I Won a Guatemalan Trip Today!

[Guest]

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[KivanSteven]

After apparently missing phone messages and emails from Children International over the course of the last week, I came to find out via overnight express mail that I somehow won a contest I do not recall enrolling in or registering for--odds were something of 1 in a whole lot with only a single winner and it was through their Lift One Project.

www.children.org

After much skepticism I confirmed today with the VP of Marketing at Children International that I in fact, contrary to the luck I usually have with winning anything in life, have been randomly chosen to visit my sponsored child--a little 7 year old girl in Guatemala, who I sponsor not only to offer my meager assistance, but also to provide an international pen-pal for my daughter.

The trip is a 4 all expenses paid trip for two to Guatemala.  My sponsored child also receives a $200 shopping spree.  Apparently I can travel at my leisure and most likely will not be making the trip until sometime late next fall--due to work restrictions and climate in Guatemala during that period of time.  I will most likely take my daughter, but in the event I cannot arrange that due to her school schedule next year, I may have to find someone to accompany me.

This will probably be the first and last thing I ever happen to win in the course of my life so Im soaking it up, but still carry a bit of disbelief.

Believing I know the answer, I will ask anyways as to whether the cost of the trip could simply be reverted to the family or the community and determine if that is an option (though I think it should be).  I tend to think that a trip valued at some $2000-4000 could do more for a family or community than it could for me and Id gladly give it up if I could.

Anyone who has made a journey to Guatemala and cares to share personal stories, information or tips when visiting Guatemala is more than welcome to.  In the meantime I plan to research the area extensively in hopes of also making a journey up a mountain/volcano or two, visiting a few historical Mayan sites, and of course brush up on the Spanish some.

The drawing can be viewed below on the Children International web site.

http://www.children.org/LiftOneProject.asp?sid=081E98B5-22CA-4BB9-8185-58EB5BF84891

[abc]

Keeping all skeptical thoughts at bay (because I'm sure you've done the research
on this yourself so I trust you to not be bamboozled), my question to you is this:

Where in Guatemala will you be going?


Oh, and congrats!

Edited after I went to the link: You're going to Guatemala City, I see.
Well, you and Henry have a good time!!!

[Henry]

Have passport will travel!     I can even carry one of your bags!

Congratulations Steve, but beware, this could be a scheme by pay-pal to get you out of the country for good!  LOL

wouldn't it be funny if your name was entered due to some paypal payment. 

[Eli]

  How fun for you Steve!  Guatemala or bust!

I love the paypal thought Henry . . . too funny!   

[Jane Sladen]

I ..... have been randomly chosen to visit my sponsored child--a little 7 year old girl in Guatemala ...

Wow!!  I have two sponsored children through World Vision - a boy in Nicaragua and a girl in the Dominican Republic.  Mark and I go to the DR, so it is vaguely possible that I might meet Melanie, but Milton is off my track these days, although I did love Costa Rica just next door.

The gods smiled on you today!!  Well, done!!  Don't waste money on a Lottery ticket!  It can't happen twice in a day!!

Jane Sladen.

[KivanSteven]

Well our sponsored child lives in Guatemala City and I believe the Children International Headquarters for Guatemala is also located in that vicinity.

I am not certain what else the trip entails, such as if anything is required of me or if there are events that will be coordinated for each day.  I will learn additional details later in the day or week when I can touch base with the marketing VP again.  From what I understand thus far, I will be fully able to explore and take a few adventures of my own, time permitting.  I was thinking it would be nice to spend a day or two in the village and possibly contribute physically to some ongoing projects, another day hiking parts of the mountains, and another taking in some of the culture and history--its really tough visiting a country with 4 days so Ill have to decide on certain things and leave other interests out.

I was even considering checking out a few Kiva businesses.  After a little bit of searching through Kiva and maps it seems many of the loans are a good 40-50 miles outside of Guatemala City, just to the west near a small body of water I haven't yet identified.  But there are a few near the capital.  Are there any Kiva businesses with a bunch of KF contributing, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, that the forum would enjoy a firsthand account of? (assuming I could arrange permissions with Kiva and the loan recipient through the MFI).  I thought some pictures and details on a business or two would be a nice gift to bring back to the forum.

[KivanSteven]

Thanks guys!  You sound as excited as I do.   

Jane, I hear Costa Rica is probably the nicest of the Central American countries--of course depending upon your reasons for visiting, but I have heard numerous times its just geourgeous.

You know Henry, Id still hold paypal's feet to the fire even if they had a role in this, but that would definitely be hilarious if it was on account of some sort of paypal activity.  In fact I expect a scam wherever I find them lurking.  Ill find out exactly how I ended up registered when I talk to the C.I. reps, because Im very curious myself.  But as of right now Im about 99% certain its all legitimate.

In the meantime, has anyone made their way down to Guatemala?  If so, feel free to post away your thoughts and experiences on your visit, or PM me if it's more comfortable.

[Wood Fairy Glenda]

Congratulations, Steven!
     I, too, sponsor children around the world  - via Save the Children, World Vision, Children's Hope International, and privately.  I've visited a number of them:  3 in the Philippines (Save the Ch.), one in El Salvador (Save the Ch.) and one in Nicaragua (W.Vision).
     All were wonderful, heart-warming experiences, as I'm sure your visit will be too.
     Please let us know how it goes! 


 

[KivanSteven]

Thanks Glenda--when you visited your sponsored children what sorts of activities were planned, if any.  Im wondering what I might expect.  Was it difficult to make a personal connection with the families in person?  Please share any tips or ideas you might have based on the meetings you had--Id love to hear about some of them if you had the time.

[abc]

Well our sponsored child lives in Guatemala City and I believe the Children International Headquarters for Guatemala is also located in that vicinity.

I am not certain what else the trip entails, such as if anything is required of me or if there are events that will be coordinated for each day.  I will learn additional details later in the day or week when I can touch base with the marketing VP again.  From what I understand thus far, I will be fully able to explore and take a few adventures of my own, time permitting.  I was thinking it would be nice to spend a day or two in the village and possibly contribute physically to some ongoing projects, another day hiking parts of the mountains, and another taking in some of the culture and history--its really tough visiting a country with 4 days so Ill have to decide on certain things and leave other interests out.

I was even considering checking out a few Kiva businesses.  After a little bit of searching through Kiva and maps it seems many of the loans are a good 40-50 miles outside of Guatemala City, just to the west near a small body of water I haven't yet identified.  But there are a few near the capital.  Are there any Kiva businesses with a bunch of KF contributing, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, that the forum would enjoy a firsthand account of? (assuming I could arrange permissions with Kiva and the loan recipient through the MFI).  I thought some pictures and details on a business or two would be a nice gift to bring back to the forum.

Sounds like the body of water you're talking about is Lake Atitlan. My Sainted Spouse spent about 5 weeks there this spring and
liked it a lot, but there are a lot of villages on the lake, and they are all different. Accessible mainly by boat, I think. Don't know how much spare time you'll have though. One of our MFI's, Friendship Bridge, is active in the Atitlan area, if I am not mistaken. Is your sponsored child living in Guat City or outside? What a tremendous opportunity.