Uganda guidebook 2018 by 99 Balloons

UGANDA 2018 TRIP GUIDE

99 BALLOONS changing the story of disability

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

We are excited to have you join us on this global trip to Uganda. Our partners are doing incredible work loving and serving persons experiencing disability in Uganda, and we are humbled and honored to play a small part in the incredible things the Lord is doing. This guidebook will provide you with lots of helpful information to prepare for our journey. Please look over each section and let us know if you have any questions.

PRAYER POINTS

1) Pray for favor over all trip logistics. (flights, luggage, travel, health, funding, etc.) 2) Ask God to soften your heart to break with His. Disability in Uganda is hard. The easiest way to cope is to harden oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart. Our prayer is that instead we will look, see, and feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ultimately changing who we are, and the way we see the world. 3) Pray God would prepare our way. As you can imagine communication and planning across continents is slow and tedious. We will do our best to plan though ultimately we ask and trust God to prepare good work for us to do. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 4) Pray against conflict, egos, pride, and misunderstandings between all involved in this project. John 17:23 ...that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

GETTING STARTED

REGISTER/DEPOSIT Register for the trip by November 30, 2017. This confirms your spot on the Uganda Team. Once your registration is complete, you will be able to access your trip requirements and personal fundraiser page. Make sure to launch your fundraiser-- this is where you can make a payment towards your trip costs, or friends and family can donate towards your trip. Be sure and complete the trip requirements as soon as possible.

FUNDRAISING Each participant is responsible for 100% of their fundraising needs. Below are some fundraising ideas to get you started: Fundraising Page:: Set up your fundraising page on Pure Charity and share your personal story on why you chose to be a part of this team to Uganda. Use the social media and widget tools on your fundraising page to share it on various platforms. All donations to your fundraising page are tax-deductible. We work with Pure Charity to administrate funds and produce tax receipts. Click here for Fundraising Page FAQ’s. Speaking:: We’ve seen folks receive the most support when they share about their trip at their church or in front of a group of people (community group, rotary club, etc). Share about the work you will be doing, about your heart for kids with disabilities, the goals of the trip, etc. Have a laptop or iPad available so folks can make online donations right there, and collect check donations as well. Check donations can still be entered through your online fundraising page; just have the donor select “Paying via check” during checkout.

Mail Letters:: Not everyone is tech-savvy. Mail letters to friends and family and make it easy for them by including the check donation form and an addressed envelope with the letter (checks should be mailed to: 99 Balloons' Fund at Pure Charity, PO Box 1234, Searcy, AR 72145). All checks must be made payable to “99 Balloons’ Fund at Pure Charity” with your specific Fundraising ID written on the check memo. In the letter, share about why you are joining this trip, and the work you will be doing to bless kids with special needs. Let us know if you’d like us to send you any pictures to include on the letter! Give Away Your Birthday:: Have a birthday, anniversary, or special event coming up? In lieu of gifts, ask folks to support your Global Trip by making a donation to your trip fundraising page (see #1). One idea would be to use your age as a suggested gift amount. Turning 38? Ask folks to give $38! Businesses:: Ask local businesses to support your trip. Set up a time to meet with the owner or manager and explain the goals of the trip and the work you will be doing with kids experiencing disability. Be sure and leave a letter or flyer with more information and your contact information. We can send you a Word document with 99 Balloons letterhead if you’d like. Remind businesses that their donations are tax-deductible. Let us know if we can help with any of these fundraising ideas, of if you’ve come up with another idea that we can help with!

