February 2026 Trip: The Big Why
When Rehema Home began, all energy was spent feeding hungry tummies, changing diapers and ensuring the best care and oversight we could provide. The days were filled with the sort of care and affection that lets a vulnerable child know they are safe and they belong. Now, 26 years later, those small babies are now adults, living their lives and trying to forge their way in the world.
In Kenya, the unemployment rate among 18-34 year olds is at least 13%; rates increase for single adults. Though our young adults are all encouraged and supported to pursue higher education, many complete a degree or certificate only to struggle to find a stable job. We have known for some time that entrepreneurship is going to provide the opportunity many need. And this year - we have dreamed and found a way forward!
As a piece of Rehema Home’s legacy, we introduce to you The Acacia Project, the development of a two-part home on secondary property that we own in Nairobi. One part, a bed-and-breakfast style home will provide paid employment opportunities and skill-building for our young adults and the revenue from this business-style property will funnel back into the work of Rehema Home. As if we couldn’t dream big enough, the second portion of this property dedicated to space for Irv and Ruth Schwandt, founders of Rehema Home, to rest and retire.
A team from Rehema Home is traveling to support the Acacia Project, partnering on hands-on labor to advance construction and development efforts. All team members will be building the future and investing in the beautiful legacy of Rehema Home.
A 3-d rendering of the actual blueprints for the build of The Acacia Project of Rehema Home in Nairobi.
What will I do?
Under the skilled leadership of a Rehema Home US Board member who has a history with construction, our team will be partnering with Kenyans to work on The Acacia Project. As we get closer to the dates of the trip, we will know more about which elements we will be working on. Whether or not you have a background in construction, if you are physically able to do labor on a construction site and willing to trust and follow a leader, then you are encouraged to participate on this team!
When will I go?
This trip is tentatively scheduled to leave JFK airport on Monday, February 23rd and return to JFK airport on Sunday, March 8th.
Members of a Rehema Home team in 2014 working on kitchen construction. The kitchen is still fully-functioning and feeding nearly 300 meals every day!
How much does it cost?
The cost of this trip will be between $2,600-$2,800. A $100 non-refundable application fee is due by December 1, 2025 to reserve your spot on the team. This will be applied to the cost of your trip. If you choose to not go on this trip, the fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable to other participants or to other trips.
Trip Costs Include Roundtrip airfare from JFK Airport in New York City, in-country housing accommodations, in-country transportation, meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner) and one tourist excursion. Your costs also include plans to help fund the projects we will be doing.
Trip Costs Do NOT Include Airfare or ground transport to/from your home base to JFK, passport expenses, visa expenses, immunizations, medications, baggage fees*, souvenirs, personal spending money, one nice meal at a restaurant, laundry services, or travel insurance.
*Please note if you’ve been asked to transport baggage from your home to JFK on behalf of Rehema Home those expenses will be covered.
How do I pay for my trip?
Some working professionals prefer to pay for their trip out-of-pocket. However, for those who are choosing to fundraise for their trip, there are many creative ways to do so. Some will speak at their church, others will send out a support letter and others will get creative with events. If you’d like to raise support from individuals, Rehema Home US can set up a personalized donation link that will allow you to raise support and track who has given to you. Alternatively, you can make arrangements with your home church to collect donations from your supporters and send that money onto Rehema Home. If there is any shortfall you will be responsible to get that money to Rehema Home US. Please communicate with the US Office as soon as you know what path you will be taking.
Who makes my travel arrangements?
Rehema Home will make all of your travel arrangements beginning at our central meeting hub: John F. Kennedy airport, which includes flights and some in-country transportation. Kenya Airways offers a direct flight from New York to Nairobi. The outgoing flight departs around 12:45pm EST and takes about 13.5 hours before landing in Nairobi. Each person will be required to secure their own transport to JFK and should be in the airport no later than 9:00am on the day of departure. Travel plans to JFK will need to be communicated to the trip leader at least 7 days prior to our departure.
The return flight from Nairobi to JFK will also be scheduled by Rehema Home. The direct return flight departs around 11:30pm local time and lands at JFK around 7am EST the following morning. You will want to schedule any connecting flights for a MINIMUM of 4 hours later. It sometimes takes awhile to get through customs, to collect any luggage and to check luggage for your connecting flight.
Travel insurance is recommended for each person and can be obtained online. It is ideal to protect any nonrefundable tickets and emergency medical costs while in Kenya. Please visit this site for some recommended travel insurance.
What types of documentation will I need?
You will need a valid passport. If you do not have one, cannot find it, or need to renew it, schedule an appointment to get one as soon as possible. Application forms are available online or at the local Post Office. The process can take as long as six weeks. If you already have a passport, make sure that you have at least four blank visa pages and check the expiration date to make sure that it does not expire within six months of the travel date.
