Why doesn’t HopeChest allow travelers to bring bags full of toys to hand out to children? Why are HopeChest trips called “partner visits” and not “mission trips?” Why do we ask travelers to never leave behind money for children or locals? Why don’t travelers build or complete short-term projects while they’re visiting?
All these questions and more answered by Guatemala CPM, Stephanie Mutert, who has been leading partner visits for 15 years, and Carolina Cardona, Guatemala Country Director who spends time with HopeChest teams while they are visiting.
HopeChest sends over 800 travelers on partner visits each year! You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking and insightful episode on helpful vs. harmful travel practices.
“The purpose of a partner visit should be to build relationships, get to know the community, get to know their stories. I love when people know the childrens’ stories and know their names, because that is how you start building true, long lasting friendships.” Carolina Cardona
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ABOUT THE GUESTS
Carolina Cardona, Children’s HopeChest’s Guatemala Country Director, has been advocating for and serving vulnerable children in Guatemala for over two years. In this podcast episode, Carolina provides valuable insight on the in-country perspective of partner visits.
Stephanie Mutert works to facilitate the relationship between U.S.-based churches and community partners in Guatemala, in turn strengthening their efforts to help Guatemala’s orphaned and vulnerable children. Stephanie has been visiting Russia and leading teams on partner visits for 15 years!
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“Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” is a podcast that challenges the Western perception of international poverty by elevating the voices of local leaders and processing how we can help to alleviate poverty without harming those living in vulnerable communities.
You can download and subscribe to “Build Relationships. Break Poverty.” here:
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