99 NETWORK We desire to have a way for Global Trip participants to continue encouraging and supporting our global partners long after we leave. The 99 Network allows you the opportunity to stay involved by helping fund global projects benefitting persons with disability. Membership is $9.99/month and 100% of proceeds goes to global projects. All trip participants must become a member of the 99 Network. View a list of completed projects and set up your 99 Network membership by January 1st at: www.purecharity.com/99network

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

VACCINATIONS Per Ekisa:: Contact your personal doctor, or find a local travel clinic, to obtain proper immunizations for travel to Uganda. Yellow fever is the only required vaccine for entering Uganda, but it is recommended that you are current on several others including Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Meningitis, an MMR & Tetanus booster and possibly Polio. Malaria is a concern there and caution should be taken to avoid mosquito bites by using repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net. Mosquito nets are provided in the guest house or you can purchase your own once you arrive; they are readily available, good quality and inexpensive. You must take malaria preventatives like Doxycycline or Malarone unless health concerns (or otherwise) keep you from doing so.

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Be aware that certain medications, like Doxy, may decrease the effectiveness of other medications you may be on. Mefloquine is easy (weekly), Doxycycline is cheapest, Malarone is best (but most expensive).

Schedule an appointment with your health-care provider or travel clinic to discuss these vaccines and malaria options further. It is always good to at least have a consultation as soon as possible, so that you can determine the total costs for vaccines and have time to decide which vaccines you need/want, etc. Many insurance companies do not cover travel vaccinations, so be sure and check with your insurance provider prior to getting vaccines to determine whether or not they are covered. Consult the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for Ugandan recommendations and for Travel Health Clinics in the U.S.

TRAVEL PROBIOTICS While not required, travel probiotics can provide your body a layer of protection against new bacterias your body is not used to. They can be purchased as most health food stores. Begin taking them a couple weeks before travel to increase the strength of your digestive system.

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE Your trip cost includes Travel Medical Insurance and Emergency Evacuation coverage. We will set that up for you and send you a confirmation of purchase as well as details on insurance coverage.

ZIKA VIRUS IN UGANDA Local mosquito transmission of Zika virus infection has been reported in Uganda. Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and infection is linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. If you or your spouse are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, the CDC advises that you not travel to Uganda. You can read more about the Zika virus at www.cdc.gov

PACKING LIST This list will give you a good idea of the things you ought to have with you. There may be some additional items you’d like to bring along, but just keep in mind to leave as many valuables at home and that space will be limited. Of course, if you have any questions about the items here or want thoughts as to where you can pick these things up, please let us know. Checked Baggage:: Maximum Weight - 50lbs per bag Maximum Size - 62 linear inches per bag Carry-on Baggage:: Maximum Size - 45 linear inches If you are carrying on any liquid, gel or aerosol items, here are a few things you should remember: • Use trial-size toiletries (3.4 ounces or less). • Toiletries must fit comfortably in one, quart-size (7.5-in x 8-in), clear plastic zip-top bag. • The zip-top bag will need to be presented separately at airport security, so make sure it is easily accessible when you approach the screening area. A note from our partners regarding what to wear: Ugandan culture is rather modest and women should wear pants, capris, or skirts/shorts that reach just below the knee (or just above the knee is ok too). Shorts will be okay around the guesthouse/hotel room. Tank tops are ok as are yoga pants (with longer shirts) and capris. Also, sports bras are the way to go. Bring durable shoes, but also be aware that shoes are not generally worn inside. Weather:: Expect highs in the the 80s and lows in the 60s 7

THINGS TO CARRY ON Passport A few snacks Cash for Souvenirs Medications (travel probiotics) Camera Magazines/Books Journal and Pen Bible Money Belt Clean Change of Clothes Sunglasses Bring all your regular medications with you (and a travel letter for these medications from your doctor), Paracetamol, Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea, Antibiotics for travelers diarrhea (ask your doctor), rehydration salts (such as hydralyte) for diarrhea, antimalarials (start before you leave - talk to your doctor for details). Know your blood type.

