Short Term Mission Team Orientation Manual Life for Children Ministry

Short Term Mission Team
Orientation Manual
Life for Children Ministry Kenya, East Africa
http://www.lifeforchildrenministry.org/
October 2011
Table of Contents
Introduction
4
Project Selection
5
Trip Logistics
5
Itinerary
6
Luggage
6
Visa
7
Accommodations
7
Gifts
8
Currency
8
Security
8
Communication with Home
9
Expectations
9
Preparation
10
Team
10
Individuals
10
Prayer Partners
11
Daily Devotionals
11
What to Bring
11
Age Requirements
12
Cultural Courtesy
12
Medical Information
14
Medical Services
14
2
Medicines
14
Immunizations
14
Malaria Prevention
15
Kenya Today
16
Climate
16
Attachment 1 - Sample Itinerary
18
Attachment 2 – Pre-Trip Checklist and Packing List
20
Attachment 3 – Forms
23
Attachment 4 – Luo and Swahili phrases
25
Attachment 5 - Map
26
3
Introduction
Life for Children Ministry (LCM) is a faith-based charity committed to
providing food, shelter, clothing, education, health care, and spiritual
nourishment to HIV / AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya.
As Jesus Christ commissioned us as his followers to go into all nations, our vision is to
reach out to the HIV/AIDS-orphaned/vulnerable children in Kenya, offering life, hope
and Christian values during this epidemic that has reached crisis proportions.
We're glad that you have chosen to partner with us on a trip to serve in Kenya. We
hope that it will be a memorable experience. To help teams prepare, we have compiled
this orientation manual to provide basic information about the people, our work, and
some suggestions about what to bring. One of the most exciting aspects of a volunteer
mission trip is the chance to meet and work with all types of people. You will experience
a lifestyle and culture very different from your own. When God leads you on a mission
trip, your life will never be the same.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans
and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27
4
Project Selection
LCM encourages short-term missions to Kenya throughout the year. Projects focus on
the spiritual and economic welfare of the children, guardians and community involved
with the ministry. Our projects include Bible studies and ministries, medical evaluations
and treatment, construction, micro-business, agriculture, water wells, HIV/AIDs
training, discipleship and evangelism. In order to better coordinate these trips and
projects, LCM has designated a U.S. mission trip coordinator to assist in the planning
and execution of these missions. Potential teams should pray about where God is calling
them to serve with LCM and work with the ministry to define and plan the mission.
Trip Logistics
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Once the mission focus has been established, the LCM mission trip coordinator will work
with the team leader to determine the length of the trip and the best time of year to
go.
Travel
Travel time from the U.S. to Kenya is approximately 24 hrs. Travel time is usually
scheduled to fly overnight from the U.S. to Europe, then from Europe to Kenya the next
day, arriving in Nairobi in the early evening. The first night is normally spent in Nairobi.
Travel to Kisumu is by bus or possibly by air if there are trip time constraints. Roads
from Nairobi to Kisumu are good and the trip can be completed in one day, including a
stop at beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park.
An LCM team guide will meet the team at the Nairobi airport and accompany the team
during the mission. The LCM team guide will handle all transportation and
accommodations.
5
In-country travel time depends on time of year, routes and excursions (shopping,
cultural visits, home visits, etc.) planned. Even on the very best roads, 100km h (63
mph) is about the best that can be accomplished. The majority of the rural roads are
poor, and travel is slow.
Itinerary
The LCM mission trip coordinator will assist with the development of the itinerary. The
trip itinerary will be developed according to the mission focus and time of year.
Incorporating trips to Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara National Parks is strongly
encouraged. This is an opportunity to see a unique part of God’s magnificent creation.
Attachment 1 has a sample itinerary.
Also, we attempt to plan at least one afternoon of home visits with the guardian
families.
Luggage
Check the rules of your specific airline. Baggage rules and security regulations do
change. Be prepared. Do not bring liquids, knives, aerosols, or items that may be
considered weapons in your carry-on. Check with the LCM mission trip coordinator or
your team leader about what you may bring. No piece of checked luggage may weigh
more than 50 lbs. Each team member will be limited to one checked piece of
personal luggage. Any additional checked piece allowed by the airline will be used to
transport donated items and team supplies. Remember it is always wise to carry at least
one change of clothing and medicine in your carry-on bag. Consider buying a cheap
suitcase from the Salvation Army or similar store for the second bag. These can be left
in Kenya, reducing the amount of return luggage. Some teams carry trunks that are
brought home each time. This provides additional space for packing souvenirs. Consult
with the appropriate airline staff if you are unsure if the size or weight of your baggage
is okay.
