Vale church has started a relationship with the Mayan people of the highlands of Guatemala through the Highland Support Project (HSP). A United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team of nine people from Vale went to the village of Xeabaj in July 2006 for the primary purpose of building a house. The village of Xeabaj was totally destroyed by Hurricane Stan in 2005, and had to relocate to the top of a mountain. Typically the HSP teams build stoves, but because of the hurricane, this village had a more immediate need for houses.

In July of 2007, a team of twelve people from Vale went to the village of Espunpuha to build stoves and assist in the repairs at the local school.

The links to the right provide information about the Highland Support project and the Vale trips. If you have any questions about HSP, Vale in Guatemala, or would like information on future trips, feel free to email ValeChurch@verizon.net and your questions will be forwarded to the appropriate individual. Another team is forming for the summer of 2008, so now is the time to express your interest.

The HSP Overview describes the various aspects of the Highland Support Project, the specific needs being addressed, and the rationale for the approach being taken.

The 2006 Trip Letter is a personal account of the 2006 trip written by Catherine Allison.

The 2006 Trip Pictures are a small sample of the hundreds of pictures taken by the team.

The 2007 Photo Story presents a photo account of the 2007 trip.

The 2007 Letters present the 2007 trip from the perspectives of two youth that shared accommodations with the Vale team.

HSP Overview

2006 Trip Letter

2006 Trip Pictures

2007 Photo Story

2007 Letters

2010 emails