Trip packet Q&A!

This came yesterday:

Yup!  My trip packet is here!  I got a text message from Michael telling me it was here and then Andrew brought it up to my work on his way to work.  =)  My boys spoil me!  Either that, or they were tired of me bugging them to check the mailbox!

Here are some questions I can answer now that I have my trip packet!

What is the breakdown of the funds you have to raise?
The $3300.00 includes airfare, food, lodging and transportation in the field as well as clinic and administration fees.  It does not include souveniers, meals purchased stateside (layovers at the airport) or other incidentals.  This does NOT include the money needed for my shots. 

What are the VISA requirements?
A Visa is required for entry into Kenya.  I will need to purchase it at the airport in Kenya - $50.00.

Who is your VISA sponsor?
My offical sponsor is Keith and Kathy Ham - Missionaries of Wispers House in Nairobi Kenya.  The Ham's have been missionaries in Africa since 1991 specifially working in the urban slums.  They partnered with Wallace and Mary Kamu (Kenyan Nationals and Christians) in 2004 and started the Mathare Family Hope Center. 

What did you find out about your shots?
Round two for my Hepatitis A & B is today.  My appt is at 5:20 - but we will see how that goes!  Remember this?  =)
I think I was right with my previous list - with the addition of the Meningococcal meningitis vaccination and a MMR booster.  I'll talk with my travel Dr in July to iron out the details. 

What does a clinic day look like?  What will YOU be doing?

We will be treating several hundred patients at our medical camps.  Some camps are already an existing clinc while others will be set up as tents.  The camps are set up as stations and each patient will stop by each station for care. 

• Registration/Triage
• Provider
• Health Education/Evangelism
• Pharmacy

I can work in any of them except provider.  It sounds like they will rotate us.   At the Health Education/Evangelism station each team member will participate on preventative/health maintence such as safe drinking water, tuberculosis, prevention of respiratory infections, oral  heath or HIV/AIDS.  There will be an interpreter to help with this as well as what God is leading us to say.  The interpreter will learn the lesson you are teaching to share as the week goes on and after we are gone.  At that time we will also be presenting a short spiritual lesson or craft - something that will remind the kids of God's love long after we are gone.  If you have any ideas, please share them with me!

What do they suggest you pack?
Mostly typical things - not much jumped out at me except the 3 large heavy duty trash bags.  I'll have to ask on that one!  Due to Kenyan culture, women are not allowed to wear shorts.  Slacks and capris are acceptable.  No sleevelss or tank tops.  I will need to pack a dress/skirt (below the knees) for church.

You mentioned that you have to bring medical supplies.  Any information on that?
As a team we must work togheter to collect over the counter medicine to leave behind at the clinics.  Everything from infant and children's medications to cough syrup, antiacids, eyedrop and antifungal creams.  If you or a group you belong to would like to set up a donation/collection box, see me for the full list!

What about the candy and fun stuff for the kids?
Stickers, small suckers, gum or candy (that can stand the heat), pencils/pens, small toys, note pads will also be collected for distribution to the kids.  Soccer balls, Basketballs, Beach Balls, Jump Ropes, Balloons, Frisbees and Bubbles are all items that would be great to donate as well.  The balls can be deflated for packing.

When will you get your flight details?
My departure packet will arive end of August early September.  That will have my flight itinary as well as all the other last minute information.

How exciting your trip is going to be!  Do you have other questions?
I'm really getting excited about my trip.  I do have more questions and I'm sure more questions will come up.  We will be having team meetings between now and September to get to know each other and stuff like that.  Im sure many of us have the same questions that we can get answers from the experienced team members!  I'll keep you posted and keep the quesitons coming!

What else?
The packet was full of information on Kenya.  Culture, Religion, Food, Politics, Education - everything you ever wanted to know!  I do have to sign and return four things:  Liability Release, Health History, Photo Release and FAME Short-term Medical Mission Trip Policies.  We did giggle when we got to #5 of the policies:  You wil be expected to acclimate to the host culture.  This may mean eating food you are unfamiliar with or participating in foreign customs.  HA HA HA!  You can ask my boys, if I can't identify it (and sometimes even if I can) I don't eat it!  It's either going to be a moment of growth or me or a diet.  =)

What's next?
I'll continue fundraising!  Thanks to everyone I am 52% of the way to my goal!  I will be hosting a Chick-fil-A night on Monday June 7th  on Southport road.  I am still looking for a part time job.  I will begin collecting over-the-counter medicies and stuff like that as well - if you have any thoughts on this or any contacts that might help that would be AWESOME!  If your church or Sunday school group would be interested in helping I'll be glad to forward the details!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragment about this trip. I know I can be a  lot little obessive compulsive about things I'm passionate about.  Please keep the entire team in your prayers for God's hand to be upon this trip!