Doing a little shopping...

So this weekend I went to Dick's to check out the prices on the bug stuff. I ended up buying them! I also found some cheap flashlights (with batteries) at Walgreens:

The sunblock is 85spf - I know that is on the high side - but better safe than sorry! =) I got the right stuff to spray my clothes with that doesn't melt plastic - that is the big yellow can. The stuff laying down is for me. The guys at Dicks said I should get two - I got 3 just in case! =)

Since my battery operated heating pad was a bust, I went ovet to the hunting department and asked them what the hunters do in the cold weather to keep warm. He showed me this:

He said that it reflects your body heat back to you. I decided to get it - it was only $5.00. So far it seems to be working a little - At least it is comfy - I've been testing it at work today (doesn't go at ALL with my red chair!)! But my best bet is going to be the thermal heat wraps I think.

I also saw this at Walgreens:

I'm going to get it tonight! I hope it works - it LOOKS comfy! Details to follow!

And THEN I saw Walgreen's ad:

How awesome is that? The girls from work and I were going to go out next Tuesday evening and get the medicine from when work surpirsed me with the cookout/fundraiser - but with a BOGO deal - we can't beat that! So we are tentatively going this Thursday on lunch. We aren't buying any liquids because they'll take up weight in my suitcase - I hope to unload their shelves for them! And then we'll go get the rest of the stuff at Sam's club next week!

Speaking of Thrusday - one last team meeting before we go!

Can you believe it is only two weeks away?

Busy Weekend...

It's been a busy weekend - I picked up more things for my trip.  Bug stuff, flashlights, a new heat pillow to try...I'll post pictures (as soon as I find my camera) and details hopefully tonight!

2 weeks and one day.

WOW! - I'M SO NOT READY!!

Welcome to the Mathare Valley

This is another post from the same writer from last Sunday.

The captions don't line up  - but I'm not sure you need the captions - the pictures speak a million words.

Please take a moment to read:  Welcome to the Mathare Valley

21 days and counting...

and a month from today I'll be getting back.

Freezer Menu Planning...

So my boys don't live on frozen pizzas, ramen noodles, pizza rolls and carryout while I am gone, I decided to do a little cooking ahead of time and pack my freezer.

And cooking is always more fun with someone!

So I called my sister Nikie (hi Nikie!) - and we got together to plan a menu and schedule a cook day.  My goal was 4 or 5 meals - family size - so that there is enough for two dinners from each meal. We will double all the recipes so that Nikie will have the same for her family!
Here is the menu:

• Chicken enchiladas - which my friend Beth Ann (hi Beth Ann!) swore were fabulous!

• King Ranch Chicken  - Not sure where the name came from - no ranch in the recipe!
• Stuffed Shells
• Meatloaf meatballs - yummy!  We love this recipe at our house  - we use a full pound of Tennessee Pride HOT sausage - give it a KICK!
• Pork Chop Casserole - Nikie's family calls it Dog Food (don't tell my boys) - 'cause that is how it looks - but she promises me it is yummy! 

We will buy the ingredients over the next two weeks - and on Saturday the 11th I am going over EARLY to start cooking and preparing.  We are going to put everything in aluminum pans and cover the tops with aluminum foil.  I'll write all the instructions on top of each pan so the boys will know just what to do!

It's not that they would eat all that junk food while I am gone -they both know how to cook (and are pretty good cooks if you ask me) - but part of it is just me wanting to take care of my boys!  I know this sounds weird, but I'm missing them already.

This cost of a drink...

Found this blog last night - thought I would share it today since it tied with my post from Friday.

Please take a moment to soak it all in. Yes, that was a pun on words.

Food for Thought...

So I participate in Swagbucks - just an online tracking service but you get 'bucks' for gift cards and the such.  There are different ways to earn swagbucks - and the easiest one is the Daily Poll.  Yesterday's question got me thinking...

How would you answer??

