bygrace children’s home mission trip · web viewour mission trip to the home is multifaceted...
TRANSCRIPT
ByGrace Children’s Home Mission Trip Handbook
Thank you for your interest in our ministry!We’re looking forward to
having you join us!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
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Mission Trip Checklist
□ Mission Trip Application
□ Renew or apply for passport if needed. Call 1-800-275-877 or go to www.travel.state.gov for locations that provide
passport service.
□ Get Necessary vaccinations:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/kenya.htm Please refer to this site for the latest health information for travelers to Kenya
Typhoid Polio Hepatitis A Hepatitis B DPT :diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus Anti-malaria pills Meningococcal (meningitis) Yellow Fever (no longer recommended)
□ The approximate cost of the trip is between $3000 - $4250 which is tax deductible. ($750 in-country cost, $500 donation for projects, $1250 - $2000 Airfare depending on the season. $520 Optional Safari) Optional non-deductible pocket money $100/week for snacks, meals out, souvenirs and incidentals
Our goal is to pay a portion of the expense each month Please make your tax-deductible checks out to: ByGrace Trust Mail checks to Dee Hamilton
6031 Washington Ave Whittier, CA 90601
□ Airline tickets can be purchased online or through The Traveling Twiga travel agency at [email protected]. Ticket prices rise weekly and should be purchased sooner than later. Please discuss your travel arrangements with Dee before purchasing your ticket.
Please thoroughly read the information in this handbook.
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ByGrace Children’s Home Mission Trip
About ByGrace Children’s HomeByGrace Children’s Home is situated in Ngong, 25 km from Nairobi City. It was started in February 2005 by Stephen and Rosemary Mbogo in their home. After working with communities in the slums of Nairobi, they could not neglect the growing need to care for orphaned and vulnerable children in these communities. In this home the children have a mom and a dad and a loving support staff, with a warm bed, clothes to wear and three meals a day; Godly instruction and discipline and schooling at ByGrace Academy which is adjacent to the home.
Our VisionEvery vulnerable child is a significant person that positively influences his or her environment.
What’s happening nowCurrently, 67 children call ByGrace their home, Of the 67 children, thirty-one are presently in high school but are away at boarding school during the school year. (Boarding schools are the norm in Kenya) The other 36 children are between ages 5 -15 and attend ByGrace Academy. ByGrace Academy also serves another 50 students pre-school thru grade 8th from the surrounding neighborhood.Our mission trip to the Home is multifaceted and focuses on building relationships with the children and staff of the ByGrace community. The main activities of our mission trip will include working with children, assisting with construction projects and helping where needed in the classrooms, leading Vacation Bible School and other activities that help with the spiritual development of the children. Activities may also include sports, music, arts & crafts, and drama depending on the interests of the mission team. We want to allow each participant to share their giftings and talents as the Lord leads. We participate with worship and evangelism at ByGrace Chapel and Living Word Church in the Mathare slums of Nairobi. We will also be visiting HIV/AIDS patients and assisting in a medical clinic in the slums. Our days are full with activities but we highly believe in a time of daily devotions and your own personal quiet time with God. Other opportunities include visits to native wildlife centers and some time for souvenir shopping. A 3 day optional safari is available for $520 USD.
Trip dates (tentative)January 4 – January 25, 2014
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May 28 – June 18, 2014June 24 – July 8, 2014
What is the cost of the trip?The approximate cost of the trip is between, $3000 - $4250.$750 covers the in-country cost, $500 donation for projects, plus $1250 - $2000 for airfare depending on the season of travel. Airfares go up during the summer months so the earlier you are able to purchase your ticket the less expensive it will be. The in-country cost, donation and travel expenses are all tax-deductible.
What your in- country cost and donation covers:
Transportation to/from Nairobi airport (vehicle rental, driver’s time, gasoline, road tolls, representing a round trip in each case). This can represent multiple trips when there are flight delays or cancelations.
Lodging at By Grace Children’s Home Three meals a day Bottled water Transportation to town, supermarkets and bank (driver’s time, gasoline) Housekeeper Laundry Worker Translators Transportation to and from Mathare (driver’s time, gasoline) Construction supplies and project supplies Food items and staples for Home visits to HIV/Aids patients Medicines for medical outreaches
Act Now: Please be in prayer and begin planning your involvement in this life-changing trip. Apply today. Letters to friends and relatives requesting prayer support and fundraising assistance should begin as soon as possible. For questions, please contact Dee Hamilton at [email protected] or by calling 949-322-9396.
