Long Range Planning for Trips
Southeastern Iowa Synod Sponsored Vision Trips to the Pare Diocese
The Companion Synod Ministry Team exists to build relationships with people of the Pare Diocese through which we will be mutually strengthened for life and mission in the body of Christ. One strategy we have found to be essential is to foster the opportunity to visit our companions in Christ. The way we “see” is transformed through such Vision Trips. We hope that mutual, healthy and life-giving Companion Congregation relationships will be nurtured through these Vision Trips.
Projected Departure and Return Dates and registration deadline
2008, January 18th - Feb. 2
2008, June 12th - 27th
Initial Details:
We invite you to register several months before the journey you hope to join by completing our form and sending $200 to the synod office (payable to the Southeastern Iowa Synod – Companion Synod Fund in the memo line.) This will aid in advance planning. (Later registrations may be possible if the maximum number of participants has not been reached.) The $200 deposit is refundable up until 60 days prior to departure. Since airline tickets must be purchased 45 days in advance, checks for the amount of the reserved ticket are due 60 days prior to departure. Competed Visa Applications and Passports are also due to the Travel Coordinator at the same time. If it is necessary to cancel your trip during this time, we will work with you to seek a refund from the airline. Sixty days prior, the final projected in-country costs will be calculated, and the remainder of this full amount is due 30 days prior to your departure (full refunds of this amount are possible up to the time of departure).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the length of a synod-sponsored trip?
A: A synod-sponsored trip is generally 2 weeks
· 3 days (approximately) for travel to and from
· 5 days learning about the Evangelical Lutheran church in Tanzania
· 4 days with Companion congregation in Pare
· 2 days on safari
Q: What can I expect to spend for a trip?
A: The cost for the 2004 trip was $2,400. The cost of the January 2006 trip was $2,850. Future costs will vary. This amount included virtually everything except for souvenirs (travel, meals, honorariums, tips and an offering for your host congregation out of consideration for the hospitality they provide.) A $200 dollar “good faith” deposit is required with registration six months before an up-coming trip.
Q: What are the common features of a synod- sponsored trip?
· A leader who has traveled to TZ before who will navigate the details
· Orientation sessions to assist with visa application, culture preparations, etc.
· Travel arrangements (including ticket reservations and visa applications)
· A weekend with your companion congregation or a local congregation
· Visits to various ELCT institutions and agencies and game park
Q: What if I do not have a passport?
A: You will need a passport to in order to reserve an airline ticket. If you are interested in a trip, it is best to begin the passport application process immediately. You can obtain an application at a post office. (If you already have a passport, check your expiration date. If the expiration is within 6 months of the time you would travel, it is time to renew it.)
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
A: Yes and you must first have a passport to obtain a visa. About 4 months before your travel dates, you will receive a visa application at an orientation. The synod travel coordinator will apply for your visas (as a group) about 60 days prior to your travel dates.
Q: Does my congregation have to have a companion congregation in the Pare Diocese in order for me to go on a synod-sponsored trip?
A: Most travelers do have a companion congregation, but it is not necessary. It is preferable to arrange a companion relationship ahead of time, but if your congregation does not have a companion, our colleagues in the Diocese will help us find the best option for you.
Q: What happens if I have an emergency or life-changing event and can not go on the trip after I have paid for everything?
A: Working with our Travel Coordinator, we will seek refunds to the greatest extent possible depending on the time of your cancellation.
Q: What about health insurance for the trip?
A: Check with your own insurance policy regarding international travel. (Many policies will cover medical necessities to some extent.) However, if you are retired or do not have insurance, the Travel Coordinator will provide recommendations of “term” health insurance.
Q: What about shots?
A: First consult your primary physician, who may refer you to a Travel Doctor. They will advise you regarding preventative measures (shots, medications) and health care you will need. Additionally, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ and HTH Worldwide Insurance web sites list recommendations about shots and medications for international travelers. http://www.hthworldwide.com/
Q: What should I plan to take with me?
A: Generally speaking, you should plan to take two suitcases, (which is what is allowed per traveler to Tanzania.) One suitcase will be for your personal use and we ask that one suitcase be for the purpose of the Companion Synod relationship to transport items (from books to chainsaws) to Pare. The usual weight limit on luggage is 70 lbs, and the bag cannot exceed the linear measurement of 62” (this is length + width + height.)
Q: What kind of lodging can I expect while visiting?
A: There will be a variety of lodgings but it has always been our experience that there are beds wherever you go.
Q: Will I be “roughing it”?
A: In our Companion Synod travel experience, over half of the people who have participated on our journeys have been retired and have gotten along on the trips just fine. Moderate walking is expected, but it is not “mountain climbing.”
Q: What else can I do to prepare for the trip?
A: Global Mission of the ELCA has many resources and advice for travelers on their web site: www.elca.org/dgm. (Find this information through the yellow box on the right side of the web page and click on “site map.” At the fifth bullet-point, click on “Resources you can use”. At the bottom of the page in the right-hand column click on “useful resources” under the question “Planning to travel internationally?”)