What Is Something That Is A "Luxury" In Some Standards That You Would Miss The Most

•  Running Water
• Electricity
• Internet  
• TV
• Phone 
• Other

I thought how it was interesting that they put something that we consider a normal everyday thing as a 'luxury'  - think about that...

When was the last time you actually thought about any of the above as a luxury?  Or do we really get upset if we don't have it?  By golly it's my right to have running water and electricity.   When the power/Internet/electricity/cable goes out - how upset do we get? How do we cope? 

Yet there are people all over the world that don't have these items.  Not so much by choice as it is a fact of life.  They live in area's that don't have running water/flushing toilets.  Electricity isn't even a thought.  They don't need Internet or a TV to entertain themselves - the thought of either has never been introduced.  Gosh, when was the last time you felt lost without your cell phone?  Hard to believe sometimes that these things are luxuries...we don't NEED them...yet in today's world we "HAVE" to have them.  And not only have them...but the newest and best.  I'm guilty of that.  I'm a geocacher - and I have a really cool GPS'r.  But yet, there is a new one out - several in fact - that are geocaching friendly.  Even MADE for geocaching. Boy oh boy do I want one of those!

But I don't NEED it...

We need food.  We need a clean water source.  Can you imagine the state of the world today should we truly look at our lives and examine want vs. need?   Yes, we work hard for what we have.  Yes we are blessed to live in a country that has resources to help those that need help.  But how often do we consider what we have and what others need?

What about those whose government forgot about them?  And those that, even in our own country, are going without the basics.  Those that are lucky to get one or two meals a day?   That's where I'm going.  That is what is all around us, closer than you think.

Just my little soap box here, but can you imagine (I'd ask you to close your eyes and imagine -but then you'd never get to the end of this post!) - just imagine - not being able to feed your kids.  No matter what they want to eat...just that they get to eat?  We have medical care readily available - yes it's not the always what we think it should be - but if you have a medical emergency in your family - your kids have access to care.  It just makes me wonder the difference in this world today if we each reached out to those in need.   I challenge each of you to think this through and see how you can help - right in your own neighborhood.   You don't have to do expensive things - just something to make a difference.  Did you get a buy one get one free bag of potatoes at the store? Give one away.  See someone at the pump only getting $5.00 of gas...go in and pay for $5.00 more.   Sometimes you get scammed and burned - as I have - but you have to keep on keeping on.  Someone need leaves raked?  Sidewalk shoveled?  Have a single parent in the neighborhood?  An anonymous gift card can sure lighten the load.

I guess I've been thinking about this a lot.  As the days get closer - although I'm excited - I'm finding myself trying to figure out how I'm going to...well, figure it out.     How am I going to be able to serve without my heart breaking.  Maybe that is what needs to happen.  I think the question  yesterday just triggered something deep in me and I'm trying to sort it all out.

What do you think?

What where the results you ask?  Do you agree with the results below?  What other items do you consider a 'luxury' that you don't want to live with out?  What items do you live with that you can live without - and find a way to make a difference for others.  

• Running Water
  39%
• Electricity
  37%
• Internet
  34%
• TV
  3%
• Phone
  2%
• Other
  1%

PS...I voted for Running Water. I think I'm in for an eye opening experience in just 25 days.

Here's the scoop!

Whoot!

I went home on my lunch today (well on my way back into the office after Penn Station for lunch) and picked up my travel packet from my mailbox!  Love it when the mailman is early!!

Here is my travel packet:  (remember, you can click on any picture and make it bigger)

Someone said the man in the window reading the paper looks like a
man on an alpaca...now that is all I can see!!!  =)

There is a welcome letter from Lonnie with FAME followed by contact information for our team.  There are 8 of us going - 6 in the medical field, one previous medical transcriptionist and me.  I feel a little out of place!   There is another packing list - I missed it that we need to get a package of baby wipes...I'll add that to my list.  Here are a few other things to pack:

I don't have any stuff for #1.  

#2 is not an issue.  I've got comfy cool appropriate jammies.  

I still don't have a nice outfit for church to leave behind - I'm still working on #3.  

