🇬🇹 The Forgotten People
Mission Trip Rules & Guidelines
Welcome to Guatemala and to our home. We are deeply honored that you’ve chosen to come serve alongside us. This is not just a mission trip — it’s an opportunity to love, to serve, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to children who have come from unimaginable circumstances.
Please remember: you are stepping into our home, not just a mission project. Every space, every child, and every moment here is sacred. We ask that you treat our home as you would a friend’s home — with care, humility, and gratitude.
These guidelines exist not to restrict you, but to protect you, the children, and the ministry that God has built here.
We are so excited for your upcoming trip! This experience is truly life-changing, and we want to make sure you feel prepared, safe, and confident before you arrive.
Below are some important things to know and answers to common questions:
1. Safety & Communication
For everyone’s safety and coordination, we ask that all team members download and join Life360 before the trip.
This allows us to:
• Know where everyone is at all times
• Ensure quick response in case of emergencies
• Keep the team organized and accounted for
This is not about control, it’s about protection and stewardship of every person on the trip.
2. Money & Spending
Please bring a debit card with you.
Instead of exchanging U.S. dollars beforehand:
• You can use ATMs in Guatemala
• Your debit card will automatically withdraw Guatemalan Quetzales
This is the easiest and most efficient way to access money during your stay.
3. House & Respect Guidelines
Our orphanage is a living, working home. Please respect daily routines, clean up after yourself, and follow leadership instructions.
Remain humble, teachable, and flexible throughout your trip.
While rare, if a rule is broken or a serious concern arises, our ministry reserves the right to make decisions that may include asking a participant to return to Guatemala City and travel home.
This decision would never be made out of anger or punishment, but from wisdom, love, and a desire to protect the unity, safety, and integrity of the home.
4. Understanding Our Team
Each member of our orphanage staff plays a unique, God-given role. Some express love through gentleness and nurturing, while others show love through structure, correction, and discipline.
Please understand — both are equally loving and necessary.
Strong structure provides safety, healing, and growth for our children. Every rule, every correction, and every hug is done prayerfully with their best interest at heart.
5. Child Safety & Boundaries
Never be alone with a child. Always have another adult or team member present.
No child should ever sit on your lap, for any reason. This protects both you and the child.
Avoid favoritism or isolating individual children — each one deserves equal love and attention.
When giving out gifts (candy, toys, etc.), make sure every child receives something.
Avoid rough play, chasing, or tickling — certain behaviors may trigger trauma responses.
Always interact with gentleness, patience, and love.
Please note that 96% of our children have been either sexually abused, physically abused or emotionally abused in some way shape or form.
Please note: There are security cameras throughout the orphanage, including common areas, outdoor spaces, and hallways. These are in place to protect both the children and our visitors. Cameras ensure safety, accountability, and transparency for everyone within the home.
6. Focus of the Mission
Please don’t focus on what your calling is or what your specific job might be. Simply loving the children is more powerful than any skill or title.
Even if you don’t know the language, your presence, your smile, and your kindness speak louder than words.
God doesn’t need your ability — He desires your availability.
So, relax. Be present. Spend time with the children. Sit with them. Listen. Laugh. Love. That’s ministry at its purest.
7. Privacy & Media Policy
You may take photos and videos, but please blur the children’s faces before posting publicly.
Do not use names or share personal stories online.
Do not tag the orphanage or ministry location in any post.
If you’re unsure about sharing something, ask leadership first.
8. Financial Integrity & Promises
If you feel led to give financially or help with a project, please talk with leadership first.
Do not make personal promises or financial commitments directly to children, staff, or families.
All giving should go through the orphanage’s financial leadership to ensure transparency and fairness.
9. Dress Code & Personal Conduct
Dress modestly at all times. Avoid low-cut, tight, or short clothing.
No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco of any kind.
No romantic relationships or public displays of affection.
Respect nightly curfews and team schedules.
Always conduct yourself in a way that honors Jesus and protects the integrity of our ministry.