Sample Fundraising Letter
Date
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Dear Family and Friends:
I want to share a wonderful ministry opportunity God has given me. On xxxxxxxxxx, I will be departing on a mission trip to ByGrace Children’s Home in Kenya for XX days. I will be going to minister to orphaned children and working on different construction projects at the Children’s Home. I will also be joining a team in ministering to people living with AIDS in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Nairobi and assist in the efforts to share the Gospel and show the love of Christ.
I am excited about what God is going to do in my life and in the lives of others through this ministry opportunity. Serving others for our Lord Jesus Christ really excites me and I am looking forward to the challenges that taking this step of faith will bring and also the rewards in spiritual growth.
I feel blessed to have this short term mission opportunity. In order for me to accomplish as much as possible, I am seeking your support in two ways. First, please pray for my preparation, God’s transformation in me and those I minister to, and for the whole time I am there. Secondly, I am seeking financial support for this trip and for the projects that will help the Children’s Home (orphanage) and the community. I will need to raise $3500 to cover the expenses of this trip. I would count it a privilege if you would partner with me in this mission trip. Your financial support will go a long way in making it possible for me to be a blessing to the people of Kenya.
If you wish to support me financially, please address your check to ByGrace Trust. All donations are tax deductible. Due to IRS rules please write Kenya Mission Trip on the memo line, please do not write my name on the memo line. Please send your check to me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. I will then be forwarding it on to ByGrace Trust. I thank you in advance for your prayers and your financial support. May God bless you richly!
Sincerely yours,
For more details about this trip contact:Dee Hamilton [email protected] Member and Missions Coordinator ByGrace Trust
BYGRACE CHILDREN’S HOME DAILY SCHEDULE (MONDAY - FRIDAY)
5:00 All arise
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6:00 Morning Devotions6:30 Breakfast
7:00 – 3:10 Children at School3:10 – 6:00 Extra Curricular Activities
6:15 Evening Devotions7:00 Dinner
7:30 - 9:00 Homework Time Grades 6th – 8th
9:00 Preparing for Bed MISSION TEAM TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
7:00 Wake up/Private Devotional Time 7:30 Breakfast 8:00 Morning Announcements/Briefing 8:15 Volunteer at School/ Projects (Construction or Greehouse)
!0:45 – 11:15 Porridge Break with Children11:15 Resume Work
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch2:00 – 3:10 Resume Work & Prep Activities for Children3:10 – 6:00 Activities with Children
Soccer, VBS, Bible BeeIntramural Sports
Homework Assistance TutoringSeasonal Pageant Rehearsals
6:15 Evening Devotion7:00 Dinner
7:30 –9:00Assisting with Homework /Spending 1 on 1 time with the
children9:00 Retire to sleeping quarters
(SATURDAY - SUNDAY) 8:30 Breakfast
Sat Morning Medical Clinic/Home Based Care Visits Mathare SlumsSun Morning Worship-ByGrace/Living Word Church /Shopping at Tumaini
Sat/Sun Lunch at Living Word ChurchAfternoons Medical Clinic/Home Based Care Visits Mathare SlumsEvenings Debriefing/Free Time
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Kenya VISA Requirements
Obtaining a VISA in Nairobi is recommended. The visa fee for a Single entry Visa is $50 USD Please ensure that the validity of your passports is at least six months beyond the
end of the mission trip, and that your passport contains sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
The necessary paper work is there at the airport and not too extensive. They will take a picture of you, check your passport and collect your fee and paperwork.
Persons aged 16 years and below will no longer require visas to enter Kenya. They will be issued an entry pass at the airport upon arrival in Kenya.
Please have the contact information on page 11 available to help you fill out the visa application.
Baggage issues and limitations Two checked bags and one carry-on bag are free for international travel. Current
luggage weight limits are 50 lbs per checked bag. The maximum size is 62 linear inches (total length + width + height).
Plan to pack in one suitcase and carry supplies for ByGrace in another suitcase. (The supplies suitcase is usually packed and prepared by the mission coordinator.) Please speak to Dee about coordinating the luggage situation.