#4 made me giggle.  I've gotta pack my own toilet paper!!  Two 3 packs of toilet paper!  I would GUESS that is for us while we are down in the Valley each day - so I guess my big mega 4-pack of ultra strong Charmin won't work.  =)  

I'll go to the laundry mat and get a few small packages of detergent for #5.  Of all times to NOT get samples in the mail...  =)

#6 is easy to get - My sister Nece (Hi Nece!) gave me a great insulated bottle holder for a big bottle of water!

#7 is covered.  I went to Sam's club and got some snacks.  I got enough snacks to share with the others - we will split them up in our suitcases!

For #8 I'm going to pack my MP3 player, a few books (my brother Tim (Hi Tim!) has highly recommended the book "Love and Respect" and is mailing it to me...hopefully soon!), and my stitching.  And lots of leg pills.

#9 is easy!  I have that!  AND...thanks to Katie (thanks Katie!) I have a holder for my passport that so I can keep it around my neck at all times!  

And I might be set for #10 as well!  We need an adapter for our plug ins!

On to the next page:

Spending money (we need money for our layovers in the airport) and should we get dinner on the way home from the Valley and any souvenirs.  Everyone has given me ideas for my carry-ons.  Not sure what bag I am going to use yet.  Read #4... Electricity is being rationed.  Wow...can you imagine that?  Think of all the electricity you use - even as you read this.  I'm sure it'll be an eye opener.  

Boring airline restrictions next...blah blah blah.  You know I'll be the one in the group that messes this part up. =)  

Project supplies and medicines needed:

Thanks to the WONDERFUL folks at Schmidt - I'll have a suitcase FULL of medicine!  In fact, we are going shopping next Tuesday to get the rest!  I see that they mostly need Children's and Infant medication - so I think we'll focus on that!  

Denise at work (Hi Denise!) offered to help buy some candy for me to take!  I think we are thinking smarties or dum-dum suckers.  I think it'll be so much fun to give the kids a treat!! I've seen halloween candy on sale already -so hopefully we can get some good deals!

Now here's the sad news....

Looks like I won't be able to be in contact while I am gone. I know our dinky prepaid phones won't have reception over there.  That's gonna be the hard part - not keeping in touch with the boys.  I promise to keep a good journal and update EVERYTHING when I get back.  I promise!  I'll do a day by day journal and back date them so it feels like I am there...just a few weeks late.  =)

Lastly we have our devotion schedule:

Still working on that one...got a few ideas - but I'm trying to let God show me what He wants me to share.  And maybe it's not so much what He wants me to share as what He wants to teach me.  I'll have have something togheter before we go - but I'm also leaving myself open to changing that should He lead me otherwise.

Anyhow, that's the scoop!

My Depature Packet Is Here!

I'll update as soon as I can...hopefully tonight!


Horray!!!

Checklist...

• One last shot - a week before I go


• Get a mosquito net

• Soak all my clothes in Repel Permanone

• Uh, buy Permanone =)

• Get the insect repellent (got to figure out which one doesn't melt plastic!)

• $50.00 bill for my Visa when I get there

• Slip on shoes for the flights - Tennis shoes to waterproof and leave behind

• Prepare a devotion

• Get peanut butter =) I picked up some fruit bars, granola bars and peanut butter/cheese crackers

• Go medicine shopping! - Planned for NEXT TUESDAY!

• Get 3 heavy duty trash bags

• Pick up my malaria pills

Tee hee...did you notice???

That the airplane countdown at the top when from months to days???

WOW!

=)  

TWENTY-EIGHT DAYS!!!

One Month and Counting!

I was so excited to get the flight itinerary Thursday!  I organized the list they sent me (it was the itinerary for everyone) and typed up a flight by flight list that is easy to follow!  Just over 17 hours in the air - and 6 hours worth of layovers.  I think that is doable!  It's funny, just as I finished typing up my list, Amy e-mailed the team something similar!  Great minds think alike!   We have 5 from Indy going, one from San Diego, one from Baltimore, and one from Philly.  I didn't see the 9th person.  We are all meeting up in Detroit.

