Hey Kenya Team!

It’s finally time to give you a few more details about your trip! This Spring semester is going to be an incredible one where you’re going to see God do great things in you, and in the people of Kenya. It will be hard at times, but know that it’s all worth it. Get excited!

You guys are working with Pastor Simon and his church in Kijabe. Kijabe is about 40km Southwest of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Pastor Simon’s church is a part of the African Inland Mission and has a hospital, Rift Valley academy, and a bible school. His main vision for ministry will be outreach to youth and evangelism.

A few ministry sensitivities you need to be aware of are: No earrings or piercings for men at all as this sends a very wrong message to the locals (for example, that such a person is gay, which is vehemently resisted). No "Nike" brand clothing. Men should dress moderately casual at all times (t-shirts, long pants, shirts – polo or collared). Ladies should dress modestly and dresses or skirts need to pass the knee. There is not a problem with ladies with earrings, piercings or tattoos. Men may want to cover tattoos especially on their arms during ministry time.

A cultural rule is that you must always extend your hand to greet people you meet.

Languages spoken are English and Kiswahili.

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There is a general packing list that can be found in your Profile by going to Mobilization Info tab and then to the preparation section. In addition to those items, you should also bring: 

• Sleeping pad (ThermaRest is a great brand.)
• Tent (We suggest a 2-person, freestanding tent so you can fit yourself as well as your stuff. It should be freestanding in case you need to set it up indoors where you can’t stake it into the ground. Make sure it has adequate ventilation. No tent should be over 5-6lbs. A good tent is around 4 lbs. You can get a good tent at any outdoor goods stores like REI and Bass Pro Shop.)
• Health Information, including proof of Yellow Fever inoculation
• Copies of ID and passportpacked in various places.

  These are already listed on the general packing list but I want to emphasize them:

• Sleeping bag and pillow (Kijabe can be around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, as well as the mornings and evenings.)
• Sweater or jacket
• Headlamp (flashlights are fine too…but headlamps are AWESOME because you get to have both hands free. Hands-free is good for going to the bathroom outside at night, reading while your teammates are sleeping, and even for dance parties!
• Water bottle (Nalgene brand is really great.)
• Outlet Adaptor (You need an adaptor, not a converter. You probably only need a converter if you're bringing something high powered like a blow dryer. You can get an international adaptor at Wal-mart or Target.)

Check out some stories from Fall participants that are currently working in Kijabe with Pastor Simon by visiting their blog here! Also check out our Kenya Initiative team and the awesome things they’re doing there too!

As always, if you have any questions about anything listed here, please let me know!

Stacy Povian

Email: thepassport@adventures.org

Phone:  770-983-1060 x 321