Custom agents at the Nairobi airport may ask you what you have in your luggage, please tell them that you have clothes and personal items.
Travel insurance1. This is required for all participants whose existing health insurance does not
cover them in a foreign country or does not include emergency evacuation coverage. This insurance will be at your own expense. For more information go to: http://www.imglobal.com/coverage/patriot_grp/
Exchange of dollars for schillings: On the first or second day, your group leader will arrange for you to go to the
bank to exchange your dollars for schillings or make a stop at an ATM to get schillings directly. Not all ATMs in Kenya accept Debit cards.
Note: Your US currency has to be from the year 2000 on. Kenyan banks will not accept currency older then the year 2000.
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Packing List Pack everything you can in your carry-on for the first 48 hours in case your checked
luggage is delayed. Have your necessary meds in your carry on. Definitely leave all jewelry and expensive watches and electronics at home. Consider packing old clothes and leaving them behind. Minimize the disposable items you bring. Leave boxes, plastic wrapping, etc. behind. Remember less is better. You can probably get by with a lot less than you think. Lay out all items well ahead of time. Pack before the last minute.
Please read this list carefully and refer to it as needed!
What to pack - NECESSITIES Passport ID and credit cards (be sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling abroad, debit
cards are not accepted at all the ATMs in Kenya) Consider wearing a money belt. Photo copy of passport front page and your credit cards along with phone and fax
numbers to report if stolen (carry separate from passport and credit cards) Spending money, it is suggested that you consider at least $100 USD per week for
snacks, meals out, souvenirs and incidentals. $50 USD is required for your entry visa; There are ATMs at the airport and in Nairobi.
Bible, notebook/journal, pen/pencil Camera with charger and photo transfer cable Travel alarm clock One or two UK (3-prong) adapter plugs (see Kenya FAQ’s for photo of plug) Voltage converter (240 to 120V) if you have any chargeable devices that need 120 volts Flashlight (The electricity occasionally goes out)
What to pack - PERSONAL ITEMS Toiletries: shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, powder, etc.; think small and about the
minimum (ladies, consider cutting your make up regime) Medications including anti-malaria prescription Back up set of contacts or glasses and all the contact solution you will need. Pepto-Bismol for daily use if you are concerned about getting diarrhea; also consider
bringing Cipro (prescription only) for use if you get a GI infection Cold remedies (Airborne, Sudafed, Day Quill/Night Quill etc) Mosquito repellent (containing DEET; Cutter Advanced will suffice) and bite relief lotion
(Calamine, Benadryl) Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen Sunglasses and hat Portable water bottle to refill as we work Washcloth & hand towel Travel-size Kleenex (useful as toilet paper backup when none is available) Anti-bacterial wet wipes and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer gel Waist (fanny) pack, side-pack or backpack Ziploc bags for leaky items
What to pack - CLOTHING
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IMPORTANT: Winter months in Kenya are June through September when average highs are in the lower 70s and lows are in the low 50s. The morning and evening are cool, while the days can be hot. It is best to dress in layers. You will need work clothes, VBS/church clothes (2 or 3 days), and safari clothes. The temperatures in Ngong are cooler than the temperatures in Nairobi.
Construction: At least a pair of sturdy work gloves to wear and share (we will leave them there when
finished) Strong athletic shoes that may get very dirty. You might consider leaving them behind at
the end. Typical outfit: short/long sleeve shirt (nothing sleeveless), sweat shirt, jeans, dark socks,
athletic shoes, hat and work gloves
Worship and VBS (for 3 days): Church shoes or nice pair of walking shoes Women: must have skirts or dresses below the knee or longer (cotton blends are best) Men: shirt with collar and long pants (cotton blends are best)
Safari: 1 piece swimsuit or tankini (no bikinis) Casual dinner clothes Comfortable clothes in layers for touring. (Masai Mara is warmer than Ngong and Nairobi
and the nights cool off) Lightweight binoculars (optional)
Sleeping: Sweat pants, light sweat shirt and socks for sleeping at night.
