General Team Information
Encouragement Inc. - Volunteer Member

Passports:      Each team member is responsible for obtaining their own passport. The expiration date should be at least 4-6 months past the return date to the US.  Always carry a copy of your passport with you and leave one copy at home for emergency purposes.  Your local post office can assist you with the details.
http://www.usps.com

Visas:            Visas for Kenya are easily obtained at the Kenya border/airport upon entering the country.  A single entry visa for Kenya is usually all that is needed since we do not leave the country of Kenya once there.  Visas may also be obtained by mailing your passport and Visa application to the Kenya Embassy in Washington D.C.  You can save the postage by waiting until you get to the Nairobi airport and purchase your Visa then.  There is no difference in price.  The cost for a single entry visa is $50.00 (2008 rate).  However, if you wait until arriving in Kenya you will save a significant amount from the postage of mailing to Washington, D.C. and back.  If you decide to mail your passport to the Washington D.C. Embassy, it is highly recommended that you use only certified or registered mail.  Your local post office can assist you with the details or visit the link below: http://www.kenyaembassy.com.

Airline Routes:   Teams usually leave the USA in the evenings and land in London or Paris early the next morning.   If we go to London and have time we will sight-see in London during the day and then fly on to Nairobi, Kenya later that evening.  From Nairobi, we either take a flight to the Western Province of Kenya or we are transported by vans to the Encouragement Ministry Center in Webuye. (Way-boo-yeah)

Weather:   Remember the weather in England and France is much like the weather in the USA, but the weather is the opposite in Africa.  Our summer is their winter, etc.  Dress appropriately!  Kenya winters are like that of Southern California.  Warm during the day (75-85 degrees) and cool at night (55 degrees).

Costs:   Encouragement Inc. makes ALL of the arrangements for our team members.  Because we are a non-profit mission organization we get special airline rates not offered to the public.  The cost is set at $3,000.00 USD per person (2008).  This includes air flight, all ground transportation, lodging, safari fees, and all in country meal tips.   It does not include passports, immunizations, gifts, and food in the airports and while in route.  Usually a "free-will offering/tip" is received for our bus driver & safari guide, if we use one.  Many people choose to carry around $200 USD with them for these expenses and for gifts and airport snacks.  Major credit cards are accepted at most places in London and Africa.  ATM machines are readily available in Africa.  Usually only the cost of a meal and an inexpensive ride on the "tube" to downtown London from the airport is all that you will need to pay for.  Usually $50.00 will cover everything.  Seeing a few of the city sights in London can be done free of charge. (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Thames River)

Immunizations:   Though no immunizations are required, you will want to check with your doctor or local county health department for their recommendations.  We encourage people to get all the immunizations they can afford.

Food:     Three meals a day will be prepared at the Ministry Center.   There are limited snacks in Africa.. You may want to bring some snacks, candy, or granola bars, etc.  Or if you have a special diet, you will need to plan yourself for meeting these dietary needs.  Each team members is asked to take food from a provided list of foods.  These food items usually cost each member around $40.00 to purchase here in the states.  We share taking turns in the food preparation while there.  This makes it safe for those who would rather not eat African food daily.  We provide bottled water for all the team members daily.

Clothes:     The cool months are May-August. A sweat shirt and a light jacket are necessary at night during these months. Long pants or blue jeans are good for the cool months. The hottest months are Oct-Feb, although it does rain during these months.  Most outdoor work can be done in shorts.    Men need a collared shirt for the church services and/or the pastors conferences. Women need a casual dress or skirt for church. Tennis shoes are fine for all occasions. Walking shoes or sandals are advisable.  There will be washing of clothes available almost daily except Sundays.  "Tips" are always appropriate for the locals doing the laundry.

Misc:    People enjoy using a GPS and other toys, these are totally optional.  Everyone will want a camera, but each team should have a designated camera person and one video camera. Others can take a video camera if they desire.

Luggage:     Each person can take: 2 (two) 13 lb. carryon bags; and 1 (one) 50 lb. bag.  We usually assign each person to transport a second 50 lbs. bag  full of items for the orphanage or churches.  This is how we transport needed supplies.  Sometimes we get a special allowance by the airline to take a 3rd bag of 50 lbs.   It is a good idea to pack an extra set of clothing in your carry on luggage in case your suitcase is lost or arrives late. (We will check baggage requirement updates and inform you of any changes.)  

It is advisable to bring all daily medications in your personal carry on luggage.
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bug spray are recommended.

Nearby attractions:   There is an optional safari to the World Famous Masai Mara game preserve where you can be up close and personal (at a safe distance and in a vehicle) with lions, elephants, wildebeests, baboons, giraffes, zebras, and a host of other exotic animals in the wild.  The cost is $450.00 per person for a two night safari package with a professional guide and safari vehicle.  This includes lodging at a 5 star indoor safari lodge overlooking the Mara River, all meals, transportation and park fees.  The safari is the last two nights of your stay in Kenya before being flown back to the USA.  This is a once in a life-time experience and we highly recommend this safari to all.   You can use a credit card for payment once there.