After the auction Thurday night I went online and took a look at my planes and seating.  I've got middle seats the whole way there (well, here to Detroit and Detroit to Amsterdam - we don't have seat assignments to Kenya).  On the way back I've got window seats the whole way.  I LOVE THE WINDOW SEAT!  Not so good with my RLS...difficult to get in/and out if I am squirmy.  But I love the window seat!

I was looking online last night for real time flight tracking information...I did that when Michael was flying back from Hawaii.  I can't seem to find it for international flights outside of Canada - but I'll keep checking!  It's just neat to see if it is on time and where it is at in the air!

We get updates almost daily now...so much information!  It's also nice to be able to e-mail back and forth.  Some of us are rookies you know!  Our departure packets will be mailed on Monday.  Final details of what we need. One of the e-mails contained the following prayer requests:

Please keep the FAME Kenya team in prayer and share these requests:

1. for team cohesiveness and open to God’s leading.
2. for me to be prepared as a leader and FAME representative as well as Indian Creek Christian Church representative
3. for Keith and Kathy Ham and their ministry
4. for the hearts of those we will be serving to be receptive to the gospel of Christ
5. for safety in our travels, our stay in Kenya
6. for our health
7. for our families while we are gone.

Can you please keep those requests in your prayers?  I did find out that there will be a contact from FAME on call the entire time we are gone.  That way if something happens here the boys can contact that representative to get ahold of us over there and same for over there to get ahold of the boys here.  That is a load off of my mind.  If you haven't heard about Andrew's broken wrist when I was gone for my Great Banquet weekend - remind me next time we are together!  =)  It's one of those..."it's funny now" stories.  =)

I've started my "don't forget to pack" list.  I would get it all in a suitcase and put it in there, but the cats would certainly make that their home.  

That is my update for tonight...I'll continue to share.

Thank you for sharing this adventure with me.  This is mainly a journal for me, but this is an experience that I truly want to share with others!  God has, and will continue, to do amazing things!

Flight Itinerary!!

Leave Indy mid-day on 9/14

to Detroit

to Amsterdam

Arrive Kenya late evening on Wednesday 9/15
 _____________________________________________________

Leave Kenya late on 9/23

to Amsterdam

to Detroit

Arrive Indy early afternoon on Friday 9/24

_____________________________________________________

Just over 17 hours of flying - not including layovers.  We have most of our seat assignments - just not the ones to/from Amsterdam and Kenya!

This makes is so REAL now!  We should get our depature packets next week or so...

...can you believe it???  One month from Saturday!

One Month (and 3 days) Checklist (and other random thoughts....)

Things left to do:

• One last shot - a week before I go
• Get a mosquito net
• Soak all my clothes in Repel Permanone
• Uh, buy Permanone  =)
• Get the insect repellent (got to figure out which one doesn't melt plastic!)
• $50.00 bill for my Visa when I get there
• Slip on shoes for the flights - Tennis shoes to waterproof and leave behind
• Prepare a devotion
• Get peanut butter  =)
• Go medicine shopping! 
• Get 3 heavy duty trash bags
• Pick up my malaria pills

I plan on taking my stitching and MP3 player for the flights.  My medicine has to be in original containers.  My heating pad was a bust.  I have to send it back - they think I got a defective one.  In the meantime my cousin (Hi Yvette!) suggested that I try the thermal wraps.  I used them this weekend and seemed to have fairly good luck with them. I plan on buying some more for my flights.  I went to goodwill and got some nice tops to leave behind.  I still need to get a skirt/dress for church.  Still trying to figure out what pants to wear.  Someone offered to pick up some suckers or smarties for me to take to the kids (whoot!).  