Suggested quantities of clothing 2 short-sleeved polo type cotton shirts for men to wear in church 5-7 cotton T-shirts 3-4 long-sleeved cotton shirts (cotton blends are best) or flannel shirts for men 3-4 nice blouses for women, no sleeveless tank tops. At all times dress modestly.. 2 pairs of pants for construction 2 comfortable and casual pants; avoid tight-fitting jeans 2 long travel skirts for women to wear in villages and at church 1-2 casual dinner outfits (for Nairobi or safari restaurants) Changes of underwear Socks (7-8 pairs of dark socks that don’t show dirt for construction) Light-colored socks
are permanently stained by the red clay dirt. Light weight jacket 2-3 sweatshirts or sweaters (at least one for construction and one for evenings) Extra pair of athletic shoes or casual shoes Church shoes (comfortable closed toe shoes for the slums, Living Word Church) Flip-flops for the showers and dorm rooms
What to pack - FOR KENYANS
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Optional gifts for bus driver, ByGrace Children’s Home and Academy staff, Living Word Church workers (ideas for gifts: e.g. candles, toiletries, scarves, picture frames to fill there with their photos, pens and stick-it notepads for teachers)
VBS supplies to be confirmed in pre-trip meetings (usually include crayons, color pages, craft materials, etc.)
Needs for the ByGrace Home & School and the Living Word church as discussed in pre-trip meetings (e.g. musical instruments, school supplies)
1-2 permanent markers for a variety of purposes (to be left behind) Candy for children
OPTIONAL Your laptop or iPad wireless internet access is available at ByGrace. Decaffeinated coffee and/or tea Ear plugs for the airplane and barking dogs at night Melatonin (over the counter dietary supplement to help with changing sleep schedules) Any musical instruments that you are willing to play with team singing (e.g. tambourines) English - Swahili dictionary Swiss army type pocket knife (put in your checked luggage!) Photo of yourself with your family (be sensitive to not showing affluence). Photos of your
church, your pets, etc. Favorite snacks, (trail mix, granola bars, protein bars, beef jerky) especially if you have
strong food preferences
Please do not bring MP3 players, ipods or handheld video games: Spend your limited time in Kenya interacting with Kenyans and your teammates.
MOST IMPORTANT: Pack a good attitude about going with the flow of the Holy Spirit!
Contact Information for ByGrace Children’s Home, Living Word Church
*Make copies of this page, one to leave with your emergency contact in the US and one to carry with you at all times
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ByGrace Children’s Home:House parent: Samuel NjorogeP.O Box 541 * you will need this info when filling out your visa applicationNgong Hills, KenyaCell: [email protected]
Matron: Ann Njeri (Rosemary’s sister)Cell: [email protected]
Administrator: Priscilla MbogoCell: 254-712-156-178
Living Word Church:Pastor Oliver AgufaP.O. Box 294 – 00618Mathare, Nairobi, KenyaCell: 254-734 [email protected]
Johnstone NdundeBox 44456 00100Nairobi, KenyaCell: [email protected]
African Enterprise (AE) staff:Janet MwendwaCommunity Transformation CoordinatorP.O Box 24974 - 00502Karen, Nairobi, KenyaOffice: 254-20-884-512Cell: [email protected]
Mbogo Family:Stephen Mbogo Cell: 254-704-306-102Rosemary [email protected]@bygracetrust.org Children: Victor and Joy
Ways to Optimize your Short Term Mission Trip Experience
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There are ways to make an awesome mission trip even more awesome. Much of this has to do with the Holy Spirit; the rest has to do with your attitude and expectations for the trip. To help you optimize your experience, here is a list of suggestions:
1. Go with a humble heart. Do not try to be the “perfect missionary” or “perfect evangelist.” Have a servant attitude, pray about everything and let the Holy Spirit do the saving. Focus on the family of God and your relationship with the people you serve. Lift them up by name in prayer.
2. Read your Bible daily. 3. Be respectful of the people, the culture and the church. Be humble and
respectful of the Kenyans at all times, so they know you are there to share God’s love with them. Remember, actions speak louder than words! Be expressively thankful for all they do for us. Hosting us is not an easy task!
4. Leave your watch in your room. Don’t worry about the timing of the schedule for the day. Trust your group leaders and the Holy Spirit to lead the flow of the day even if the things that happen may be very different and/or later than planned. Let things be spontaneous and on “Local time.”
