Visitor Information Page Two

Christian Mission Aid

Visitors Information-Page Two

a. It will be very pleasant in Kenya --as low as 50 degrees F at night, 65 - 85 degrees F during the day. Generally, the rainy seasons are from March-April, and October-December. The rainy seasons are slightly cooler than the dry seasons. The hottest months are December and January. Dress in layers for optimum comfort.

b. Keep clothes to a minimum. Your baggage allowance is 2 suitcases- weighing no more than 70 lbs. Each- and 1 carry-on bag. HOWEVER, Christian Mission Aid may need to use one suitcase allowance to use for supplies in the field. Your co-operation in this area will be greatly appreciated, and is considered a great contribution to Christian Mission Aid ministry in Africa. (You should have the full 2 suitcase allowance on the return flight as the supplies will remain in the field, so you should enclose an extra bag in your suitcase for this.) If possible, take wash-and-wear clothes. There will be laundry facilities available at most places. Past team members have chosen to leave some clothing behind for needy Africans. (Items left behind should be distributed by your team leader. Please consult with him or her.)

c. Because this is a cross-cultural venture, it is important that you are dressed neatly and modestly. Africans do not wear tank tops or shorts- especially women, so leave them at home. Dresses and skirts for women are always appropriate. "When in Africa, do as the Africans do." (The exception to these rules would be for airline travel and the game park, but be prepared to change clothes before arrival in Nairobi. Always dress modestly.)

d. You'll need one pair of shoes for dress occasions, and one well-worn comfortable pair for long-distance walking and working. During the rainy season, shoes will get wed and muddy.

A sample of what a team member might pack, besides the obvious, (and please don't forget those items!) is as follows:

Ladies:

	Money belt- One with an inner lining (like Eagle Creek brand)
	All money, valuables, passport, etc. should be kept there
	1 dress or skirt outfit for Sundays
	5-6 T-shirts or blouses
	Clothes for the airline trip and the game park
	P.J.’s
	Sweater or windbreaker

Men:

	Money belt- Ones with an inner lining (like Eagle Creek brand)
	All money, valuables, passport, etc. should be kept there
	2-3 pairs of slacks or jeans
	Slacks, shirts or sport shirts
	5-6 T-shirts or sport shirts
	P.J.'S
	Sweaters or windbreaker

Items you should NOT bring:

	Aerosol products
	Jewelry including gold chains and bracelets
	Expensive looking watch (cost is not the issue, it’s how it might be perceived)
	Fanny Packs- (use a money belt instead)

In case your luggage is lost en route, it is advisable to carry one complete change of clothing, plus anything you cannot live without, in your carry-on bag. This DOES happen by the way!

(Here's Mike's suggestion for packing: Put everything you need in a pile. Divide the pile into a big pile and a little pile. Take the little pile!)

	All liquid items and anything of personal importance should be packed in zip-lock bags.
	Each piece of luggage you take must have a baggage tag with your name and address. Your luggage should have a SECURE LOCK on it! For easy identification of your luggage at Nairobi airport, tie a red yarn or ribbon on each piece of luggage.

Other items you might consider taking:

	light-weight bath towel & wash cloths
	anti-bacterial wet wipes (check with your airline to see if this is OK to pack)
	liquid soap for hand washables
	bar of soap
	sun block lotion- remember Kenya is at the Equator and the sun is strong!
	sunglasses
	personal toiletries
	2-3 plastic bags for laundry
	journal notebook
	small flashlight
	insect repellent- the best contain Deet
	personal medications (prescribed and other)
	Bible(s) to leave (modern translations are best)
	Bible tracts & studies
	camera and film (most take 100-300 photos)
	small video camera and tapes
	bubble-wrap for breakables that you purchase
	a small pillow, if you need a special one

If you know someone else who's going on the trip, it's highly recommended that you share some of the above items to save packing space.

Visitor Information Page Three