Got my hair cut up to my neck - it's just long enough to pull it up.  It should be a lot cooler on the trip.  We won't discuss the color...  =(

Now that it is getting so close I'm really starting to get nervous/excited.  It is feeling more and more real.  It's on my mind constantly - and I'm dreaming about it more as well.  I honestly can't imagine the living conditions for those that live there - and I really don't think I will until I experience it.  I could really really use your prayers to mentally/emotionally prepare for this.  

That's it for tonight - I know there is more, but my brain is tired.  I promise to keep you posted!  

Thanks for sharing this experience with me!

Speechless...

And that says a lot for me!

Let me start at the beginning...

Last night the ladies and I got together for dinner at Fazolies to catch up a little.  We were tickled to find out that our trip director  - Ellen - and Lonnie from FAME - were  able to join us!  It was all planned last minute on Tuesday - with 3 busy women and then Lonnie and Ellen to be able to join us - was simply a God thing.

My work was having a pitch-in today and I had to go to Sam's Club last night to get the food.  Since the ladies and I were meeting on the west side I did the click and pick (or whatever it is called) so that Sam's club had everything ready for me when I got there.  That is an AWESOME feature!

It was so nice to put faces with names at dinner.  I had my camera in my purse but completely forgot to get pictures!  DOH!

We asked questions and got a lot of great answers.  Here are a few of them:

How many are going on the trip:  9
That number is less than what they are used to going, so we will have to be flexible when it comes to running the clinics.

When will we get our itinerary?
Probably within the next two weeks.

How many suitcases can we take?
2 to check and one carry on.  One of our checked bags is for over the counter medicine we collect to leave at the clinics - the other is for clothes.  Limit of 50 lbs per bag.

What to pack:

Lonnie suggest 5 outfits or so - we can hand wash our clothes.  This saves on packing space.  Make sure we have a pair of comfy shoes for clinic days and a skirt and nice top for church on Sunday.  I still intend to leave my clothes behind to donate.

What in the world are the 3 heavy duty trash bags for?   This was my question!  =)

For trash!  =)  We need to keep our clinics clutter and trash free!  They also make great poncho's!

What do we do in the evenings?

We will have morning and nightly devotions - each one of us is responsible for at least one.  The admitted we'd probably be pretty tired in the evenings.  It was recommended that we bring card game or something like that - Lonnie suggested Phase 10!  I love that game so I signed up to bring it!!

Where will we be staying?

We will be staying in a guest house of our hosts - Keith and Kathy Ham.  It'll probably be two per room.  Electricity is probably a yes - but only as dependable as it is for the rest of the country.  Same with running water.  

How do we carry everything with us and keep it safe?

Ellen loves fannie packs, Lonnie hates them.  =)  They said whatever we need to keep our personal stuff secure and on us.   I will probably get a fannie pack and a lanyard that has a pocket for my passport - that way it I can wear it under my shirt and have it on me at all times.  No expensive jewelry was stressed. Keep your camera out of sight while in the Mathare Valley and the wrist band secure around our wrist anytime we use it.  Don't set anything down - make sure it is secure someplace (like a fannie pack).

Let's see - we went through a typical day would be like at clinic.  We talked about personal safety as well as food/water safety.  We talked about always staying together.  We talked about shots and shared stories.  We are waiting on a few more answers to our questions from the Ham's...I'll share those as we get answers!

Now - to digest some of that.

Specifically one  - the suitcase of medicine.  We are all required to collect over the counter medicine for the clinics.  That is 50 lbs.  Wow.  Lori mentioned how she had been collecting it and getting ready.

My heart sunk.

I've already spent house money on my shots.  I've collected the amount needed for my trip from friends, family and co-workers.  How in the world was I going to get this part done?

Sometime, we just need a little faith.

