Contents
1 What is our purpose?
2 What are the projects we will be involved in doing?
3 What are our trip expenses?
4 What are our payment deadlines?
5 What travel documents do we need?
6 What additional needs might we encounter?
7 What apparel should we pack?
8 What can we expect in terms of health care?
9 What is the cost of food and where do we eat?
10 What are other recommended necessities?
11 What are the rules regarding shopping?
12 What do we need to know about taking photographs?
13 What are the rules regarding smoking and drinking?
14 What should we know about the different cultures?
15 What do we do in case of a medical emergency?
16 SUMMARY
1:
What is our purpose?
Our rationale for these trips is threefold:
a. To provide firsthand exposure to mission work and to promote individual spiritual growth for each team member
b. To enter areas of evangelism and ministry to nationals and to share our abilities to build at Iambi
c. To view the wildlife in several noted parks in Tanzania
As you daily receive strength and direction from our Lord to witness in these areas, you will reach out , touch, and serve those nationals living in Tanzania. In doing this you will demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus not only in words but in your actions as well.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth.” 1John 3:18
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2:
What are the projects we will be involved in doing?
The projects can be broken into three distinct categories:
1. EVANGELISM
You will be working with interpreters or by yourself visiting and conversing with nationals of several tribal groups. There are many ways to share the Good News of Jesus Christ: in churches, on the paths, in homes and schools, in daily work, and in any way the Holy Spirit provides you the opportunity.
2. TEACHING
Many and varied opportunities are available to teach and to share while you are in Tanzania: for the young (with whom you will fall in love), or for the older while you work with them or when you visit their homes. Remember, all your actions will be scrutinized in whatever you do. You will be an ambassador!
3. CONSTRUCTION
The jobs will be many and varied and include such things as: carpentry, cement work, roofing, plumbing, digging, electrical wiring, design and others. It is a good idea to bring tools you might use and then plan to leave them in Iambi upon departure. Bring rubber boots and gloves. You will need five pairs of work gloves and one set of plastic gloves for cement work. Because of the sun, you will need to keep your head covered with a good, well ventilated work hat. Bring a generous supply of sunscreen. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
Many times you will need to improvise to get a job done. The first rule always is to consider the possible elements of danger to yourself and to others working with you. If you are injured in any way, STOP what you are doing and get treatment at once.
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3:
What are our trip expenses?
The following trip costs are an approximation:
Round Trip from PDX $2,500.00 (spring 2008)
Land transport, game parks, hotels $1,600.00
Food $35.00
Total Costs $4,135.00
You are responsible for booking your own air travel and costs will vary depending on bargains you may get. I suggest Menno Travel Service, and you qualify as a person serving under a non-profit organization, African S.M.I.L.E..
Additionally, plan on bringing extra money for church offerings, meals out, soft drinks, and tourist expenses such as souvenirs. Estimate another $100-$200 based on how many souvenirs you would like to bring back.
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4:
What are our payment deadlines?
Payments, deadlines, changes, and cancellations involve the following:
1. Payment deadlines: All payments are due as soon as you decide to go on this safari. They should be made to the corporation. That address is:
African S.M.I.L.E.
P.O.Box 501
Wilsonville, OR 97070
2. It is possible for you to change the two week period you wish to be in Africa; however, reservations for the trips are given on a first come, first served basis and there is a maximum number we can accommodate for each safari. It is also possible for you to volunteer to stay longer if you have the time. We need to know this well in advance for our planning.
3. Should you need to cancel an airline ticket, you may lose the purchase price if you previously received a bargain price; therefore, it is wise to invest in travel insurance. Insurance is expensive but not nearly what you might lose if you have to forfeit the cost of the whole trip.
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5:
What travel documents do we need?
To leave and enter the U.S. and Tanzania, you must have a valid passport with a Tanzania Visa in it. It should be on your person or easily accessible at all times. Keep your passport number as well as the date and place of issue written some other place than where you keep your passport so that you can refer to this information in case you lose your document or if it is lost or stolen.
In filling out the document to secure a Tanzania Visa, you will need the following:
You may use a service to get your Visa for you, or you can download the forms from Tanzania Visa Forms on the internet. Filling out the forms is fairly straightforward until you reach LINE 8. The name of your Travel Agent is:
World Quality Travel & Tours
Mrs. N. Mbowe
Moshi, Tanzania
When you reach LINE 9, the name of your contact person is:
Bishop E. Sima, ELCT C/s
P.O. Box 100
Singida
You will know your Date of Entry as well as your Duration of Stay. The visa you require is TRAVEL, and your Purpose of Visit is MISSION. You are requesting a SINGLE ENTRY VISA. You then answer YES to question 13 and HAVE ADEQUATE FUNDS to question 14. If you personally send in your form, include a self-addressed stamped envelope inside the envelope with your application for returning your processed passport. Use a postal money order to pay the $50 charge for the Visa. Send the application to the following address:
Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
2139 R Street
N.W. Washington D.C. 20008
Telephone: 202-844-1080
CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION
You will be met at the airport by someone from the travel agency to guide you through customs and immigration. The porters will want to carry your luggage and then demand a Bakshishi for their help. Collect your own bags, keep an eye on them in the airport, and see that they get safely into the vehicle picking you up. Report all damage to your luggage immediately. Stay connected with your team members and guides at all times. If you have any questions, ask your guides. Do not pass through any doors unless you know your team is with you. Once outside the customs area, you are not allowed to re-enter.