THINGS TO CHECK Sunscreen and Aloe Durable Water Bottle Light Rain Jackets Battery Operated Fan Sturdy Shoes Flip Flops/Sandals Swimsuit Antibacterial Wipes or Hand Sanitizer Insect Repellant (30-50% DEET) Full Set of Toiletries Flushable Wipes Head Lamp or Flashlight Ear Plug and/or Eye Mask for Sleeping Hat Bath Towel (travel towels are useful) Electrical plug adapter and converter (Uganda current is 240 Volts)

MONEY You may have an opportunity to purchase souvenirs. You will need to exchange your money. It is best to bring large bills ($50 or $100) to exchange. Bills should be newer than 2006 without rips or tears and you should avoid folding them.

SLEEPING The Ekisa guesthouse will be full in January, so we will be staying at a nearby hotel. You can expect to have your own bed and share rooms in groups of 2-3.

DOCUMENTS Make a copy of your Passport, Emergency Contact Information, Medical Insurance Card, and any credit cards you are taking, and leave the copies with someone at home. If its not necessary, don’t take it (i.e. Sam’s Club Credit Card, Fitness Club ID, driver’s license, etc). Make additional copies of the above documents and put them in your carry-on or personal bag, including a colored copy of your Passport. DO NOT put these in your checked luggage. Please ensure that your Passport has at least 6-month validity from the date of departure. For example, if your team is traveling in January 2018 then your passport must be valid through June 2018.

MOBILE PHONES We will supply your team leaders with a mobile phone to use during the trip in the case of an emergency. However, you may want to arrange for global roaming services for your personal mobile phone that will allow you to send and receive text messages; please check with your service provider for global plan options. We strongly encourage you to keep your phones away while you’re in Uganda. Use your time there to engage with the kids, the staff and one another.

UPON ARRIVAL

IMMIGRATION Visitor Visas need to be obtained online before you arrive by going to https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ You will need your passport and proof of your Yellow Fever Vaccination. When going through immigration in Uganda: Answer questions you may be asked but don’t volunteer extra information. You will be given a form on the airplane to fill out and present with your passport on arrival. You will be asked to give your address in Uganda – make sure you have this info on hand. Lodging Address: Ekisa Ministries & Children's Home Jinja, Uganda Phone: 077 767 2407 LUGGAGE If your luggage/bag does not arrive, then you must report it at the customs office before leaving the Airport. As you won’t have anything to declare you can grab your luggage and exit the airport. Please stay with your team as you exit.

TIME DIFFERENCE Jinja is in GMT/UTC. That's 9 hours ahead of the U.S. Central Time Zone.

WHILE YOU'RE THERE

SECURITY Watch your valuables at all times. Carry your passport and money in a secure place where you can see it. Some people use a money belt that goes around the waist and others wear a wallet on a string around the neck. It’s a good idea not to keep all valuables in the same place. Keep emergency phone numbers and details from your team leader on you in case there are any issues. Carry them on paper as well as stored on your phone. You may have opportunities to venture away from the compound, or walk through the village. Whenever you are away from the compound, we request the following be adopted: • Always follow the advice of leaders, and if you’re unsure, ask them. • When/If walking through the village, go with another person and let one of the leaders know where you have gone. • No one is to go out alone after dark. SHOPPING There is a market we may visit during our stay in Uganda. This will be based on the desires of the team. Should the team decide to visit the market, there are many beautiful souvenirs to buy while we are there. COMMUNICATION There will be very limited access to internet at Ekisa. Your team leader will have a phone to use in the case of an emergency.

FOOD/WATER SAFETY

Always wash your hands before eating and drinking. Make sure glasses, tableware and utensils are clean, and if not then do not use them. Maintaining a high level of hygiene is essential.

BEVERAGES Drink • Water, sodas, or sports drinks that are bottled and sealed • Water that has been disinfected (boiled, filtered, treated) • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water • Hot coffee or tea • Pasteurized milk Don’t Drink (or brush teeth) • Tap or well water • Fountain drinks • Ice made with tap or well water • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice) • Unpasteurized milk **Note:: You will have access to filtered water every day to fill refillable water bottles. Further, we will purchase bottled water throughout the week for our team.

