In 2009, Orchard Ridge UCC partnered with First United Methodist on a construction trip to El Salvador. For this reason, we are letting ORUCC members and friends know about this upcoming trip.
First United Methodist Church’s International Ministry Team invites members of First Church’s community and other interested persons to join us in constructing Habitat for Humanity (HFH) houses in the Getsemani Community in Ahuachapán, El Salvador, in February 2012.
Our vision is that this be more than a one week vacation. We intend it to be an educational, spiritual and community building experience for all participants. Our expectation is that all members of the trip will participate as fully as possible in all aspects of the experience, including team meetings before the trip and sharing after the trip.
This short term mission trip is part of a 3 year project to help the Getsemani Community engage in holistic community development. Partners in the project include Getsemani’s community development association, HFH El Salvador, Thrivent Builds, and various North American churches. See http://habitatelsalvador.wordpress.com/ for details.
Who may join the team: The trip is open to anyone supporting Habitat for Humanity’s work. No construction expertise required. Physical activities revolve around constructing a re-enforced cinderblock house. Multiple members of a family are welcome. Fluency in Spanish is welcome but not necessary.
Tentative Itinerary: Two team meetings in Madison, one in January and one in February. February 18, travel from Madison to San Salvador. February 18 and 19, sightsee in San Salvador and western El Salvador, worship on Sunday, and travel to Ahuachapán. February 20 to 24 construct homes and share cultural exchanges. February 25 do sightseeing or R&R. February 26, return to Madison. The group may add sightseeing days.
Trip expense: Estimated at about $2,000 per team member, which covers airfare; Habitat house sponsorship and administrative fees; meals, lodging and ground transportation in El Salvador; and travel insurance (travel support for individuals in First Church’s community will likely be available). Final cost may vary, based on added sight seeing days and the final cost of airplane tickets.
Application deadline: December 23 for $200 trip deposit. Please confirm interest with the trip leader as soon as possible to facilitate trip planning.
More information: Contact the trip leader, John Stolzenberg, at 236-0320 or JohnStolzenberg@charter.net.