Today was the cookout at work.  We do them once or twice a year among other things (ice cream socials and pitch-ins and stuff.)  Just something nice to do for staff.  I am usually involved in the planning and buying (mostly because we have a Sam's club membership) and helping and setting up.  And I admit - I LOVE this kind of stuff.  We also do multiple fundraisers throughout the year - we raise money with bake sales and chili cook-offs and even do jeans day.  We get to wear jeans to work and we pay $2.00 to wear jeans and an additional $1.00 to wear tennis shoes.  The money we raise is used for different funds - Christmas families we adopt, Missions, Julian Center, Make a Wish....the list goes on and on.  One of the reasons why I love where I work.  Today was a jeans day!  We have been doing jeans days to raise money to buys cans for CANstrcution (the cans are later donated to Gleaner's Food Bank) - build day is tomorrow so one more jeans day to help offset that cost!

Today we were setting up for the cookout and one of the ladies in Interiors volunteered to help coordinate set up and stuff like that.  She had it all under control and basically chased me out of the conference room.   Right before the cookout I went to make sure everything was ready and I was told it was and to go make an all staff page that the cookout was running about 5 minutes behind.  We asked everyone to start in the lobby, go out the front doors and outside around to the grill and then back into the conference room.

Everyone piled into the lobby, but Katie, my boss, was holding them up at the front doors.  I asked, and she said the cooks needed a few more minutes to get the hot dogs done so people weren't waiting on hot dogs.

Next thing I know, she turns to me and says, "this cookout is about you Tricia.  We wanted to show you support for you and your mission trip" (my this time I am starting to cry and shake) - "outside is a suitcase with medicine and stuff for you to take on your trip" - (this is where speechless comes in).  I was floored.  I had NO IDEA!  How 85 people kept this quiet for 3 weeks is beyond me.  I like to think I have a pulse on things in the office but I had no idea on this one!  I was told I had to be first to eat (which was the last thing I wanted to do) so I head outside and this is what I see:

Suitcase Outside

So everyone lined up behind me to eat:

And they decorated the conference room too!  These items are actually from Africa!!

African Print

See everyone standing in line outside?  =)

Everyone ate:

And we had animal crackers for dessert!  That made me giggle!

I can't tell you how shocked I was.  I am still speechless.  Here is the stuff that was collected:

and...did you see all those people wearing jeans?  

Go back...take a look...

yea...you are thinking correctly...

All those people who wore jeans today?

They weren't wearing them for CANsruction...

They were wearing them to support my trip...

To help raise funds to purchase the rest of the medicine for my trip - to fill my suitcase.

So me and my surprise planners:

Are going to go shopping...

medicine shopping. 

Yup!

How much you ask?

I'm still speechless you know....

$300.00 worth!!!

That is going to be more fun than ANY shopping I've ever done before!

God has a funny way of showing Himself when you least expect it!  Time and time again He has proven His hand is on this trip.  EVERY time I have had doubts or questions or thoughts of how things are going to work out, He has shown me Who He is.  

As I type this my spirit is convicted yet again.  I doubt, I question, I struggle.  I need to remember Who is in control and to remember to have a little faith!

To those that were involved today...Thank you. For the surprise...for the support.  For the encouragement.  For allowing God to use you to show Himself to me yet again.  I said before I don't believe in coincidence.  I believe in Godincidence.  I truly believe that God had the dinner last night and the cookout today well planned in advance...it's all in His time.  I can't thank everyone enough - but know that I will not let you down on this trip.

Thank you, thank you...thank you!

Counting my coins...

for a battery operated heating pad for my trip!

I'm looking at this one:  Tempachair Cushion  - Pros for this one is that it is portable, rechargeable (up to 300 charges) and has good heat.  It looks like I can position it easily enough for my hip as well.  This one charges in two hours.  That would be nice if we have a layover.  Cons:  Low heat it only lasts for up to four hours (120 degrees), high heat it lasts for 2 hours (140 degrees).

This one:  Deluxe Heated Seat  - Pros for this one longer lasting heat - 6 hours - at the heat saver setting - BUT  but I don't know what temp that is.  Rechargeable.  Cons:  Not sure it'll work well on my hip - it's more designed to be sat on or for your back.

