Calvary Church
August 5-15, 2026
Welcome to the Calvary Church Mission Team 2026!
We are excited you will be joining HopeCo for this special trip! Our goal is to equip you before, during, and after your time in East Africa. Below you will find lots of resources and information. We hope you’ll take the time to read each section.
If you have any questions, please email Kristi Smith at kristi@joinhopeco.com.
Team Members
Team Leader: Dave and Amy Kurt
Brian Wodetzki
Carla Brooks
Doug and Elizabeth St. Marie
James Wasmundt
Jessica Marcum
TENTATIVE ITINERARY:
Wed Aug 5: Leave Chicago
Thu Aug 6: Arrive Nairobi. Spend night.
Fri Aug 7: Early morning flight to City of Hope.
Sat Aug 8 – Thu Aug 13: City of Hope activities and projects.
Fri Aug 14: Return to Nairobi (morning flight). Visit Family Empowerment Center-Machakos. Spend night.
Sat Aug 15: Nairobi National Park half-day safari. Fly home in the evening.
Sun Aug 16: Arrive US.
mission team Handbook
The Mission Team Handbook will be your most important resource to help prepare you for your trip.
Your First Steps
Please complete these initial steps promptly.
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Click this link to access HopeCo's three-part registration form. Please complete this promptly and correctly.
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Please click the link below to complete the background check release. After the check is complete, you'll be emailed a link to the Child Safety Training. Simply watch the program and take the short quiz at the end.
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Email a photo of your passport to Kristi
Email Passport Photo Now -
You can send a check to: HopeCo, PO Box 4001, Martinsville, VA 24115 or pay online (fees apply) by visiting our website:
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To find the manual, click on the orange button above or button below
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Scroll down to see HopeCo's 5 Training Videos.
important Dates to Remember
april 15, 2026
Apply for or renew your passport. Passports must expire after February 2027. Begin completing Your First Steps.
may 15, 2026
Deposit is due. Read the HopeCo Mission Team Handbook and watch 5 Training Videos.
June 1, 2026
Receive Yellow Fever immunization (required) and any optional immunizations (tetanus, hepatitis, etc.).
july 5, 2026
Remaining balance is due to be sent to HopeCo. Apply for visas. Review handbook and training videos.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find common questions about HopeCo mission trips. If you have additional questions, just ask!
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We have hosted dozens of teams over the years, and have received hundreds of positive testimonies. In addition, HopeCo is an accredited member of MissionExcellence, an organization that hold us accountable to their seven standards for mission teams.
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Some skills you have that might be helpful include:
Maintenance or construction
Organizing and leading activities for children
Music, art, or drama
Tutoring children
Training/workshops
A willing heart and a flexible attitude!
Other skills welcome … Let us know what you are passionate about!
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The cost per person is $2122 + international airfare. This includes food, lodging, local travel, project costs, insurance, work permit, fees, and a donation to our programs. A short safari can be added for an additional cost of $300-$800.
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Fundraising can be challenging…so let us help! Here are some ideas to raise funds for your trip and have fun at the same time!
Send support letters. When you ask people to donate to your trip, remember to share your heart behind going and invite them to be part of the journey with you. Your supporters will love to see pictures, hear stories, and to talk to you after you get home!
Create an online fundraiser that you can easily share on social media and with your friends and family. We can set up a personalized fundraising page just for you!
Sell custom T-Shirts or crafts.
Create an Adopt-a-Box fundraiser.
Host a bake sale or garage sale.
Run a car wash.
Host a movie night, charity concert, or auction.
Partner with a restaurant.
Collect recycling.
Host a 50/50 raffle.
The options are endless, and the choice is yours!
ask kristi about additional fundraising opportunities -
You can find the specific directions for applying for visas below.
Passport & Visa Info -
Because of baggage limitations on the flights within Africa, you will only be able to take one checked bag (max 15 kg/33 pounds) and one personal item (max 5 kg/11 lbs) on the Skyward flight to Migori. Please put all essential items in these bags. The personal item must fit in a small overhead space. You will be able to wash clothes at City of Hope.
If you have a second suitcase, you can leave it with our driver who will have it sent by bus to arrive within two days (sometimes later). Alternatively, you can pay for extra baggage on the Skyward flight - it is calculated at USD $3 per kg.
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Only the Yellow Fever vaccination is required for team members. This is not a HopeCo requirement, but something the Tanzanian/Kenyan governments require. Consult with your doctor or local travel clinic to see what other vaccinations are suggested for your trip. Your doctor may also suggest a prescription for anti-malaria medicine.
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If you want to bring items to donate, please contact our Missions Team Administrator. There are some considerations due to the limited baggage allowance for the flights within Africa (one carry-on, one checked bag). You always have the opportunity to donate financially to HopeCo while on your trip. You can even sign up to sponsor a child you meet!
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While it is nice to learn a few phrases in the Swahili language, many of the children and staff in HopeCo’s programs speak English.
training videos: Watch Before You Go
There is so much more we want you to know! Please check out this set of training videos developed by HopeCo.
Our Commitment to Excellence
HopeCo is committed to the highest possible standards and best practices in sending teams and interns to East Africa. That’s why we are accredited members of MissionExcellence and committed to following their seven standards for short-term missions.
Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
HopeCo takes the protection of children very seriously. The child’s safety and best interests are always our primary concern and consideration. We believe that child abuse is an atrocity that is never acceptable.
HopeCo is a member of Keeping Children Safe, an international network of organizations committed to the highest possible safeguarding standards. These include developing clear policies, training our teams and children, thorough vetting of all staff and volunteers, and rigorous accountability processes.
We have A comprehensive safeguarding policy and have zero tolerance for any form of abuse of children or adults.
More Questions? Contact Kristi!
Kristi Smith
Mission Teams Administrator
Thank you again for your willingness to serve children and families in East Africa - they can’t wait to meet you! We are here to support you as you prepare for your trip, and to answer any questions you may have.
You can reach out to Kristi Smith with any questions you have regarding your trip, travel, or other HopeCo related questions.
We are excited to welcome you to East Africa soon!