10. Safety, Travel & Packing
Always stay with your group — never wander off alone.
Do not give personal contact information to locals or children.
Internet is available at the orphanage for family communication.
Pack light. We recommend bringing one personal bag and one small backpack only.
We can wash clothes in Guatemala as needed.
Packing light helps us travel efficiently, avoid delays, and prevent luggage from being lost or delayed by airlines.
Our village is fully sustained, meaning:
There are local stores available. You can purchase:
• Soap
• Toiletries
• Basic necessities
So if you forget something, don’t worry, you’ll have access to what you need.
11. Weather & What to Wear
Our village is located in Canillá, Guatemala. Please:
• Keep an eye on the weather leading up to your trip so you can pack accordingly
• Be prepared for mostly warm weather during the day
• It can get a little chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings
• The higher we go into the mountains, the cooler it gets, so bring layers just in case
12. Timeliness & Team Coordination
We ask that everyone be respectful and mindful of time during your stay.
When leadership gives a time to meet, depart, or gather for meals, please make every effort to be punctual.
Transportation in Guatemala often relies on tight schedules and coordinated travel plans.
Being late can cause unnecessary delays, confusion, and even additional costs for the group.
Arriving early is a sign of respect for your team and for those who serve and drive us throughout our time here.
Please be ready at designated times and help ensure that we move together in unity, peace, and excellence.
13. Medical & Emergency Funds
There is an American-style hospital in our village for any medical needs or emergencies. You are responsible for:
• Your own health insurance
• Any medical expenses that may occur
We highly recommend confirming your coverage before traveling.
Please note: The Forgotten People and its affiliates are not financially responsible for any medical, personal, or travel-related emergencies during your trip.
14. Health & Emotional Well-Being
If you begin feeling unwell — whether physically or mentally — please confidentially speak with leadership immediately.
We are here to support and care for you. Do not try to push through sickness, exhaustion, or emotional heaviness on your own.
We love you, and we want to ensure that both your health and spirit are cared for throughout the trip.
15. Flexibility & Unity
Guatemala can be unpredictable — plans, schedules, and weather often change quickly.
Please stay flexible, patient, and full of grace.
Mission work can be physically and emotionally demanding, but we ask that you fight for unity above all.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3
If conflict or tension arises, handle it privately, prayerfully, and with love.
16. Spiritual Focus
This trip is about presence, not performance.
Spend time daily in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving.
Encourage one another. Let everything you do reflect the heart of Jesus.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” — Ephesians 6:7
17. Liability Acknowledgment
By participating in this mission trip, you acknowledge that The Forgotten People, its directors, volunteers, staff, and affiliates are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, accidents, theft, loss of property, or other incidents that may occur during your travel or stay in Guatemala.
Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. You agree to hold harmless and release The Forgotten People and all affiliated entities and individuals from any liability related to participation in this mission trip.
18. Emergency Contact Information
If your family or friends need to reach you while you are in Guatemala in the case of an emergency only, they may contact:
Kyle Ewald
📞 Phone: +1 (214) 886-2995
📧 Email: kh@helloewald.com
This phone number is active and fully functional while in Guatemala. Calls and texts will go directly through to Kyle, and he will relay any urgent messages as needed.
19. Becoming an Advocate
Our prayer is that when you step into our home, you don’t just come for a week — you leave as an advocate.
We pray that your heart will be moved to continue serving and supporting our children long after you return home.
We also pray that you become a voice — someone who tells your friends, family, and church about the work God is doing here, inviting them to get involved as well.
We need your support more than you may ever know. The Bible tells us that “when you care for the orphan and the widow, He will reward you.” — James 1:27
So we are unashamed in asking: please continue to pray, to give, and to help us sustain this home. Together, we can change generations.
Final Word
This trip is more than just travel, it’s a mission. You are stepping into a community, building relationships, and being part of something that truly matters.
We are honored to have you with us and can’t wait to experience this together.
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!