Note: Carry-ons are not typically weighed in the U.S. as we go over to
Kenya, however – they may be weighed in Nairobi before check-in. Do not
over pack your carry-on with souvenirs for the trip home; the airline will
make you take items out.
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Anything brought into Kenya that is new should have the price tag and packaging
removed. Customs officials may require duty to be paid on new products because of the
assumption that the items are to be sold.
Travel Forms
Passengers enroute to Nairobi will receive customs forms and maybe the visa form on
the airplane. Both forms are available at the airport. The visa form must be completed
and provided with the visa fee at the immigration booth. The customs form must be
turned in at the customs station after retrieving luggage.
Visa
An entry visa is required for US citizens to enter Kenya. Currently the cost is $50 US.
Visas are purchased in the airport in Nairobi. Each person must have a valid passport
with expiration date at least 6 months beyond departure date. The visa receipt is
stamped into the passport and is valid for three months. See http://www.travel.state.gov/
for additional information related to travel to Kenya.
Accommodations
LCM will reserve accommodations and meals appropriate to the mission focus. Various
guesthouses usually provide the rooms for the team. These guesthouses have a
bedroom and self-contained bathroom (consisting of sink, shower and flush toilet).
There may or may not be hot water for the shower (varies daily). Hot water for the
shower is usually provided by an instant hot water heater that is also the shower head.
A power switch on the wall turns on the power to the water heater. Turn it on a few
minutes before starting the shower. The water temperature is set on the heater: hot,
half hot, cold. Start with half hot, and move up if necessary. Full hot can easily scald.
The guesthouses do have electricity. Windows have glass but no screens; it is
necessary to sleep under a mosquito net.
The guesthouses provide a towel and linens but no washcloth. If you have room in your
suitcase, you may want to bring your own towel to use. Small bars of soap and toilet
paper are provided.
LCM will coordinate all meals. These may be in various restaurants, homes, or at LCM
gatherings. Most of the food is not strongly seasoned. Salt is available, but pepper is
not commonly available. Team members may want to pack pepper or a favorite spice
to add to their food.
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Public restroom facilities: Public facilities available during the mission may not have
flush toilets and some areas have NO toilet facilities (not even latrines). Public
restrooms seldom have toilet paper available, so be prepared with some in your pocket
or backpack. Camping supply stores/Walmart have small pocket rolls available. Or, the
cardboard can be cut out of a roll of paper so it will flatten easily for packing.
Laundry: Most guesthouses have some type of laundry facilities. Laundry costs are
additional and are not included in the in-country fee. Some clothes can be washed and
hung in the guesthouse bath to air dry. See the note on the Personal Items List related
to laundry. Try to pack one change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage
does not arrive when you do.
Electrical Supply / Outages: Electricity is 240V. You will need to bring plug adapters
(British style) if you have electrical items. You will also need a transformer if the
electrical item is only designed for 120V. The power quality is not consistent. Do not
plug sensitive equipment into the local power supply (cell phones, DVD players, etc)
without using a surge protector. Also, bring a flashlight. It will be needed at Masai
Mara camps. Even in the cities, there is not as much electric light at night as we are
used to in the U.S. It is DARK at night.
Gifts
Many times, the LCM guardians will want to present small gifts to members of the
short-term team as a way of saying “thank you.” Team members may want to pack
small gifts to give if they will be working with a specific group of people. Group
donations such as shoes, soccer balls, clothing, etc. are always encouraged. Individual
gifts may be given, but should be coordinated through the team leader.
At times, Kenyans will make specific personal requests to team members. Please do
not agree to fulfill the request; direct them to the LCM staff. The team is working
under the auspices of LCM, and all requests need to go through LCM. Be careful not to
even answer with a noncommittal “Maybe” or “I’ll see what I can do.” In Kenyan
culture, this can be taken as a “Yes.”
Currency
The currency in Kenya is shillings (KSH). There will be opportunities to exchange
money after arriving in Kenya. US dollars to exchange must be minted in
the year 2000 or later. Older bills may not be accepted for exchange. Larger bills
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($100s) exchange better than smaller bills ($20s & lower). Travelers’ checks are not
recommended because they are not readily accepted. Credit cards can be used only in a
few places. There are ATMs at Nairobi’s international airport. Make sure to notify your
bank and credit card company of your international travel plans to avoid having your
cards blocked.