This one:  The Bench Warmer - holds heat longer - 5-7 hours at 115 degrees.  Wish I knew what my plug in heating pad temp was at!  This one says it never needs the batteries replaced - which would be nice - but that kind of a promise scares me.  Again it doesn't look like I can position it for my hip very easily.  It charges over night.

Either way I'm counting and rolling my coins tonight.  This jar of coins was supposed to be for a birthday massage for me, but I really need to get a heating pad for my trip.

Do you see any others out there that would work?  I need good heat, easily positionable, rechargeable and portable.  I would like to order something in the next few days...so if you see anything out there - let me know ASAP!

Chatting with Justin....

One of Michael's coworkers, Justin, just got back from a trip to Uganda in Africa. 

Kenya and Uganda are neighbors:

(you can click on the map to make it bigger)

Justin and I have been e-mailing back and forth and he gave his permission to share with you!

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Hey Tricia, I went with World Gospel Mission out of Marion, IN. There were only 3 of us and I met the other 2 in Minneapolis and flew with them to Amsterdam and then to Kamapala. It was a great time to get to know them. I was very nervous, but that is normal. Your nerves will subside once you are on the plane and especially when your feet hit the ground in Kenya. I understand nerves believe me, you really will love it. It really does become a part of you forever and once you come back, you WILL NOT be the same. God forever changes a part of you. You will see poverty unimaginable and yet these same people will love you genuinely. They are just like us, corrupt, but yet very very loving. You will get a little sick, probably nothing bad, I was out in the bush for about a week and a half and got the runnies, but that is to be expected and your body will adapt. Jones is the best in business and knows everything about every place there is. If I had to do over again and believe me I will be going back even if its in a pine box, I'd spend so much more time with people. Take as many pictures as you can especially of those moments with children and families. Always ask first, some people on the Islands we were on thought taking a picture meant that you were taking their souls. Probably not as much a problem in Kenya, but just in case. What is the nature of your mission? We were a work crew and thus spent a lot of time with workmen and they were terrific. Do you know if you will be going on Safari? Masi Mari (spelling?) in Kenya is an amazing safari spot, you'll see everything. Im not sure what the conversion rate is there, but I took $100 and bartered for everything. Be prepared to do that. It is AWESOME!!!! You will probably be really good at it, you won't know until you do it. Whatever they quote you, cut it in half and be prepared to walk away.

I knew just enough of the language to really enjoy bartering and if you know some of the language there (I think its Swahili) it will go a long way with the people. Watch the lion king, there are several words in there. You can also get on Youtube or internet and find some basic lessons which will get you a long way. Always stay with the group, it is safer that way. There are always some who are looking to do you harm, but Kenya is a pretty secure country so I wouldn't be concerned, just be aware of what is going on around you and that will be enough. When taking pictures, keep your camera strap around your hands, arms or body to prevent petty theft and put cash and important documents in your front pockets. Passports are a very very hot item on the black market and if you have yours stolen it can be a real hassle to get it back. Make a copy of yours and take it with you in the event that it is stolen, it makes it much easier to get a new one.
Flying and jetlag. No easy way to put this, you are crossing 7 hours of time zones. What time is your flight getting into Nairobi? If it is evening, it will make it easier and you will probably sleep that night all night. It will be the next 4 or 5 that will be a little tough. Ask Jones for a sleep aid if he hasn't given one to you. These really helped a lot. If you get in during the day, try very hard not to nap or sleep until that night. You will be so excited you will probably not want to sleep anyway. If you have necessary meds (I did, I'm diabetic) pack it in several different bags in case some get lost. Nairobi has a good airport so shouldn't be a problem. Most importantly, live it up and give all your heart and energies to these people for the glory of God. You will Never be the same. You will absolutely love it. Please don't be scared, it is going to be absolutely amazing and you will do great there. How do you fly?

