journey home

we are about headed home - our journey will take all weekend, and we are of course sad to leave Kenya. As a send off, we had the chance to pet and kiss giraffes! We'll post more later! :) We'll be home Sunday night, Lord willing!

Arrived

1. We have safely arrived in Kenya with only minimal delay, ALL of our luggage in good condition, ALL of our people, ALL of our people in good health. All connections were smooth. All the ladies (including th kiddos in strollers) of the team enjoyed 8 hours exploring London during our layover while Mike and Josh held down the fort at the airport. We are so glad to be enjoying the lovely spring-like weather in Kijabe and have alredy enjoyed eating at the local "restaurant" and taking a walk around the compound. Our next few days include: sleep (we can't wait!!!), visiting a family or two to encourage them in the Lord, more walking, reviewing our VBS lessons with our Kenyan friends, church with the Masaai, orphanage ministry, and dinner with a Sudanese family.
   
   We'll keep you posted as we are able, but have very limited email access.

Headed to Kenya!

We are headed to Kenya - we will try to update this blog as we are able during our experience. Please pray for us! You can email us at jarattin@yahoo.com.

Actually headed to Kenya!

We're only 3 weeks away from our long awaited trip: we depart for Kijabe May 21st and return June 8th. Please be praying for us!

The Meaning of the Cross

Please take some time to mediate on the meaning of the cross. Here are a couple of questions:

1. What was the ultimate reason Jesus Christ came to us and died on the cross?
   
2. What did His death actually do?
   
3. Why is this significant for us?

Give some of your thoughts on this!

Fund Raising Schedule

- Rice Heating Bags - on sale now $5.00 for herb-free, $7.00 for herbal (spearmint or rosemary). Needs: make more rice bags.

- Yardsale at Faith Baptist Church in Hollis, NH - Saturday, June 2nd 7:30am to 2:00pm. Food, music, yard sale treasures, rice heating bags, and much more! Needs: yardsale treasures.

- Change for Africa jars - jars already in distribution, some have already been returned. More jars available.

- Faith Baptist Church Youth Group Band benefit coffee house - mid-June (date pending).

- Spaghetti Dinner - late June/early July - need to set date.

- "Night out" - more fancy dinner - idea in the works. Need a coordinator - Haavistos?

- Support letters - already sent out.

Suggested Packing List

Suggested Packing List for Kenya (focused on females)

Think: simple and all things to leave behind. Rule of thumb for dressing: dress nicely but comfortably. Always be prepared to walk a long way in whatever you’re wearing that day. Kenyans dress very nicely and very modestly.

Plan on one checked bag and one carry-on backpack

Clothes – plan on leaving most in Kenya

• One pair of loose fitting pants for around the motel/travel
• One pair of capris for safari
• Two loose skirts below the knee
• One church outfit
• 3-4 shirts (short sleeve, no sleeveless)
• Underwear for a week (will do laundry)
• Comfortable sandals (need to be able to walk distances)
• Sneakers and comfortable socks
• Comfortable church shoes (optional, could just wear nice sandals)
• PJs (cool at night ~70 degrees)
• Jacket/sweater (cool and windy at night, travel)
• Men: sports coat and tie, dress pants, dress shoes, two pairs pants, 5-7 undershirts, 3 collared casual shirts or polo shirts, sandals/daily shoes (comfortable for walking distances).

Toiletries – are available to purchase in Kijabe if you forget something!

• Small shampoo/conditioner
• Small soap
• Small toothpaste, toothbrush
• Facial soap, washcloth
• Moisturizer with SPF
• Deodorant (don’t forget that!)
• Razor (in checked luggage)
• Nail clippers (optional - in checked luggage)

Accessories

• Broad rimed hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen at least SPF 30-40
• Mosquito spray/lotion (not aerosol due to plane travel)
• Camera (with lots of film or digital memory!) (put film in your carry-on, not checked luggage to preserve film integrity)
• Travel alarm clock
• Inflatable travel pillow
• Nalgene water bottle (pack in your checked luggage – European airports may not let you thru security with even empty container)
• Flashlight
• Pocket knife (optional - in checked luggage)
• A few snacks (granola bars, crackers, raisins)

Medical

• Tylenol
• Bandaids, triple antibiotic ointment
• Malaria meds
• Anti-diarrheal (immodium)
• Peptobismo
• Anti-diarrhea antibiotic (Cipro)
• Packet of Gatorade for rehydration
• Decongestant

Gifts

• Stickers for kids in VBS
• Balloons for kids in VBS
• One host/hostess gift with gift bag and tissue paper (each person bring one gift and we will take turns giving gift to our hosts – calendars, American foods, journals, etc.)
• We can purchase Bibles there in appropriate languages, so consider bringing money if that’s a gift you’d like to give to a Kenyan.

Money (depends on you)

• $100 for gifts
• $30 for extra expenses (snack foods, airport snacks, etc.)
• $30 for local ministries/offerings
  

Important documents – recommend a money belt/bag to keep passport next to your body under your clothes during travel.

• Passport
• Money – divided into several different places throughout your luggage and person
• Vaccine record

Do not bring: Matches, aerosol cans, lots of hair/face accessories

In your carry-on, pack one entire change of clothes, your necessary medications, basic toiletries (all liquids <3oz style=""> I.e. any essentials if the checked luggage gets lost for a few days.