat at a resturant or order pizza 1-3 times per trip, each meal cost $5-$8, but participants can chose to eat all meals at the mission base. You will have time on your free day to visit the local market for souveniors. Group participants have spent any where from $20 to $200. Also water and juice is provided at the mission base and worksite free of charge. We also have pop available but ask that particapants cover that cost of $.50 per can/bottle. Participants will also have two travel days and may want to purchase something to eat or drink at the airport. There will be no "mandatory" expenses once you are in Guatemala.

Besides the per person fee, what expenses will our team incur?
There is also a fee of $900. per home built. We recommend building one home per every 4-6 group members. Example; a team of 30 would build 5 houses, a team of 20 would build 4. There are also option expenses to help cover the cost of medicine and bibles given out in the villages.

Do I need to know spanish?
Absolutely not! Though spanish will help you communicate, we actually like it if you cannot. If you do not speak spanish, you cannot hide behind your words like we do so often. Smile and they will smile, love and they will love! You'll be amazed at how God opens up your life and theirs through the lack of communication!

Do I need building experience?
Certainly helps, but absolutely not needed. We have designed these homes so anyone, young, old, or anywhere in between can help with the construction, just come ready to be used and changed!

Will I have to speak in front of crowds or share my testimony or share Jesus Christ verbally?
Though that opportunity may present itself, no one is forced to do any of the above. Many church going team members come to Guatemala not really having a great relationship with Jesus Christ and therefore cannot share their testimony or relationship. For others it may scare them to death. We have also had those who never thought they would share, do so and have their lives and those lives listening changed forever!

Will I have to share at devotions?
No! Yet, many who never do, can't contain themselves by weeks end!

Will my life be changed?
I have not met one of the thousands who God has called to Gautemala leave here without leaving part of their heart. If you allow, God will change you beyond what you can imagine right now. You do not have to be perfect, or even have a relationship with Him right now, but if you are open, HE will embrace and lead you home!