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Wow! Thanks for the great e-mails! 
I'm going with FAME and it is a medical missionary trip - even though I'm not in the medical field - they need people like to me to do the non-medical stuff so the people who ARE in the medical field can stay focused on their job. We are going into the Mathare Valley - one of the largest slums in Kenya. We will be visiting the schools there and giving the kids school physicals. There is also a side project called "Bring the Light" (I think) where we will be putting in clear fiberglass skylights into some of the homes (and sharing how Jesus is The Light). 
Don't have travel arrangements yet - We should have them in a few weeks.
I've met two of the ladies on my trip - we've done one dinner and will do another one soon. There are 5 of us from Indy going - and the rest we will meet up with somewhere along the way.I know we will be escorted when we are in the Mathare Valley - so I don't know my opportunities for taking pictures - but by golly I'm gonna try!

I'm caught up on my shots - the only thing I need now is my final Hep A&B - I get that a week before I go. I still need to get the stuff to spray my clothes her as well as my DEET for there. Did you take a mosquito net? I'm thinking about getting one and leaving it behind. Also, a few ladies on my trip have decided to get nice clothes at Goodwill for our trip and then leave them behind to donate.

I'm not looking forward to the flights AT ALL. I have Restless Leg Syndrome and I don't sit well - even a movie is too long. I've got my meds, but they really only help to a point unless I take a full dose. Heat therapy works well, so I'm going to invest in a battery operated heating pad. They only hold 4 hours for a charge - but something is better than nothing! How log did your flights take?
Thanks for the headsup on learning some Swahili! I'll do that! I will be gone Sept 14th - 24th - About a month and 2 weeks away! WOW!
Keep sharing with me...anything else you can think of!!
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I did not take a mosquito net, they were provided once we were there. I'd find out if you need one or if they are provided. If they are provided, make sure every night that you tuck them under very carefully. It makes a huge difference and only takes a minute or so. You will sleep more soundly knowing that your net is properly in place. Your lead will show you how to tuck. no worries, they are experts at it. Some of the nets you can allow to hang to the floor. I wouldn't do that because stuff can crawl up under the net and that will be on your mind at night. If it is your only option and the lead or locals aren't concerned, then don't be concerned either, NO ONE wants you to get sick. The permythrin soak worked like a dream so if you take a net soak it for 2 hours in permythrin as well as your clothes. I was in a highly infectious area and thanks to that and the Ultrathon, I never got bit, not even once. Leaving clothes behind is a good idea.  I left some in the field. Our flight was about 7 hours to Amsterdam and then 8 hours to Kamapala. If you have RLS, I'd invest in a heating pad. There are also plenty of opportunities to get up and walk around also, so I wouldn't be too concerned about that of course for one of the flights I sat in the seat the entire time, just because I wanted to. International flights are a neat experience, if you can ask them to put you in a bulk head or exit seat, then you can sprawl out. They may not take requests, but explain to them that you have RLS and it really would benefit you to be in that seat. It just gives you ample leg room. If not, get on the aisle seat so that you can get up and walk around frequently. You can also ask for that. I imagine your flight will be just a little longer than ours so figure on about 7 and 9 maybe. I'm glad to help it really is amazing to watch God provide traveling mercies, which He does. You'll be amazed at how well it goes.

The cool thing is that I am a worrier until I actually got on the plane and everything just came together. God is really really good and He loves you and won't give you what you can't handle. You will be amazed at how well things go. I think we experience mild turbulence once and I don't deal well with turbulence and I had such a peace that I didn't even notice it. The pilots are geared to avoid turbulence at almost all cost. You will do awesome. I wish I could go with you. Have no fear, God will be near.
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Here is the link to some of the pictures his team took in Uganda.  You should be able to click the link and view them without setting up a shutterfly account.

Here is one from FB:

He said that the fish rivaled any piece of fried chicken he's ever had.  You'd think they'd cut the head off instead of the tail!  Gulp...I'm REALLY gonna have to be brave when it comes to eating the food!!!  =) 

His email confirms what so many have told me.  This is going to be an amazing experience...the experience of a lifetime! 

Mathare Valley as Viewed By Compassion International - Brad Ruggles

Take a moment to see the Mathare Valley  - filled with hope.

Hope Flows Through Mathare