U.S. dollars are used to pay the entrance visa fee and the entrances to the national
parks. This money should not be exchanged for Kenya shillings.
Security
It is safe to travel in most parts of Kenya as long as you listen to the advice of your
LCM team guide. Of course, there are always certain precautions to be taken. You will
also see guards at many businesses that handle cash (gas stations, fast food
restaurants, and banks). This is normal in undeveloped countries where police
presence is not as prevalent as we are used to in the United States.
A potentially wonderful and rewarding experience can become disappointing for
everyone if we don't follow some well proven, common-sense precautions for
everyone's safety and the security of personal belongings. Use the "buddy system" and
never go anywhere alone in an airport, hotel or the streets around the area where you
are working or staying. Always ask your team leader for permission to leave the
guesthouse without the group and agree on where you are going and when you expect
to return. A group of three or more is strongly recommended.
In public, reduce the risk of being a pickpocket's victim by placing your wallet items in a
money belt. Do not use a waist (fanny) pack. These are too easily unsnapped and
removed. Be careful in crowds where people are likely to bump into you, such as trips
to a tourist area.
Only local LCM staff members are allowed to drive mission vehicles. Kenyans have their
own way of driving and your US insurance probably does not provide you with
protection in a foreign country.
Communication with Home
At a minimum, a LCM Board member will act as a communications liaison for the team.
A designated team member will communicate periodically with the communications
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liaison (by a predetermined method) and the communications liaison will make sure
the information is forwarded to all interested parties.
Internet cafes are available in some of the cities, but you may not have the opportunity
to use them. Remember that you are working and traveling in a foreign country. It may
be difficult to reach you while you are on the field. The team leader will have an
international phone, and a LCM person in the U.S. will be assigned to serve as your
families’ emergency contact. This person will have phone numbers for the team leader
and LCM staff members in Kisumu.If you have an international cell phone, coverage is
available in most places.
Expectations
Take time, both as a team and individually, to reflect and understand your expectations.
People investing significant time and money often come with high expectations. Some
expect it to be a fantastic spiritual high and are disappointed when it is just plain work.
Others may expect to be deferred to or receive preferential treatment. Some return
disappointed and wonder, “How much good did I really do?”
Take time to pray that God will help you identify and remove your expectations; that
you will come with a servant’s heart. You have been called, you are being sent, and you
are ready to serve. Be open to what God wants to do with you and for you.
Preparation
We recommend that you prepare as a team and individually. Team training is essential
to make sure that everyone understands the purpose, priorities and demands of the
mission. It helps the team to bond and provides information on what to expect. Team
members can then take time to reflect individually on God’s Call to the mission field.
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Team
It’s always a good idea for a team to develop a vision statement. This helps the team
maintain priority and focus. It’s not unusual to go into a new place and culture and be
overwhelmed at the need of those you are helping. A team can easily dilute what they
are doing and become spread so thin that the primary focus of the trip is lost. Watch
and identify where God is calling you to future projects, but don’t abandon what God
has sent you to do today.
Consider the following:
What are the core values for your team?
What Scriptures will set the tone for your ministry together?
What do you want to see accomplished during your time on the field?
What pitfalls do you seek to avoid as a team?
Come together in prayer sharing requests and praying for the team, the mission, and
those that you will meet and serve.
Individuals
One excellent source for trip preparation is the 30-Day Bible Reading Program from
Equipped for Adventure by Scott Kirby.
Have a short testimony ready. What are you going to say if someone asks you how you
know Jesus or why are you coming to Kenya?
Maintain an attitude of flexibility and patience.
DON'T expect to live by your watch, only by God’s time.
DON'T expect to communicate with the U. S. regularly.
DON'T expect to always have a flush toilet.
DON'T expect to have consistent hot water.
DON'T expect to have beds like you have at home.
DO expect a simpler lifestyle that focuses on the value of people and relationships.
DO expect that God will use this experience to cause you to reevaluate your priorities
and your relationship with Him.
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DO expect that God will use you and the team to encourage Kenyan Christians, their
families and their churches and to attract nonbelievers to a faith in Jesus Christ.
DO seek ways to be a team builder by promoting team unity and love.
DO be forgiving of teammates and staff and be considerate at all times.
DO follow the guidelines set forth by LCM Board, staff and team leader.
TRY to learn some Luo/Swahili before your trip (See Attachment 4).
A typical day will include a substantial amount of physical exertion, including walking
and/or riding. The days are busy and full. At the end of the day, you will be tired and
blessed.