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6:
What additional needs might we encounter?
It is a good idea to purchase a money belt to secure your passport, money, and other valuable documents. Carrying a wallet in a third world country is a risky thing to do. Wrist watches need to be worn carefully and DON’T wear them with your hand hanging out a window as they can easily be wrenched from your wrist. Also, having one credit card will save you the trouble of taking large amounts of cash and the exchange rate is good and banks generally meet your needs without difficulty.
Regarding medical needs...........no immunizations are required to enter Tanzania except for Yellow Fever. However, we strongly recommend that you get a Tetanus-Diphtheria shot (updated within the past ten years); a prescription for malaria prophylaxis (please note that some anti-malarials must be started two weeks before entering malaria zones. We recommend you continue to take the drug for its specified length of time after returning to the U.S.)
You will be at a hospital with a doctor and medical staff to treat you if you become ill. We suggest you attend a travel clinic before you leave to learn about which shots they recommend you get prior to departure.
Most clinics will suggest a large number of treatments which you will need to choose from. Not all of them are necessary. It is the rare person who fails to have an upset stomach from changes in water and food while in Africa. The secret of avoiding such a malady is to treat these upsets immediately upon occurrence. Tums or Alka-Seltzer may work, but if they don’t then ask the team leader for a supply of anti-diarrhea medicine such as Imodium D or Lomotil. Both are prescription drugs. Again, we caution you NOT to put off treatment. You might also bring along Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness on the plane. Additionally, if noise bothers your sleeping, bring a good supply of ear plugs. Throw in aspirin, Advil, or other similar remedies of your choice.
Pack a good flashlight and several batteries and some anti-bacterial soap or Wash/N Dry which are helpful to have when you’re on the go and soap and water are unavailable.
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7:
What apparel should we pack?
Temperature is usually in the 90's during daytime work hours and drops only into the 70's at night, so bring along a sweater or sweatshirt. A supply of cool, comfortable clothing is a necessity. Proper clothing at appropriate times means donning a dress shirt and tie or a dressy dress for church services.
For safety and comfort, pack a comfortable pair of closed toed walking shoes. Remember that it is sometimes hot in the tropics, especially near the Equator where we will be, so it is also a good idea to bring foot powder and spray for athletes foot. Body powder is a good idea and is recommended. Throw in a second pair of shoes that is open for cool comfort. Walking outside in open toe shoes will put you at risk of getting a Funza, a burrowing insect picked up from the ground. The Funza is not terribly dangerous, but the insect must be removed with a safety pin. A WARNING: when you are sleeping in a strange place, game lodges included, NEVER put on your shoes in the dark or in light as well without first shaking them out. Scorpions love to crawl into them during the nighttime especially.
Suggestions for clothing to bring and limitations:
MEN’s CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS:
- jeans/long pants
- short/long sleeved shirts
- tee shirts
- avoid shirts,tops, or hats with a questionable design (i.e. beer, cigarettes)
- dressy outfit for church
- lightweight jacket or sweater
- good hat
- light raincoat
WOMEN’S CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS:
- denim or cotton skirts that reach to knees (should have pockets)
- lightweight longer length dresses
- sundresses (be careful of sunburn!)
- any type of blouse or loose fitting tee shirt
- shorts or pants may be worn in hotels and living quarters or under skirts/dresses
- one dress outfit for church
- lightweight jacket or sweater
- lightweight raincoat
- good, ventilated hat for sun protection
The switch to a tropical climate occasionally causes a change in monthly cycles. Bring along extra protection just in case of emergency.
Regarding laundry, we have hired several women to do our laundry using the bathtub in our living quarters. In the past this has proved quite satisfactory; however, it is a good idea to mark your clothing, especially underwear, in some distinctive way so that you may later claim it.
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8:
What can we expect in terms of health care?
You are responsible for you own health care. You will know better than anyone how you are feeling and how much you can endure when working outdoors. People have different standards for their own care, so when you feel like sitting down, SIT DOWN. Come armed with a good supply of the meds you usually take since it is unlikely Iambi Hospital can duplicate your medicines.
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9:
What is the cost of food and where do we eat?
Most of the food you consume is covered under your trip costs; however, you may eat out a few times in such towns as Moshi and Arusha. At Iambi, Jeanne Ward and the cooks will be planning and preparing the meals with African help. Both American and local dishes are served. We ask that you bring two disposable, non-perishable meals with you such as macaroni and cheese or some other freeze dried meal. You might also include other things such as puddings, desserts, crackers, cheese, Pringles, rice cakes, beef jerkey, raisins, granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, candy bars, tuna, and pineapple. These items are just extras IF you have room in your luggage and IF you would like to make yourself and others happy later on.