5. Be flexible! Things may be done differently than the way you usually do them or the way you think it should be done, but that’s okay. This is an opportunity to let our Lord work in us and be honored and magnified in our lives. Remember “Hakunamatata” – No worries. Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything.
6. Bond with your group and new Kenyan family in an appropriate manner . It may be easy to fall in love with your new friends on the trip or with the handsome indigenous people. Make sure you are developing your relationships in an ethical, moral manner. Don’t make any follow-up promises you aren’t able to keep, such as phoning or writing to your new friends after you are back in the States.
7. Give only your friendship and love as an agent of our Lord Jesus Christ. It may be tempting to give material gifts to your new friends. All of our work is to flow through the churches we work with and out to the people as an outreach of that local church. We do not want to be seen as materially wealthy who came with material gifts to give away. That undermines our mission to share the love of Jesus.
Take care of your body. It is easy to “over-do it” in the first few days when you are so ready to do the construction work and/or play with the kids. Drink water frequently, even if you aren’t thirsty. Use the hand sanitizer before every meal or anytime you are going to eat. Make yourself stop talking and get to sleep before 11pm so you are energized to do the Lord’s work the next morning. Eat breakfast even if you aren’t hungry. Wear a hat and sunscreen every day.
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Elements for a Successful Trip
Great mission trip teams have the following common characteristics.
The participants understand that the “The Trip Is Not About Me .” We go as “Servants” to serve the Kenyans. This trip is not about what we want to control, our timelines, our need for efficiency or our personal comfort [2 Corinthians 4:5 “For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake.”]
Grace and TeamworkTeam members should set aside personal differences and negative attitudes to avoid conflict. They should accept others in the group for the health of the group and as a means of maturing in discipleship. [John 13:34-35]
No one should scold or raise their voice to another team member or a Kenyan. Each member should fully understand that if they experience frustration or tension with another individual, that they should quickly resolve the issue with a calm face-to-face discussion with the person and with the assistance of the team leader to prevent further deterioration in the relationship. Constructive and open communication is essential to the overall trip success.
Building Relationships with the Kenyans “free of materialism”Establishing relationships with the Kenyans is critical to the success of the trip in every aspect. For most, the greatest joy they experience is getting to know and love the children and brothers and sisters we serve and serve with. Avoid giving anything material to the local people, so as to avoid building relationship on “what material items they can get from the North Americans”.
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Swahili – English Words and Phrases
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Swahili EnglishAsante Thank youAsante sana Thank you very muchChakula FoodHabari Hello or HiHakuna matata No problemHapana NoHatari DangerJambo HelloKaribu WelcomeKinywaji Drink (noun)Kula EatKunywa Drink (verb)Kwaheri GoodbyeMaji WaterMbaya BadMimi IMkonokwamkono Hand in handMunguakubariki God bless youNdio YesNimefurahi. I am happy.Ninakupenda I love youNini WhatNisaidie, tafadhali Help me, pleasenyinyi You (plural)Nzuri Good or FinePale TherePole Sorry (sympathize)Rafiki FriendSamahani Excuse meSamahani Sorry (apologize)Sana VerySawa OKSisi WeSiwezi kusema Kiswahili. I can't speak Swahili.Tafadhali PleaseUnakwenda wapi? Where are you going to?Vipi HowWakati gani WhenWao TheyWapi WhereWewe You (singular)
Frequently Asked Questions for Kenya
1. What is the primary goal of the mission trip?
ByGrace mission trips are multifaceted Christ-centered ministries shaped by the words of the Apostle Paul, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:10-13)
In order to achieve this goal, our mission trip is focused on building relationships with the children and staff of ByGrace Children’s Home and Academy and loving on them.
2. What are the actual things we will be doing on the mission trip?
There are 4 main activities: 1) building relationships with the children of ByGrace Home and Academy and assisting with school activities, and their spiritual development, 2) evangelism and worship, 3) construction and other projects, and 4) visitation of HIV/AIDS patients and outreach in the Mathare slums with Living Word Church and possibly assisting in a medical clinic in the Mathare slums.