Prayer Partners
Ask friends and family at home to pray for you while on this mission trip. Give them
specific prayer requests related to the team mission and personal needs as well as for
general travel and welfare.
Daily Devotionals
The team should have a 10 -15 minute devotion each morning during the mission.
Encourage each team member to lead a devotion.
What to Bring
See Attachment 2 for a suggested list of items you should bring. Remember you should
carry at least one change of clothes and your medicine in your carry on. There are
grocery stores and hardware stores in Nairobi and Kisumu. If you forget something, we
can probably find a suitable substitute (except personal medications).
Cool and comfortable cotton clothing is a must. Avoid polyester. Check your shirts
before you take them. You should dress modestly. Women may wear pants in Nairobi
and Kisumu but should wear skirts or dresses that come below the knee in the villages.
Women should not wear shorts. Men should wear khakis or blue jean pants or
shorts. Please, no tank tops for the men. Wide shoulder sleeveless tops are acceptable
for women, but no narrow or spaghetti straps. For church services, men usually wear
long pants and casual shirts. Women may wear casual dresses or skirts and blouses.
Make modesty a priority with all the clothing you bring to wear in public, in
church and in the villages. A good pair of walking shoes will be your best friend.
Bring sturdy work shoes. Do not go barefoot anywhere, and do not wear open-toed
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shoes in the rural areas. If there is a question of certain cultural requirements in
dressing, please direct your questions to the LCM mission team coordinator, LCM team
guide or team leader for appropriate dress required.
Don't bring or wear expensive watches or other flashy jewelry. Ladies, do not wear
your fine jewelry. If you have a diamond and/or large engagement ring and/or
wedding ring – leave it at home. If you particularly want to wear a wedding ring, select
a simple, narrow band or an inexpensive ring.
Age Requirements
Persons 18 years or older may go on missionary trips with the Life for Children Ministry.
Persons 15 - 17 years old may go on missionary trips with LCM provided that a parent
of the young person goes on the trip or a responsible adult is designated for the young
person. The team leader must approve the responsible adult.
Cultural Courtesy
“A good short-term mission represents pure motives to the host people.” (Scott Kirby,
Equipped for Adventure)
It is important to understand, honor and respect the culture. Insensitivity and ignorance
can hinder (or completely counteract) the effectiveness of the team. Remember that
cultures are different. Different is not wrong or bad – just different. Flexibility is the
key. Be prepared for differences and inconveniences. We must be careful not to
complain or make negative comments about the Kenyan people, food or customs. Our
actions often speak louder than our words. Remember, we are there to share the love
of Jesus, not to share the virtues of American culture.
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Kenyans are a friendly, loving people, more relationship-oriented or event-oriented than
time-oriented. Appointments are flexible and activities are not governed by a strict
timetable. This often frustrates people from the U.S. who are often time and taskoriented. When in doubt concerning proper conduct, you should consult the LCM team
guide or team leader. You would not want anything to affect your Christian testimony.
As ambassadors for Jesus, we need to be sensitive to Kenyan culture, traditions and
customs, no matter how strange they may seem to us.
A Kenyan’s personal space is smaller than most of us in the U.S. are used to; everyone
shakes hands when greeting, and polite hugging is not uncommon. It is extremely
important not to show discomfort. We may not be speaking the same verbal language,
but body language is universal.
Luo is the family tribe of most of the people living in the Kisumu and Wachara area.
Traditionally, Luo children are given an English or ‘Christian’ name and an African name
that reflects an event that was occurring at the time of their birth – it may be the time
of the birth (morning, afternoon, evening), notation of a severe rainstorm, etc.
More information on the culture of Kenya can be found at:
http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Kenya.html
Medical information
Medical Services
Medical services in Kenya are not as easily available as in the U.S. There will be many
times that we are not in range of medical facilities or doctors.
Medicines
Bring all of your prescription medicines in original packaging. Do not assume that you
can get prescription medicine in Kenya. Bring non-prescription medicine (ibuprofen,
etc.) as needed. Pack all prescription medicine in your carry-on.
If you are prone to carsickness, please bring appropriate medicine (Dramamine, etc.).
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Immunizations
The following are LCM recommendations, based upon research and discussions with
other medical-related missionaries:
Consult the Center for Disease Control website: www.cdc.gov. For Kenya & Africa, go
to: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/regionEastAfrica.aspx or your local health department.