TIP: Don’t eat on or near your bed or you could wake up in the night with visitors from the insect world!
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10:
What are other recommended necessities?
In addition to the items we have already mentioned to bring, you should also pack the following:
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11:
What are the rules regarding shopping?
As a rule, the first price which a merchant asks you to pay is NEVER the one he really expects you to accept and pay. You need to develop the East African art of bargaining. Although they may not show it, people there are disappointed if you accept their first offer. They love to bargain, so play the game with them.
You also need to be prepared for harassment from street merchants who want you to buy their wares. They use all kinds of ploys to get you to buy their merchandise. If you want a good deal, be prepared to get it through negotiation. Merchants really enjoy this kind of bantering.
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12:
What do we need to know about taking photos?
Be VERY CAREFUL about taking pictures. Many Moslems feel that by taking their pictures you are able to carry away their spirits. Only photograph people after you receive their permission to do so. Be low key about it. If someone complains, tell them you will send them a copy of the print after it is developed. Take their address and make certain you keep your promise to them. I have witnessed ugly situations develop out of well meaning picture taking.
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13:
What are the rules regarding smoking and drinking?
If you are a smoker, you will not have much opportunity to do so. Smoking is offensive to many Christians in Tanzania. They believe it is something you quit when you become a Christian. If you smoke, do it in private but not in houses or vehicles.
Again, drinking of any alcoholic beverage while on the Mission portion of this trip is against policy. Native beer is a curse on the African people and formerly if you drank, you would be put on church discipline in the Central Synod.
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14:
What should we know about the different cultures?
You will come into contact with five or six tribal groups of people while in Iambi. Their culture is very different from ours. Crossing into other cultures promises to be quite an experience for you. Since you are only a short term visitor, there is no way you can come close to understanding these different cultures and why they think and do things the way they do.
Your first reaction might be one of mirth or disgust or of wanting to show people how things should really be done. However, now is the time to remain silent and to learn to conform to their ways in areas where you might easily offend them.
While you are in Tanzania, you will be in the spotlight at all times. Whether you like it or not, you will be looked upon as a role model as to how Christians should act. If by your actions you do something the people perceive as improper, you will destroy the good you came to accomplish. Here are some guidelines to follow:
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do not refer to Tanzanians as “natives,” thereby ignoring their cherished nationality–call them “nationals,” “locals,” “Tanzanians,” or you may use their tribal name
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always be polite and courteous–use words such as “please” and “thank you”
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dress is important–nationals believe women should wear skirts, dresses, or culottes most of the time–shorts or slacks for women should not be worn unless the team leader agrees–men may wear shorts as well as pants
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accept the food that is offered you by the nationals–you will grossly offend if you refuse–what they offer is ALL they have and it is important to them–even if the food may upset your stomach, this is where you claim God’s promise in Mark 16:17-18
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learn to accept the hospitality and friendship of your hosts graciously–be open to any gift they may offer you (an insight into the Christian faith, their strength in adversity, their joy of living)–your willingness to receive what they have to offer you is the highest compliment you can pay to them
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be friendly and share the love of Jesus with those you meet–be wary, however, of dealing with the opposite sex–because of cultural differences, male-female relationships are not the same as in the U.S.
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flirting or being coy, even in fun, can be easily misread and cause ALL kinds of problems–always be conscious of treating Tanzanians as brothers and sisters when interacting with nationals and with members of your team, too
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do not be surprised of offended if a national asks for your help–they do not think it is impolite to ask a new acquaintance for help or for a gift–the request may be accepted as a conventional way of beginning a friendship or showing respect for a new friend
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in all cultures giving and receiving gifts follows certain traditions and customs–in Africa it is not considered silly to make what we might think is a “silly” request (for outlandish amounts of money or for providing a Mercedes to own because “I’ve always wanted one”)–the traditional Swahili saying for this is “Sio kosa kuomba” which means “it’s not wrong to ask!”
- visiting Americans have a difficult time processing requests–we automatically think that each request needs to be dealt with positively and “right away”–be careful of selective generosity–giving a gift to a particular person or group may create difficulties for the local church leadership–remember that generosity from us who already have so much may be demeaning to those who do not have our abundance
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15:
What do we do in case of a medical emergency?
There are ways of evacuating emergency medical cases out of Tanzania if the medical care is not what is desired. To expedite this, each team member must give the team leader his or her emergency information from the U.S.; in other words, who needs to be called in the event of a health emergency or accident.
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16:
SUMMARY
There is so much more information that might and probably should be included in this manual. However, I have tried to include those things I consider most important. I trust that the information in this manual will be helpful to all of you
You may access additional information on safaris by acquiring a copy of the book, Messengers of Love. I recommend you especially note Chapters 3 and 18. Orders for this book, which costs $18, may be addressed to:
Pastor Bob Ward
38760 N.W. Harrison Rd.
Banks, OR 97106
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