The Kenyan government requires that you obtain a Visa to enter the country. You will need to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Kenya. The visa application can be found at the following website: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html Please note you will need your passport with you for the application process. This can be completed 3 months ahead of time until 1 week ahead of time.
Your visa application may also require a travel invitation letter. This will be provided by Rehema Home US.
Please note that this fee is each individual’s responsibility and is not included in the trip cost. It typically costs around $35.
Where will I stay?
During the time we are staying in Nairobi, we will stay at a nearby guest house, which is equipped to meet all needs (and even some “wants”). All accommodations will be clean and comfortable, though different from your expectations of what you’d find in the US.
Access to electricity, running water and internet at both locations is likely, though not guaranteed. Hot water may or may not be available.
What will I eat?
In Nairobi, breakfast and dinner will be served at the guest house. We will have an opportunity to grocery shop, where you can purchase foods you prefer. You'll be expected to pack your own lunch and bring it with you.
All team members are expected to try new foods. Culturally, it is not acceptable to refuse food when offered. All food will be prepared under hygienic conditions.
Team members should bring water bottles to fill up during their stay, as it is not safe to drink the water from the tap. Safe bottled water will be available to the team for the duration of your stay in Kenya. (Please note: As we approach the trip, Rehema Home may choose to provide you with a filtered water bottle. You will notified once we know more.)
How will I communicate with my loved ones?
As mentioned before, you likely will have access to internet while in Kenya. There are times that access might be spotty. You are encouraged to immerse yourself in local culture and customs while in Kenya. You also are encouraged to cut yourself off from the usual distractions (think Netflix and doom-scrolling). However, if you would like to have access to your phone and internet for things like blogging, there are international phone plans that will work in Kenya. You will need to consult your mobile carrier.
What immunizations & medications do I need?
Plan to visit your doctor or local Passport Health office at least six weeks before traveling to inquire about immunizations and medications. Several vaccines do not produce immunity until two weeks after they are given, so it is important not to wait until just before your trip. Your doctor will likely recommend malaria prophylaxis and a typhoid vaccine. If you are asked what areas of Kenya you will be travelling to, you can answer Nairobi.
Due to liability reasons, Rehema Home cannot be your immunization recommender. For more specific information on immunizations and medications required and recommended in the country of Kenya, feel free to check out the following resource: www.cdc.gov
What should I wear?
To be respectful of local customs, Rehema Home requires that visitors dress modestly. Women should wear modest dresses, long skirts, pants, or capris. Shorts are acceptable to wear with a minimum of a 7-inch seam. Jeans are acceptable. Tight-fitting tops or bare midriffs are not appropriate.
Temperatures range in the 70s and 80s during the day and are cooler at night, dipping to around 60. There is a short rainy season from November to December, and a longer one usually from March to May, though February is typically dry. As such, when the temperature drops in the evenings, you may want a jacket or sweatshirt.
Graphic shirts or hoodies are acceptable as long as there are no vulgur words or offensive images.
How much money should I bring & how do I exchange it?
Please bring enough cash to cover eating out, excursions, any other additional costs discussed, and money for souvenirs. The best way to exchange money is by bringing US dollars. Please make sure the bills are not torn or marked and printed in 2006 or later. Torn, marked, or old bills will not be accepted by the banks. Larger denomination bills will have a better exchange rate. Do not bring traveler’s checks.
If you are planning to use a credit or debit card while traveling, contact your bank prior to departure to let them know which countries your card will be used in. Visa is accepted at more locations than Mastercard; credit card fees may likely apply.
Contact your bank and ask if they offer foreign currency exchange. If not, you will have the opportunity to exchange money when you arrive in Kenya. Before departure, money can be exchanged back into US dollars, however, you will lose value in the exchange, so don’t exchange more than you will need.
What should I bring?
Label all bags on the outside with your name, address, and phone number.
Pack your carry-on bag with necessities, including a change of clothes and medications, in case luggage is delayed. Many prefer to carry all of their items in a carry-on.
Passport
Copy of passport (it is recommended to keep this in a separate location from the original in case of theft)
Pack modest, comfortable clothing for the duration of your stay. Laundry available at both locations for a small additional cost.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Comfortable shoes for walking
Flip-flops for the shower
Reusable water bottle (Nalgene or similar)
Towels and washcloths
Bed sheets
Personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
Personal spending money
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Prescription medications
Hat/sunglasses
Snacks
Camera
Flashlight
Plastic bags for dirty clothes
A voltage converter, or devices that are adapted for international use (Kenya uses 220-volt electric current, not 110-volts like North America. A voltage converter allows you to use your electronics that run on 110-volts without ruining them. Some items, particularly devices like tablets and phones can be plugged into either 110V or 220V so you will need to read the fine print on your electronic items to be sure.)