Now accepting applications for travel!
Covenant's next delegation will be going to San Isidro, El Salvador in spring of 2018.
Minimum delegation size will be four adults.
Minimum delegation size will be four adults.
FAQ about traveling to San Isidro
Q: Why go?
A: It is a very unique trip and a trip that will not be duplicated. It will be a very meaningful trip, especially for first time delegates, who have not traveled to a third world country similar to El Salvador. Visiting San Isidro residents in their variety of homes will be a rewarding experience. Hearing from the San Isidro residents their appreciation of past assistance from Covenant is very impressive compared to a written thank you from the directiva. Traveling with other members of Covenant and living with them in close quarters at the pastoral house for a week is quite a "bonding" experience where you will definitely get to know a few Covenant members very well. Staying at the Pastoral House and getting to know the Pastoral team members is also rewarding. Seeing where the mission co-worker lives and works will give a new perspective to funding requests and how various projects are implemented/completed after funds are sent to Berlin from Iowa partner churches. Being with San Isidro residents living on an average of $2 per day and who seem to be happy with their home/lifestyle will give you something to ponder, especially when you return to your nice home in West Des Moines.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Cost information depends on the number of delegates as there are "Common costs", like airport transfers,van trips, interpreters, etc. that are divided among the delegates - the more delegates, the less the cost per individual delegate. Plane tickets and room and board and share of "Common costs" will run approximately $1400-$1600 per delegate for the week. With the $800 travel stipend provided by Socios de Cristo funds, the delegate would still have $600-$800 personal out of pocket cost.
Q: What will we do there?
A: You will fly into San Salvador, El Salvador where you will be met by member of the local team who will take you to the small town of Berlin, El Salvador. From there you will travel each day into the community of San Isidro (about an hour drive on dirt roads). In San Isidro, you will get to tour the community. This will include visitting the home of every community member-sounds like a daunting challenge but it is the highlight of the trip to most! You may also tour crop fields, animal pastuers, coffee fincas, their soccer field, the elementary school, and more. The residents open their hearts and everything they have to you. They will go above and beyond to show you and teach you about anything you are interested in.
Besides visiting the community of San Isidro, you will also get the opportunity to visit a few different historical sites through a day trip or two. The sites honoring the life and work of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the El Mozote monument are a couple of examples.
There are certain tasks that each delegation is expected to complete but also there is flexibility to work with the needs and interests of each delgation's members.
Q: Where will I sleep?
A: Room assignments range from rooms with two twin beds to a large bunk-style room sleeping many. Sleeping accomodations will be worked out individually by your own delegate group.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, it is safe. No delegations have ever encountered anything of concern. As will all international travel, one should use common sense and be aware of any policital happenings close to your dates of travel.
Q: What is required to be a delegate?
A: A love of Christ and an open mind! Delegates must be 16 years old.
Q: How do I get more information about becoming a delegate?
A: Email [email protected] and we will be in touch!
A: It is a very unique trip and a trip that will not be duplicated. It will be a very meaningful trip, especially for first time delegates, who have not traveled to a third world country similar to El Salvador. Visiting San Isidro residents in their variety of homes will be a rewarding experience. Hearing from the San Isidro residents their appreciation of past assistance from Covenant is very impressive compared to a written thank you from the directiva. Traveling with other members of Covenant and living with them in close quarters at the pastoral house for a week is quite a "bonding" experience where you will definitely get to know a few Covenant members very well. Staying at the Pastoral House and getting to know the Pastoral team members is also rewarding. Seeing where the mission co-worker lives and works will give a new perspective to funding requests and how various projects are implemented/completed after funds are sent to Berlin from Iowa partner churches. Being with San Isidro residents living on an average of $2 per day and who seem to be happy with their home/lifestyle will give you something to ponder, especially when you return to your nice home in West Des Moines.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: Cost information depends on the number of delegates as there are "Common costs", like airport transfers,van trips, interpreters, etc. that are divided among the delegates - the more delegates, the less the cost per individual delegate. Plane tickets and room and board and share of "Common costs" will run approximately $1400-$1600 per delegate for the week. With the $800 travel stipend provided by Socios de Cristo funds, the delegate would still have $600-$800 personal out of pocket cost.
Q: What will we do there?
A: You will fly into San Salvador, El Salvador where you will be met by member of the local team who will take you to the small town of Berlin, El Salvador. From there you will travel each day into the community of San Isidro (about an hour drive on dirt roads). In San Isidro, you will get to tour the community. This will include visitting the home of every community member-sounds like a daunting challenge but it is the highlight of the trip to most! You may also tour crop fields, animal pastuers, coffee fincas, their soccer field, the elementary school, and more. The residents open their hearts and everything they have to you. They will go above and beyond to show you and teach you about anything you are interested in.
Besides visiting the community of San Isidro, you will also get the opportunity to visit a few different historical sites through a day trip or two. The sites honoring the life and work of Archbishop Oscar Romero and the El Mozote monument are a couple of examples.
There are certain tasks that each delegation is expected to complete but also there is flexibility to work with the needs and interests of each delgation's members.
Q: Where will I sleep?
A: Room assignments range from rooms with two twin beds to a large bunk-style room sleeping many. Sleeping accomodations will be worked out individually by your own delegate group.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, it is safe. No delegations have ever encountered anything of concern. As will all international travel, one should use common sense and be aware of any policital happenings close to your dates of travel.
Q: What is required to be a delegate?
A: A love of Christ and an open mind! Delegates must be 16 years old.
Q: How do I get more information about becoming a delegate?
A: Email [email protected] and we will be in touch!
