GENERAL

Q: What will I be doing?
A: Community work, serving partnering Children’s Homes, planting vegetable gardens, building relationships, and bringing hope to Africans in need. Your trip may have many fulfilling experiences from eating lunch with an orphan, sharing your faith with people in the villages, attending an African church service, and spending your day off in an African Game Park and visiting genuine African markets.

Q: Why are we doing this?
A: To bring HOPE to the people that we serve by addressing their greatest needs of Hunger, Orphaned children, Poverty and Education for their basic needs.

Q: With whom and for whom am I doing this?
A: You will be serving and building relationships with other individuals from all walks of life.

FINANCIAL

Q: How much money do I need to raise?
A: $3,300- $4000. The cost varies by country of departure and service. Please refer to the specific trip descriptions or the financial policy page for more information.

Q: How do I raise the funds?
A: There are may unique ways to raise funds for your trip. Our staff is here to help guide you with advise and best practices of others. Check out the Heart for Africa forum to learn from others who have already funded a trip. Also, download a sample letter you may use to guide you in writing a letter to share with your family and friends about your trip and asking them to contribute. [Microsoft Word] [HTML]

Q: Where should the donations go and to whom should checks be made out?
A: Your supporters can donate funds for your trip 3 ways:

1. Call (800) 901-7585

2. Mail checks made out to Heart for Africa and sent to:

Heart for Africa
P.O. Box 573
Alpharetta, GA 30009

3. On-line at Trip Donations

Q: If I can't go, can I (and my supporters) get a refund?
A: Unfortunately, because Heart for Africa is a 501 (c) (3) we do not refund. Please keep in mind that the funds you raise must be solicited and donated with the understanding that Heart for Africa has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. In order for the funds donated to allow a tax deduction, they are not yours, or contingent upon your ultimate participation, but Heart for Africa's funds to be used to further its charitable purposes.

Q: Is there a contract I must sign with Heart for Africa?
A: Yes there is. You can download the contract here. Once you sign up for a trip, you will need to complete the contract either online or print and fax.

Q: Do I need to bring any money?
A: We suggest that you bring $300-$500 spending money for extra snacks, gifts, crafts, and souvenirs. We suggest that you exchange your currency at a local bank or the airport prior to departing for your trip. If you choose to bring US currency with you to exchange once you arrive in Africa, be sure that each bill is dated 2002 or newer. Bills dated older than 2002 will not be accepted in Africa.

Q: Should I bring US currency and/or traveler's checks?
A: You should exchange your US currency for the local currency in the country you are traveling to. For Kenya, the currency is Kenya Shillings. For Swaziland, you should exchange for South African Rand. You can do this at most major airports in the US or at your local bank. Check the website www.travelex.com for more information on locations. Do not expect to exchange your currency once you arrive in Africa. Do not bring Traveler's Checks. These will not be accepted in most locations.

Q: How soon will my funds be processed?
A: If you call in a donation, the card will be charged immediately. If a donation is made online, the card will be charged within 3 business days. If a donation is sent in via mail, allow at least 10 business days for processing.

TRIP LOGISTICS

Q: What does an 11-day Heart for Africa trip look like?
A: After arriving at your destination, you will plant gardens, work in and around the Children’s Home, and work in the surrounding community with homes identified by the local partnering organization. Sunday you go to a local church and build relationships with the people whom you serve. There is the day off which can include a game park or shopping at the local market.

Q: Where will I stay?
A: We make sure that our teams stay in comfortable accommodations so that you are rested and ready to make a lasting impact and to gain experiences you will value for a lifetime.

Q: What kind of shopping will I be able to do?
A: Shopping in Africa is always a big event…and not just for the ladies. In your free time, you will be taken to one of the large “African markets” where you will be amazed at the variety and selection of unique custom made crafts.

Q: What do the people think about us coming?
A: Many of the people you will be working with have been waiting for your arrival for months. They are excited and amazed that you would come all the way from America to help them!

Q: Will I get sick from the food or water?
A: The food where you will be staying is safe. We send a packed lunch with you each day you are out with the people. The water where you will be staying is safe to drink, however bottled water will be provided. We encourage you to bring your own water container to refill as well. Basic travelers' precautions apply if eating or drinking away from the hotel.