3. Do I need construction skills to participate?
The work is non-technical and done hand in hand with our Kenyan friends (e.g. passing blocks, passing buckets of sand, gravel, water and concrete, mixing concrete, digging footings, and painting). If something requires training (e.g. laying blocks or tiles), training will be provided at the work site by our local construction manager. Most work is somewhat physically strenuous.
4. Is the water safe to drink?
No, not from the faucet. Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water or drinking any water/ice when you do not know the source. Always drink bottled water.
5. What do I do if I get diarrhea?
Diarrhea is usually a self-limited disorder that resolves with only oral rehydration. Clear liquids are routinely recommended for adults. Travelers who develop three or more loose stools in an 8-hour period---especially if associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, or blood in stools---may benefit from antimicrobial therapy. Antibiotics usually are given for 3-5 days. Currently, ciprofloxacin 500 mg of twice a day for 3-5 days is the recommended treatment. If diarrhea persists despite therapy, members should be evaluated by a doctor and treated for possible parasitic infection.
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6. Should I take Pepto-Bismol daily in an effort to prevent diarrhea?
Most participants (> 90%) do not develop travelers’ diarrhea (a bacterial infection, not parasites). However, if you want to take a prophylactic regimen to try and avoid developing diarrhea, the following is recommended for adults: Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) taken as either 2 tablets 4 times daily or 2 fluid ounces 4 times daily may reduce the risk diarrhea. The use of Pepto-Bismol should be avoided by those who are allergic to aspirin, during pregnancy, and by persons taking certain other medications (e.g. anticoagulants, probenecid, or methotrexate). There are potential temporary side effects from this prophylaxis approach, such as blackening of the tongue and stool, and rarely ringing in the ears. This Pepto-Bismol regimen should not be used for more than 3 weeks.
Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea can be downloaded at: http://files.foundationforpeace.org/ User Name: public Password: isidro Open Folder: Trip member materials
7. What security precautions are needed for mission team members?
When you travel abroad, you can expect to have a safe and incident-free trip. However, there are rare occasions when mission trip members can be victimized by crime and violence, or experience unexpected difficulties. The most common problem with crime is petty theft.
The US State Department has issued a travel warning regarding tourism in Kenya(http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html).The primary concerns expressed by the State Dept. relate to travel along the border with Somalia, which is far from where we will be working and traveling. In addition the State Department recommends that American citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. We will not be in those kinds of places. In addition they state that Americans should also remain alert in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. We will not go anywhere without our Kenyan colleagues who will continue to monitor the security situation as in past years, and we will not be attending any outdoor recreation events, demonstrations or joining any large crowds.
As always, the Kenya mission leaders will plan activities to avoid known dangerous places and situations. At the same time we need to recognize that every day, whether we’re at home or away, there is some degree of risk despite these precautions.
Safety and security guidelines for participants can be downloaded at:
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http://files.foundationforpeace.org/ User Name: public Password: isidro Open Folder: Trip member materials
8. What are the typical temperatures?
This chart provides the average minimum/maximum temperatures in Nairobi.
January February March April May JuneAverageMin/Max 55/78 55/79 56/79 59/78 59/75 55/75
July August September October November DecemberAverageMin/Max 53/75 53/75 55/78 57/78 57/77 57/77
Although Nairobi is situated in the middle of East Africa, its high altitude—about a mile above sea level—means that the city's climate is mild year-round. Visitors are spared the extreme, blistering temperature found in other regions of Africa, or even Kenya. Summer months in Nairobi are December through March, when average highs are in the upper 70s and lows are in the mid- to upper-50s. Winter months (June through September) are a little cooler. Average highs are in the lower 70s, and lows are in the lower 50s. Temperatures in Ngong can get even cooler than they are in Nairobi.
9. Do the Kenyans speak English?
Yes, the vast majority do. There is a subset, especially in the slums, who rely more on Swahili for communication than English. Small children often do not know much English.
10.Can I arrive early or stay later than the mission trip dates (i.e. stay extra-time)?
Yes, this is possible, but it is very important that you discuss this option with your group leader as early as possible. An additional fee for in-country costs will be incurred for food, lodging and transportation.
11.Can I arrive late and/or leave early if I cannot stay the entire time (i.e. shorten your mission trip)?
These options should be avoided because it will significantly impact the overall quality of your experience and will cost more due to additional airport transportation. Arriving late and leaving early is disruptive to the group and creates extra work for the mission team staff. If you are considering such a schedule, special arrangements must be approved by Dee Hamilton.
