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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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!
I love this blog.
ReplyDeleteJustin