Answers to questions: clothing, electricity, and cash

This is from an email from Eden on January 4 to one of our parents in answer to some questions:

Some things that I think may not be adequately addressed in the attached document:

Re treating clothing -- this isn't necessary. The mosquitos that transmit malaria only bite during hours of darkness, so as long as you are indoors and make sure to use your bednet, you're fine. Insects are not a bother during the day. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is very much essential!

Regarding teenage girls and hair care, etc -- well, anything they bring must run on 220v. And there won't necessarily be electricity every day, so they shouldn't count on being able to use it. I would *strongly* recommend that the girls consider this an opportunity for simple living, and try to go without hair and makeup. Kenyans do not wear makeup.

It is very easy and convenient to use your ATM cards in Kenya. However, you should carry some $100 bills for emergencies. And if you want to send pocket money in advance, that's fine. The easiest way to do that is to send a check to my office in Indiana, and they will wire it to me. That way you don't incur any fees.

I will be buying the domestic air tickets and making all your other bookings. We've got plenty of time to sort that out.

We hadn't made a decision yet about how the adults spend their time -- I think this will depend on whether you have preferences for the sorts of things you want to see/do, whether you have skills that could be useful in the hospitals, and whether the kids would feel better having a known adult with them, at least in the beginning. We can play this by ear unless there is something specific you would like us to set up for you. We're very flexible!

Dress pants are acceptable for women as long as they are not tight or revealing. Skirts must cover the knee.

Shoes need to be sturdy for walking on muddy paths and uneven walkways. Closed-toe is important for a hospital setting. You want something that will breathe because of the heat. Keens or Merrills are prefect. Pumps are totally impractical.

Let me know how else I can help. I'm excited about this trip!