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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/passport/
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 usually 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 (2012 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 following link: http://www.kenyaembassy.com.
Airline Routes: Teams usually leave the USA in the evenings and land in either Amsterdam, 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 Europe 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 sometimes get special airline rates not offered to the public. The cost is set at $3,500.00 USD per person (2012). This includes air flight, all ground transportation, lodging and all in-country meals, tips, plus transportation to a 5-Star Masai Marai Game Resort for a two night stay, game drive and the evening entertainment by local Masai tribesmen. You may check out the accomodations at www.Mpata.com Note: We do not make money from the cost of the Safari. We feel that after team members go this far at a significant sacrifice and cost, that everyone should experience this great winding down time on Safari before returning home.
The price does not include passports, visa, immunizations, gifts, and food in the airports and while in route. 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 Europe and Africa. ATM machines are readily available in Africa. Usually only the cost of a meal and an inexpensive ride on the "subway - 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.
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 will be asked to take food items 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 safe and clean bottled water for 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 at least one video camera. Digital pictures are then collected and shared and enjoyed by all once we get back.
Luggage: Because the airlines frequently change their baggage policies, we will check with them for specifics and relay the information to each of our volunteers a few days prior to our departure. Usually each person can take: 1 (one) 13 lb. carryon bags; and 2 (two) 50 lb. bags. One for your personal belongings and the second to carry food and needed supplies for the orphanage. 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 as we get closer to our departure date.)
It is advisable to bring all daily medications in your personal carry on luggage. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bug spray are recommended.
Nearby attractions: Webuye Falls, Lake Victoria, and The Source of the Nile River in nearby Jinja, Uganda.
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