Typically on the conservative side, they will recommend immunizations for hepatitis A &
B, typhoid, and tetanus. These clinics also can provide an International Certificate of
Vaccination. It is a good idea to maintain this record and keep it with your passport. It
will help you know when you need to have a booster.
Get a copy of your vaccination record (if available). School age missionaries will
normally have had the Hepatitis B and tetanus vaccinations.
Hepatitis A & B are recommended. Hepatitis A is two shots taken at 0 and 6 months. At
least one is taken before your trip. Hepatitis B is three shots taken at 0, 1 and 6
months. The first two are supposed to be taken before the trip. There is a combination
shot available that is slightly less expensive than taking A & B separately. It is a three
shot series. The hepatitis A & B vaccines are good for life once you complete the series
of shots. The CDC is now recommending Hepatitis A & B for anyone traveling to Africa.
Tetanus vaccine is strongly recommended. It should be taken every ten years, so if
your last shot is not within that time period, you should get one. The shot is actually
tetanus and diphtheria preventions. It is good protection for anyone performing outdoor
work.
Typhoid vaccine is optional. It is available as an oral vaccine (pills taken for about a
week, two weeks before departure) or a shot and provides protection for several years.
A minority of folks get this prevention.
Malaria Prevention
A malaria prophylaxis is required when traveling on an LCM sponsored mission trip.
Chloroquine is no longer effective in Kenya. Mefloquine (Lariam), an
atovaquone/proquanil combination (Malarone), or doxycycline is recommended.
Permethrin spray or concentrate can be used to soak clothes prior to the trip.
Permethrin can be purchased online, at travel clinics, and at various sporting good
stores.
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Emergencies
Bring any medication you will need with you. Advise the LCM short-term mission
coordinator of any special medical needs you have before you leave. If you become ill
enough to need medical attention, or in case of a serious injury, your local missionary
will know where and how to get help. If he or she is not available, someone from the
mission team will transport you or make arrangements for you to return to the States.
Most US-based medical insurance plans will not apply in a foreign country. All
missionaries must purchase traveler’s medical insurance. This insurance will cover the
cost of medical care and medical evacuation, if required.
There are a number of companies that provide several options for this type of coverage.
We have used Medexassist for several trips. To look at this company’s plans, go to
http://www.medexassist.com/ The site offers various plans for weekly rates. TravMed
Abroad is recommended. The cost is approximately $4 per day. Independent
insurance agents can also recommend companies and coverage.
Please notify the LCM short-term mission coordinator when you purchase this coverage
and provide him/her a copy of your card.
Kenya Today
There are more than forty ethnic groups in the country. The largest of these is the
Kikuyu, representing 22 percent of the population. Fourteen percent are Luhya, 13
percent are Luo, 12 percent are Kalenjin, 11 percent are Kamba, 6 percent are Kisii,
and 6 percent are Meru.
The official languages are English and Kiswahili (or Swahili). Swahili, which comes from
the Arabic word meaning "coast," is a mix of Arabic and the African language Bantu.
The major language groups native to the region include Bantu in the west and along
the coast, Nilotic near Lake Victoria, and Cushitic in the north.
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English is the language generally used in government and business. It is also used in
most of the schools, although there has been movement towards using Kiswahili as the
teaching language. English is not spoken solely by the elite, but only people with a
certain level of education speak it.
Climate
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and
very dry in the north and northeastern parts of the country. Kenya lies on the equator.
Daytime temperatures in most parts of the country are consistently warm all year. The
long rainy season lasts from April to June, and the short rainy season lasts from
October to December. The dry winter months are May through August, and the warmer
spring months are September and October. The hottest period is from February to
March and coldest is July to August.
Nairobi is at a higher elevation and cooler. Kisumu, on Lake Victoria, and Wachara are
typically warmer than Nairobi.
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite
you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and
go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:37-40
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Attachment 1 - Sample Itinerary
(Bible Camp is used for the example mission)
Wed
Leave for Kenya (probably through Amsterdam)
Thu
Arrive Nairobi; stay overnight in Nairobi
Fri
Drive to Kisumu through Nakuru; visit Lake Nakuru
Sat
Meet with the Kenyan Bible Camp team for prayer, planning sessions and
Communion, if possible; shop at the Kisumu shops; meet guardians; visit a
few homes
Sun
Attend church; participate in Street Kids program; leave for Ndiwa late
afternoon (staying overnight in Ndiwa to visit Wachara)
Mon
Visit Wachara; return to Kisumu; team members staying in Kisumu buy
supplies for camp
Tue
Bible Camp starts; team stays at the camp and eat lunch with the kids
each day
Wed
Bible Camp
Thu
Bible Camp; home visits; dinner with LCW Board
Fri
Children return to Wachara; team leaves for Masai Mara trip
Sat
Masai Mara
Sun
Team leaves Masai Mara and drives to Nairobi; staying overnight in
Nairobi
Mon
Fly out of Nairobi; arrive U.S. that night
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Attachment 2 – Pre-Trip Checklist
and Packing List
Pre-Trip Checklist
Insure passport expiration date is at least 6 months beyond departure.
