Livingston, Guatemala 

July 12 – July 26, 2006

Photo courtesy of Aventuras Vacacionales

Experience clear blue skies, palm trees, and the laid-back lifestyle of the Garifuna people in a village nestled along the Caribbean coast. Accessible only via boat, Livingston feels more like Jamaica than anyplace else in Guatemala. The Garifuna are descendents of Africans who escaped from the slave trade, and even today, their culture and language give this village its unique Caribbean character. As the first Global Village team to work with the Livingston affiliate, we look forward to making new friends, helping the affiliate grow, and – of course – building houses.

About Guatemala

Volcanic peaks, scenic coastlines and a forested mountain interior create the brilliance of the Guatemalan landscape. The third largest nation in Central America, Guatemala has a nearly 80 percent poverty rate, with a housing deficit above 1 million units in spite of a housing program promoting development of rural areas. Because of its geographic location, Guatemala is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, volcano eruptions and floods--all of which exacerbate an already desperate housing situation.

HFH Guatemala was established in 1979 and provides families in need with earthquake-resistant houses constructed of concrete floors, block walls and corrugated zinc roofs. A Habitat house in Guatemala typically replaces a makeshift structure that lacks a septic system, plumbing or electricity. Learn more on the Country Profile page.

Itinerary

July 12 – Arrival in Guatemala City
July 13 – Orientation and travel to Livingston
July 14 to 22 – Work with local affiliate
July 23 to 25 – R&R and travel to Antigua
July 26 – Depart for home

During down time from building, we will also engage in activities to get to know the local community and share time with the Habitat families in Livingston.

Accommodations

Our accommodations will be modest, with double occupancy rooms. We will eat breakfast and dinner in local restaurants and will either pack lunches and bottled water for the work site, or cook lunches together with the families.

Cost

The cost of this trip is $1,099 + round-trip airfare. This price includes lodging, food, ground transportation, cultural tours, traveler’s medical insurance, orientation materials and a donation to Habitat Guatemala. Participants will need to arrange and pay for transportation from their point of departure to Guatemala City, Guatemala. This arrangement should be done in consultation with the team leaders.

Team Leaders

Susi Havens-Bezaire and Dave Bezaire are excited to bring a diverse team to work with the Garifuna people and explore this unique Guatemala community. They have over fifteen years of Habitat experience in Columbus, Ohio, and have led Global Village teams to Ghana, Africa and Amecameca, Mexico. They welcome you to join the team for a rewarding and worthwhile experience. Learn more at the Team Leaders page.

For further information or to join us for an unforgettable vacation, please contact Dave Bezaire or Susi Havens-Bezaire by e-mail (Susi.HB.Ohio@gmail.com), by phone (614-210-0840), or by visiting web site www.ColumbusGVTeam.com.