Volunteer Name: Brittany Guest
Project Location: Xela, Guatemala
Volunteered at: Centro de Salud
Volunteer in Guatemala
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Very good, coordinator was very helpful.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
The fact that no one used gloves when administering injections.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
Lack of hygiene.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Bring warm clothes if you plan on hiking any of the volcanoes. As far as donations: gloves, sutures, suturing equipment, cotton and alcohol (for vaccinations).
5.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a. If you are doing a medical mission, you will most likely spend a lot of times helping with vaccinations and doing well baby visits.
6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
I really enjoyed my time in Xela and volunteering at Centro de Salud. The staff/nurses/doctor were very welcoming and wonderful to work with. My host family was the best and I always felt well taken care of.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
The host family was amazing. Always had amazing food and felt very safe. They loved helping you with your Spanish. Wonderful family!
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Hiking Tajumulco volcano and suturing a knee lesion.
Volunteer in Guatemala Medical Program
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Very responsive. Always available to answer all my questions.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.