FOOD Eat • Food (including all vegetables) that is fully cooked and served hot. • Fruits you have peeled yourself. • Hot food from roadside vendors (if you are a little daring), but no 100% guarantee • Pasteurized dairy products. Don’t Eat • Food that is cold (i.e. been sitting there for some time) • Salads • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat • Shellfish, especially uncooked and if it’s very hot weather • Condiments (such as salsa) made with fresh ingredients • Buffets (except at nice hotels), as food that’s been sitting around attracts flies • Unpasteurized dairy products • Ice cream It's a good idea to bring snacks with you; think along the lines of granola bars etc (some of you favorite candy may be good too). While we will eat regular meals you may get tired of the options that will be available. If you are a coffee drinker, some instant coffee is a good idea as well. STOMACH UPSETS Most stomach upsets will disappear within 3 days. However, let your team leader know if you have been feeling sick for more than 24 hours. If you have an upset stomach, then ensure that you: • Rehydrate by drinking lots of clear fluids, preferably water • Take rehydration salts; these replace crucial trace elements your body loses via diarrhea & vomiting. (i.e. Gastrolyte, Gatorade) • There are anti-diarrhea agents such as Imodium & Lomotil, but be sure to read the instructions and don’t exceed the recommended doses. • When it comes to eating again start off with something basic such as rice or toast. Avoid highly spiced foods which might make you feel worse. • If you see a doctor while in Uganda, remember to get receipts for a doctor’s time and medications prescribed. Your insurance company will need these to reimburse you. • You might want to bring some crackers or granola bars along with you, just in case you get sick.

COUNTRY PROFILE

QUICK FACTS • Population - 34.5 million • Capital - Kampala • 2nd Largest City: Jinja (the city we are visiting) • Major Languages - English, Swahili, Luganda, various Bantu and Nilotic languages RELIGIOUS VIEWS REGARDING DISABILITY Christianity is the primary religion in Uganda. However, it is often mixed with witchcraft in rural areas. It is very common for someone to go to church on Sunday and then the witch doctor on Monday. Most pastors believe that disabilities are demonic and often try to “fix the problem” through prayer, rituals, or exorcisms. The health, wealth and prosperity gospel is preached through Uganda, so most believe that disability is a curse due to your sins. GOVERNMENT PERCEPTIONS REGARDING DISABILITY Uganda has the best policy and laws in East Africa regarding disability. However, the implementation of these laws is almost nonexistent, which is worsened by corruption in the government. CULTURAL BELIEFS REGARDING DISABILITY Cultural beliefs regarding disability depend on the person’s education. If they have received a formal education, then they are more likely to understand disability as a medical condition. Those who haven’t gone to school often take the view of disability as a curse. Family background also plays into cultural belief - whether or not witchcraft was a part of their childhood, what their pastor taught, etc.

DON’T BE THAT PERSON 9 ways to avoid being That person 1) Don’t be that over-packer. Pack light and tight. You don’t want to be known as the person with the hugest bag, or the one that gets a special security screening at every checkpoint. Pack everything you think you’ll need, then mull it over, ditch half of it, and start over. 2) Don’t be that poverty tourist. Search your heart. If you’re going on this trip to have a “great experience” or to help yourself feel grateful for all that you have back home or to take photos of hurting people, please don’t go. You are part of a much larger story, and it’s not about satisfying your own curiosity. 3) Don’t be that bad listener. Look people in the eye. Learn their names. Be aware that just being in the presence of people who care can provide healing. Stop and listen to their stories. And when you come back home and share their stories, do it with respect and gentleness. 4) Don’t be that paparazzi. Ask before you click. Don’t be quick to strip people of their dignity. If children are smiling and dancing and asking you to take their photo, then bless them with that. Otherwise, ask first and trust your gut if it’s telling you to stop. There will be a designated story-teller on each trip that will share photos with the entire team upon your return. If you decide not to pack a camera, we promise you won’t regret having spent time genuinely interacting with people rather than being on the other side of a lens. 5) Don’t be that person checking off your bucket list. Going on a 99 Balloons trip isn’t just a one-and-done deal. Our trips represent an ongoing relationship with people we know and love who are doing the daily work of caring for persons with disability in their community. We expect you to be a part of this ongoing relationship. When the team leaves, the relationship doesn’t end. We are in this for the long haul and we want you to come back and help us continue seeking ways to support, encourage and equip our global partners. 15