Verify all immunizations are complete.
Complete LCM Information sheet.
Get spending money in new bills.
Fill malaria prescription and begin dosage as prescribed.
Identify at least one prayer partner who commits to pray for you daily.
Participate in pre-trip team meetings
Packing List
Ticket confirmation and passport
All non-liquid medications in carry-on bag (Check the airline web page for guidelines on liquids in carryon.)
Imodium
Immunization records (not required for entry to Kenya, but just in case needed)
Bug spray with Deet (80% or more)
Sun block
Snacks
Electrical power converter, if needed
Power plug adapter (three prong British style)
Small flashlight (especially for Masai Mara camps)
Camera and extra batteries
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Alarm clock, if needed
Copies of passport in carry-on and checked bag
Washcloths and 1 towel
Personal toiletry items (toothbrush/toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, etc.)
Shower shoes
Chewing gum/mints (for when you can’t brush)
Roll of toilet paper
Sunglasses
Spare set of eyeglasses, if needed
Backpack or small bag for daily supplies
Bible
Notebook for journaling
Reading material for plane
Lip balm
Closed-toe shoes (like tennis shoes or walking shoes) for everyday wear
Hat
Bandana for dusty rides
Lightweight clothes for daily wear
Clothes for Sunday service
Light rain jacket
Wet Wipes
Hand/bath soap
Hand sanitizers
Binoculars, if you want them for the game park
Notes:
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Most guesthouses will have laundry services for an extra charge. PLEASE DO NOT
OVERPACK.
Remember the flight restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags.
It’s a good idea to pack belongings in clear plastic Zip-Loc bags. Two-gallon large
plastic storage bags are great. If your luggage is inspected, items can be clearly seen
without them having to be unpacked, and the bags are useful for dirty clothes, etc. on
the return trip.
There are stores in Nairobi and Kisumu where items can be purchased.
Bibles: Everyone on the team should take at least one Bible. Team members often buy
several inexpensive Bibles that can be used for daily devotionals and given away. Buy
easy-to-read English translations (NIV, NRSV, etc.), English is a second (or third)
language for Kenyans and some of the older translations, like the King James are more
difficult for them to read.
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Attachment 3 - Forms
Life For Children Ministry
Short-Term Missionary Information
Please complete the following information. Some of the personal information is required
for the emergency medical evacuation insurance.
Team ________________________________________
Date of Trip ___________________________________
Full Name _____________________________________________________________
Put your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Home Address ________________________________________________________
_____________________________
City
Home Phone _____________
____ ___________
State
ZIP
Date of Birth _____/____/____
Passport # ________________
Emergency Contact:
Name __________________________
Phone# _________________________
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Known Allergies (Medications, foods, insects, etc) ______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Physician’s Name _____________________________________________
Phone Number __________________________________________
Date of Last Tetanus Shot ____/____/______
Name of Health Insurance Co.
Blood Type _____
________________________________________
Policy# _______________________________________
VERY IMPORTANT – READ CAREFULLY
I give permission for myself to be taken to the nearest hospital or doctor in case of an accident or illness,
and I give my permission to be treated if I am unable to communicate on my own behalf. In
consideration for participation in activities of Life For Children Ministries, Inc., I agree to hold them and
staff and volunteers harmless from any damage or claims of any nature whatsoever, including any claims
based on alleged negligence, that may arise from or through my participation in activities during the
mission trip to Kenya.
Signature ____________________________________________
Date __________________________
Notary Public _________________________________________ Date ___________________________
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Attachment 4 –
Luo and Swahili phrases
Basic English-Luo phrases
How are you? (Informal) Amosi? (Amosou? is plural.)
Basic English-Swahili phrases
Hello
Jambo
Goodbye
Kwaheri
Thank you
Asanti
Thank you very much
Asante sana
Welcome
Karibu
White person
mzungu (Wzungu is plural.)
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Attachment 5 - Map
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Attachment 6 –
Western Kenya Map
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