TRAVEL

Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes! Please go to http://travel.state.gov/ for more information regarding passports. Your passport must have 2 blank pages and be valid 6 months past your departure date from the country you are visiting. Please make copies of your passport to leave at home with family and/or friends for as a reference in the event you misplace your passport during your trip.

Q: Do I need a visa?
A: If you are traveling to Kenya, you will need a visa. You can obtain your visa through the Kenya Embassy in Washington, DC.

Q: How long does it take to get to Africa?
A: The average flight to Africa takes 18-20 hours depending on your departure location.

Q: My child that is under 18 years old is going to Africa, but without me. Is there anything I need to do to help ensure he/she can clear customs?
A: To insure streamline travel for your child while traveling through customs during their upcoming international flight, it is very important to provide both the child and their guardian with a letter crafted by you, their legal parent/guardian. This letter should be written for the minor unless both legal parents/guardians are traveling with the minor. If one parent is traveling with the child, a letter should be written and signed by the non-traveling parent. If neither parent is traveling with the child a letter should be written and signed by both non-traveling parents.

The following details should be included in the letter:
Name of the parent or legal guardian preparing the letter
Legal name of minor as it appears on their passport
Name(s) of temporary guardian(s)
Dates your minor will be under the care of the temporary guardian (trip dates)
Name of organization your minor is accompanying (Heart for Africa)
Parent(s)/legal guardian(s) signature
Letter must be notarized

Please make copies of this letter, temporary guardian should carry original, minor should carry a copy, parent/legal guardian should keep a copy as well.

Q: How many bags can I pack?
A: Baggage requirements vary by airline and intra-Africa flights. The current standards for South African Airways and Delta Airlines is 50 lbs. per checked bag. You are limited to two checked bags. If you are traveling by air within multiple countries during your time in Africa, you are limited to one checked bag. Please refer to your booked airline website or your tickets for complete information regarding baggage limitations.

Q: Can I use my frequent flyer miles to pay for my flight?
A: Because your trip is all-inclusive, we will not be able to apply frequent flyer miles.

Q: Can I arrive early or stay later?
A: Yes, but you will need to make your own travel arrangements and you are required to confirm them with Heart For Africa.

Q: What if I want to bring/send donated items to leave in Africa?
A: Clothing and small gifts are always appreciated. Please select your trip below for a recommended gift-giving list.

• New Hope Center in Swaziland
• El Shaddai Children's Home in Swaziland
• Emmanuel Khayelethu Children's Home in Swaziland
• Tumaini Children's Home in Kenya
• Merciful Redeemer Children's Home in Kenya

SPECIFICS

Q: What should I pack?
A: Packing for eleven days in Africa can be intimidating. To help guide you through this, Heart for Africa has developed a recommended packing list. Please use this list to help you as you prepare for your trip.

Q: What is the weather like in Africa?
A: The weather can vary dramatically depending on your destination and time of year. We recommend that you check weather.com or BBC World Weather.

Q: Can I charge my digital camera?
A: Fortunately, many digital cameras and video cameras today come with power supplies that can be used in almost any part of the world. Check the manufacturer's label to determine the type of input your equipment can handle. You may find a label that states the device is certified for input at AC 100V-240V. This means that the device is manufactured to be used over a wide range of voltage levels. If this is the case, then you will only need a power adapter for the country you are visiting. These can be purchased online from stores like Walk About Travel Gear or from traditional technology stores such as Fry's Electronics. Just be sure that the adapter you purchase supports the country you are traveling to.

Q: Do I need shots?
A: Check with your doctor, heath department, or visit www.cdc.gov to see what shots are recommended for your country of service. Most of the time shots are based on personal preference and just a recommendation, but sometimes they are required by certain countries within Africa.

Q: Does Heart for Africa require that I have traveler's insurance?
A: No, it is up to you to decide on having traveler's insurance, which will be at your expense.

Q: Who will be my roommate?
A: We will do our best to honor all roommate requests. Heart for Africa does have a policy on no male/female roommates unless you are married or traveling with a minor.