6) Don’t be that Western know-it-all. We want you to use your gifts and skills and take the opportunity to train local longterm workers whenever possible. In fact, many folks on our trips have a specific role to train and equip local workers. But don’t expect to go in on Day One and change everything. Often times what would work back at home just won’t work in places like Africa or Ukraine or Haiti or Nicaragua. Honor and respect our partners. Ask them about what they do first before offering your advice on the situation. Then, work together with them to develop ways to continue serving persons with disability in their community. 7) Don’t be that schedule Nazi. We will have a day-to-day structure for our trip, but we guarantee things will change once we get there. It’s incredibly important for everyone to stay flexible. An activity may be scheduled for 10am and won’t start until 1pm. We’ll plan an awesome dinner to honor families, and find that the venue we reserved has been hijacked by what looks to be a neverending prom. You were scheduled to meet with a local professional, but it turns out they had to take someone to the hospital that’s 3 hours away. The more flexible you are, the more enjoyable the trip will be for you. 8) Don’t be that Santa Clause. Bring less, and listen more. Before you begin packing lots of great things to donate, check with us to see if it’s something our partners could really use. We’ve learned that focusing on what our partners really need is a huge blessing rather than dumping a lot of stuff they may not ever use and don’t really have the space for. What you CAN be ready to give is your ears, your smiles, your encouragement, your dancing...yes, we said dancing. 9) Don’t be that savior. As Westerners, it’s common to get swept up into the mentality that we need to save people. None of us are the savior of the world. There’s only one savior of the world and his name is Jesus. Our global work is simply to support the awesome work that our partners are already doing on the ground. Instead of having a savior mentality, be ready to learn from the folks you will meet - lessons on faith, on serving, on community, and on the worth and value of each and every life

DEBRIEFING

Thank you for joining us in serving our global partners and helping to change the story of disability around the world. As you return back home, debriefing is an important process to help you think through what you’ve learned and experienced, deal with any challenges or tensions, and ultimately allow the opportunity for God to be glorified for what He has done. Below are a list of questions that serve as a tool for you to consider as you process your trip. These will also hopefully help you answer questions that others may ask you. Take your time in thinking through these questions. In the weeks, months and even years to come, you will continually discover things that the Lord is teaching you because of the time you spent serving around the world. 1. What did I learn about myself on this global trip? 2. What did I learn about God? 3. How did God work above or beyond my expectations? 4. What did I learn about how culture impacts individuals affected by disability in the community where I served? 5. What was the best thing about this trip? 6. What was the hardest part for me? 7. What did I learn or experience that will change the way I live and represent Jesus in my home community or church? 8. What have I learned about my own calling? 9. How can I continue to support the ongoing work in the area where I served? You will likely share about your trip with numerous folks, but we also encourage you to find someone you know and trust deeply with which you can share more in depth the thoughts, lessons and experiences you’ve had. We at 99 Balloons would also love to connect with you after you’ve had some time to process some of these questions. We’ll be in touch soon, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if there’s ever anything we can do for you. 17

TRIP LEADER Matt Mooney

Matt Mooney: Matt and his wife Ginny founded 99 Balloons, a non-profit organization that helps others engage children with special needs locally and globally. Many know him through the story of his son, Eliot- whose 99 days on this earth were commemorated with 99 balloons. He lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he busies himself raising Eliotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s siblings- Hazel, Anders and Lena.

Phone: (479) 387-2617 Email: matt@99balloons.org

PO Box 10934 Fayetteville, AR 72703