Welcome, Uganda team! We’re so glad you’re saying yes to this adventure. Your “yes” matters, God delights in willing hearts and we believe He’s going to work through you in powerful, practical ways as you love and serve the people in Otino Waa. We’re praying for unity that feels like family, strength for every long day, favor in every conversation, and a joy that carries you from takeoff to touchdown.
As you go, remember to stay flexible and make encouragement your default! Honor the local leaders and those daily serving, celebrate the culture, and let compassion lead the way. Look for the one in front of you, and trust that small acts, prayers, smiles, shared meals all can open big doors. We encourage you to read We Don’t Do Orphans, by Bob Higgins, to familiarize yourself with the miraculous and faith-filled beginnings of Otino Waa.
Go with courage, come back with stories and may everything you do point to Jesus. Here we go!
Welcome to the Joy Uganda Mission Trip
January 20 - February 2, 2026
Requirements
BACKGROUND CHECK: Link will be sent to from PATH.
MEDICAL: We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a travel doctor to be sure you have all of the recommended vaccinations (yellow fever required for travel to Uganda per the CDC) and medications for your travel.
We recommend taking Malarone anti-malarial medication during your trip and also having an antibiotic on hand in case of traveler's diarrhea.
Safeway Pharmacy in Bend has a Travel Medicine department. Schedule an appt and learn more here:
https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/care-services/travel-health.html.
Meeting Dates
Sunday 10/26 at 12:20pm (lunch provided)
Monday 11/17 at 6:30pm
Sunday 1/11 at 1pm (lunch provided)
Meeting Location
Payment Schedule
Total Trip Cost: $3,750
October 15 - $1,000
November 15 - $1,000
December 15 - $1,000
What to Wear
What team members wear and how they conduct themselves is very important. There are hundreds of eyes watching.
Women: Must wear skirts or dresses that are knee length or longer while at Otino Waa. Loose-fitting pants or capris are also allowed (no shorts.) Slips are encouraged so that skirts are not see-through. Sleeveless shirts are allowed but avoid low cut or spaghetti strap tops. The midriff and back must always be covered. (No crop tops or shorter tops.)
Men: Should wear a collared t-shirt or button-down shirt. Regular T-shirts are fine too but are considered much more casual. Trousers and shorts are allowed, but we recommend avoiding jeans as they are hot, heavy and not easy to hand wash.
Shoes: A pair of flip flops is recommended both for showering and for everyday wear. We do recommend a sturdy shoe like a tennis shoe or hiking sandal that are easily wiped or washed. (Keens, Tevas, etc.)
Church Attire: A nice outfit and shoes. Typically khaki/dress pants and shirt for men and dresses for women.
Although it is very warm during the day, a long-sleeved or light jacket is helpful during the cooler evenings and rainy mornings.
Suggested Gift Items
Gifts from Sponsors or for House Assignments:
Arts and Crafts
• Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils, Pens
• Watercolor paint (dry, not liquid tubes)
• Paint brushes
• Ballpoint pens
• Drawing paper or sketch book
• Coloring book (age/content appropriate)
• Stickers or reusable sticker books
• Learn to draw books (age/content appropriate)
• "Paint with Water" books
• Craft kits and craft supplies
Games or Toys
• Small stuffed animal
• Balloons
• Small games such as jacks, jump ropes, etc.
• Small bouncy/rubber balls
• Deflated balls (soccer, basketball, volleyball)
• Decks of Playing Cards or Uno
• Board Games like chess or strategy games (no war themes or inappropriate content)
• Puzzles
• Paper dolls
Other Items
• Hand written letters or children's drawings
• Pencil bags
• Journal with pen
• Bookmarks
• Postcards
• Maps
• Inexpensive watch for older children
• Inexpensive wallet or change purses for older children
• Sunglasses
• T-shirt
• Hats
• Drawstring bags
• Reusable Water bottles
• Hard candy (no soft candy or chocolate as they melt)
What to Pack - PDF
A Servant’s Heart
Passport (also, have a copy easily accessible to aid in proving identity if original is lost)
Copy of Airline tickets
Travel Visa(s) or proof of Approved Submission(s)
World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record card with proof of yellow fever vaccination
Medicines include malaria meds and antibiotics, if prescribed
Melatonin
Spending and Souvenir Money – $100 USD fresh bills best exchange rate
Voltage Adaptor Type G for Uganda; 220V to 110V Travel Voltage Converter helpful
Power cords for cell phone/laptop
Headphones
Recommend a carry-on bag with essentials, medicines, and a few days of clothing
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent (recommend Picaridin)
Sunscreen
Toiletries - include deodorant
Hand Sanitizer
Pocket tissue packs
Snacks/Bars/Electrolytes
Ear Plugs
Binoculars optional
Sunglasses
Sun Hat
Cooling towel (optional)
Bible/Journal
Wash cloth if preferred; bath and hand towels provided along with body soap
Small pillow for travel
Small gifts, games, and activities for your house children/Mom. Typically, 8 children. Details on gender/ages of children will be provided.
Optional Sponsor child gifts - if you sponsor a child
Light jacket or raincoat; sweatshirt or sweater
Team shirt to be worn on travel days
Clothes that can get paint on them (work clothes)
Optional: Modest Bathing suit (outdoor pools may be available at safari or airport hotels)
Clothing: we ask that you adhere to the cultural considerations outlined.
Additional Things to Note:
Pack light. Chances are you will have to carry what you pack!
Tightly secure any items that may come open while traveling – freezer
bags recommended! Many a team member has had to wear clothing with
the fragrant smell of Pepto Bismol or shampoo.Borrow what you can. No sense in making a big investment in shoes and
clothing you may only wear on this trip.Break new shoes in before the trip... especially new work boots. Blisters
are not a pleasant experience, and they don’t make for the best of
moods!We will provide you with a team duffel bag for your items.
Carry one change of clothes with you in your carryon. Sometimes
luggage gets lost and/or delayed.Take items you won’t mind leaving if you see a need. Certain items are very expensive overseas and unaffordable to the people you may be working with, and you may want to leave them for someone else.
Leave room for souvenirs; otherwise you may be sacrificing your new Reeboks for a wooden statue.
Who’s on the Team:
Amanda Lawrence
Andrew Lawrence
Rachel Miller
Nichole Crowley
Tim Crowley
Paul Long
Joy Chatterton
Julie Winters
Boaz Underwood
Megan Bowser