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What type of electricity do they have?
They use 240 volts with a British 3-pin rectangular blade plug. See photo below.
It is important that you check each electronic device that you plan to bring to determine if it is compatible with 240V, many are today. If not, you will also need a voltage converter to decrease the voltage to 120V. Plugging in a device that is not 240V compatible will ruin the device.
12.Are there any special documents or fees that are needed to enter or leave Kenya?
Everyone must pay an entry tax of $50 USD; the departure tax is included in your airline ticket.
A VISA is required and will be obtained upon arrival in Nairobi
13.Will there be a lockable area for valuable items?
The sleeping rooms are lockable, but cleaning staff will come into the room. We recommend a lockable suitcase be used to store valuables in your room.
14.What are the typical meal menus?
The food is typical for the country, such as beans, rice, greens, and occasionally meat. People should not eat food that has not been specifically prepared for your mission team without checking with your group leader. Anyone with dietary restrictions should notify the group leader before the trip and we will let the cooks know ahead of time. There is no guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
15.What currency is used in Kenya?
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan schilling (abbreviated ks). Your mission team leader will provide you with an opportunity to change dollars for schillings at
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the current exchange rate (generally 70-85 schillings to the dollar) early in your mission trip.
16.Can we use ATM, Debit and Credit cards in Kenya?
There are banks with ATM machines available. However, your card may or may not work in them. Credit cards are taken by many shops and at the airport. Prior to leaving for Kenya it is best to inform your credit card company of your international travel plans. On some occasions participants who had failed to inform their credit card company and tried to use their card while abroad where denied funds. Please be aware that not all debit cards work in Kenya.
17. Internet Access
Internet access is available at ByGrace Home and Academy. Internet access (albeit very slow) is also available at internet cafes in the area.
18.Shopping
Bargaining in the market is a common practice, so enjoy, but look for the win-win. Be a little generous with those who don’t have as much. If possible check with Kenya staff to see what a fair price is.
19. Telephone- Calling home
On our mission trips there are several ways to call home-
Use your cell phone (check with your carrier to make sure you have international coverage and ask the price, because it may be very high)
Your group leader will have a Kenyan cell phone from which international calls can be made. Use that cell phone and please remember to reimburse your leader for the minutes used.
20. Is malaria prophylaxis required?
Yes. Malaria prophylaxis with daily Malarone (Atovaquone/proguanil) is the only acceptable medication (do not use Lariam (mefloquine) or chloroquine). Please obtain a prescription from your physician.
Prophylactic treatment with Malarone should be started 1 or 2 days before entering the malaria-endemic area and continued daily during the stay and for 7 days after return. The daily dose of Malarone should be taken at the same time each day with food or a milky drink.
In addition, each person should routinely use DEET containing mosquito repellant (also provided by the participant).
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21.Are there any special immunizations/vaccinations required?
All participants are required to have up-to-date immunizations for their age
Go to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/kenya.htm for more information or search the internet for clinics near to you
A Typhoid fever immunization at least 10 days before we depart, preferably the oral vaccine
All adults should have had one dose of injectable polio vaccine as an adult before we depart.
In addition, we recommend that each person have Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunizations.
You can access documents with information about Kenya, suggestions for preparation, key guidelines to enhance your safety, tips on illness prevention, fund-raising information and other general information at www.foundationforpeace.org
Link: http://files.foundationforpeace.org/Username: publicPassword: isidro Please take the time to read these documents as part of your preparation for the cross-cultural experience of ministering and serving the orphans and vulnerable children at ByGrace Children’s Home. I look forward to further communications with you as you prepare for this life-changing trip. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have.
In His Service, Dee HamiltonByGrace Board Member Mission’s [email protected]/949-322-9396
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ByGrace Children’s Home Resources
www.bygracetrust.orghttp://www.bygracetrust.org/blog/www.facebook.com/ByGraceTrusthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=GjuvyBjSLlI&NR=1http://www.foundationforpeace.org/photos/index.php?level=album&id=45http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-VfSLhLCqQwww.joshinkenya.tumblr.comwww.welovekenya.tumblr.comwww.girlsforkenya.blogspot.com
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