La Estancia (The Stay) – Guatemala

This accommodation is also called “The Office.” La Estancia is a property that we rent. It serves as a dormitory facility, our staff offices, and the Casas store. You will likely see many other people that work at Casas por Cristo while staying here. It is located near the heart of San Raymundo within walking distance of local shops and across the street from a soccer field.

Facility Info

People You Might Encounter

SAN RAYMUNDO

• Pronunciation: Sahn Rahy muhn doh
• Population: 15,447
• Location: 19 miles from Guatemala City
• Elevation: 5,200 ft.
• Climate: Tropical Monsoon
• Rainy Season: May – October
• Average Temperature Range: 55°F – 79°F

CITY PROFILE

Located at the southern tip of México, Guatemala is the most populated country in Central America. Of its more than 13 million inhabitants, approximately 75% live below the poverty line. San Raymundo is a rural town located beyond the bustling streets of Guatemala City. The majority of the Guatemalans we serve reside in the rural mountainous areas around San Raymundo. These mountainous country sides are where you find the heart of this nation.

Rooted deep in the indigenous Mayan culture, it is typical to see the traditional dress worn by women and children as they carry belongings in baskets upon their heads. Produce stands line the dirt streets and small markets carry meat for purchase daily. The roads are typically filled with potholes, which turn into muddy pathways during the rainy season.

Many of the outlying villages are scattered with homes made of wood or bamboo and covered by rusty tin roofs. The inside of homes are typically sparse with only the most basic necessities: a fire pit to cook meals, ceramic jugs for holding water, and mats woven from palms which are rolled out onto the dirt floor at night and used for sleeping.

Due to the lack of resources, women and children often suffer the most. Children are malnourished and forced to work to help provide for their family. With an extremely high illiteracy rate, the problem continues to grow. Although many public schools are free, uniforms, books and transportation are still a required expense. Rather than learning in classrooms, many children spend their days rolling wicks for fireworks to help with the family income. This job provides an average of $.10/400 fireworks or $10 for a full week of work. And although agriculture provides for 50% of the labor force, residents struggle to find consistent work because the main crops of coffee, cotton, and sugar only provide seasonal employment.

With adequate housing provided, families are relieved of one of their greatest financial struggles and a break is made in this vicious cycle. Children are given hope for the future while parents can use their resources for food and necessities rather than shelter. As the American church partners with the Guatemalan church, a perfect picture of the Gospel is painted as cultures and nations are bridged together bringing about necessary provisions in the name of Christ.

Check out our Guatemala Culture Guide for more info!

CASAS POR CRISTO

Casas por Cristo exists to open the door for local pastors and churches to share the love of Jesus Christ by serving. Our mission is to build and serve. Check out our story to learn more.