Visitor Information Page Five

Christian Mission Aid

Visitor Information- Page Five

General Precautions...

The following precautions are not intended to alarm travelers, but to educate them with information. CMA recommends that you look over the information provided from this link to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention- Health Information for Travelers to East Africa.

Your Personal Physician will help you address your specific needs. We have a very good track record for bringing travelers home without incident because of the following precautions being implemented, especially when not dining at "tourist" establishments:

1. The following beverages are safe to drink: boiled water- a minimum of 10 min., hot beverages made with boiled water, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. The area of the can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry. Do not drink any water that is not known to be safe. It is always better to ask your team leader or a missionary first. Bottled water will be provided for you.

2. Foods to avoid, if possible: Salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit, unpasteurized milk and milk products, raw meat and shellfish. If you peel fruit yourself, it is generally safe. Food that has been cooked and is still hot is generally safe.

3. Medical precautions: You will need to seek the advise of your family physician or physician recommended by your local board of health for immunizations. Many of the recommended immunizations may not be required. Your physician can best advise you on what immunizations would be best for you.

4. Do not handle any animals, domestic or otherwise.

5. Protection from insects: Many diseases are transmitted through the bite of infected insects such as mosquitoes, flies, ticks and lice. The most effective insect repellent ingredient is DEET, (N,N- diethyl meta-toluamide) and is found in most insects repellents. If you are or may be allergic to DEET, please see your physician for an alternative repellent. A flying insect repellent can be used in living and sleeping spaces, as needed.

6. Wash your hands often. Use anti-bacterial wet wipes when running water isn't readily available.

7. It's never a good idea to go anywhere alone. Always carry money unobtrusively, i.e., wallet in front pocket, or in your hidden money belt. Be cautious about wearing jewelry, including watches. If you must wear jewelry, make sure it is small and cannot be perceived as being expensive.

Out of respect for the Africans you meet, be discreet about the above precautions. Consider how you would feel if they were guests in your country and home: a simple "No, thank you" is often better than a detailed explanation; wash your hands without drawing attention to process, etc.

Re: African Food:

It might be appropriate to make a few comments about the food you'll be experiencing while on your trip. Don't worry! Chances are, you'll love it as much as those who have gone before you!

Common dishes consist of beef or chicken, carrot and potato stew, roasted goat (which tastes similar to lamb), rice, chapatis (an Indian flat bread similar to the tortilla), sukuma wiki (cooked greens), chips (fried Potatoes), ugali (similar to thick grits), and corn. You'll be served chai to drink often, a British-inspired custom (half tea, half warm milk, with sugar added).

Quick Check...

Things you will need:

	Passport and a copy of the inside front cover of your passport to keep in your wallet/money belt
	2 additional passport photos for visa application
	International Certificate of Vaccination booklet
	Yellow fever immunization
	Tetanus shot up-to-date
	Malaria prophylactic
	Extra pair of glasses or contacts, if needed
	Clothing
	Toiletries
	Personal medications.

Things you should not do while in Africa:

	Take photos of airport or any government building
	Photograph Africans without their permission
	Drink the water, unless you're told it's safe
	Go anywhere alone, or wear expensive jewelry
	Exchange US currency on the streets
	Purchase items with US currency
	Complain! Instead, make up your mind to enjoy the differences of the people you're traveling with, and those you will meet along the way. Your positive attitude will go a long way to make this trip enjoyable for you, the team members and your team leader.

The Ten Commandments for Travelers.

1. Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou hast them at home for thou hast left thy home to find things different.

2. Thou shalt not take anything too seriously. A carefree mind is the beginning of a vacation.

3. Thou shalt not let other travelers get on thy nerves for thou are paying good money to enjoy thyself.

4. Thou shalt not forget that thou dost represent thy country--and thy God--at all times.

5. Thou shalt not worry. He who worrieth hath no pleasures. Few things are ever fatal.

6. Remember thy passport. A man without a passport is a man without a country.

7. Blessed is the man who can say "Thank you" in any language.

8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If in difficulty, use thy friendliness and common sense.

9. Do not judge the people of a country by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.

10. Remember, thou art a guest in every land. He who treateth his host with respect shall be treated as an honored guest.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us at Africa@CMAid.org, or contact CMA Director, Larry Kitchel at Larry@CMAid.org.