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Gateway: Pre-Arrival Information

On Boarding: Pre-Arrival Information

INSURANCE 

On Boarding fees includes travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and repatriation costs in case of an accident during the Gateway field service. Additional health insurance is required for your time on board during long-term service with Mercy Ships but is not required during your time in Texas. Please note, however, that emergency health care in the States can be expensive. Any costs incurred will be the responsibility of the individual. Therefore, you may want to keep current insurance until you leave on the Gateway field serve and then begin any new policy once onboard the ship. Or you may consider purchasing a short term/travel policy for your time in Texas. Please check with your travel agent for more information.

MEDICATION 

If you require special medication, please bring a sufficient supply with you for the length of the entire program including enough for Field Service. Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses in case you need to replace them.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

All required immunizations for shipboard service (see Immunization and Malaria Prevention - under Africa Mercy Pre-Arrival Information) must be completed before coming to the On Boarding Program. An up-to-date tetanus shot is also important before going on the Gateway Field Service.

 

WHAT TO BRING FOR On Boarding

CLASSROOM PHASE:

  • Bible
  • Insect Repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Clothing. While attending Gateway, the dress code is casual. You may want to bring ‘church clothes’ for Sundays and any special events. Temperatures in winter range from 20-70 degrees F. So be sure to bring a warm coat as well as long-sleeved shirts or sweaters. In contrast, temperatures in May through September crange from 80-100 degrees F. Long shorts, capris and t-shirts are appropriate. Modest apparel is essential to community life. All Mercy Ships Crew and volunteers are encouraged to honor each other in their choice of attire.
  • Swimsuits. Basic Safety Training includes a pool practical. Many like to wear a t-shirt or cover-up during this exercise but the facility does not allow any cotton clothing in the pool. If you would like to wear a t-shirt or shorts over your swimsuit, please bring something made from polyester or lycra (exercise gear). There is an outdoor pool on the campus. Pool guidelines require one piece suits for women and boxer type for men.
  • Walking shoes or Athletic shoes. If you are planning on using the gym while here, no black soles are allowed on the basketball or squash (racquetball) courts.
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Alarm Clock*
  • Styling appliances*

* Voltage in the United States is 110AC

** Sheets, Blankets, Pillows and towels are provided.

 Optional Items

  • Umbrella
  • Pool Towel
  • Flashlight
  • Raincoat
  • Sewing Kit
  • Laptop
  • Shower Shoes 

 

FIELD SERVICE PHASE:

  • Bible
  • Passport and Yellow fever card are required to be on your person
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Sun block
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Liquid hand sanitizer
  • Work clothing (there is a good chance that clothing will be ruined depending on activities)
  • Dress clothing for church (see note below)
  • Sturdy tennis shoes or work shoes and a pair of dress shoes for church
  • Strap-on sandals or water shoes
  • Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
  • One pool/beach towel per person
  • Sun glasses
  • Baseball cap or hat
  • Camera
  • Wet wipes
  • Battery-powered alarm clock
  • Small backpack or waist pack
  • Appropriate swim wear; one-piece suits for women and boxer or shorts type swim suits for men
  • Twine for a clothes line in your room and clothes pins to dry laundry
  • Leather work gloves
  • Notebook and pen
  • Water bottle
  • Towel
  • Travel food (no chocolates that melt)
  • Pillow
  • Rain gere (rainy season generally January - April
  • Inexpensive rain boots-optional

Optional, but helpful:

  • Pocket knife / multi purpose tool (can not be in carry-on luggage)
  • A musical instrument for Worship if you play one
  • Daily diary or journal
  • Pictures of your family
  • Some past participants have also brought tea, washcloths, games, cards, books, ziplock plastic bags, duct tape, Gatorade type powder, reading light, and/or a personal coffee cup.

 

Note: Due to the culture, we recommend that men wear long pants for dress (cotton slacks, Dockers), and shorts or jeans and T-shirts for work. Women can wear dresses or skirts and tops with short sleeves for both dressy as well as work. Women can also wear jeans or Capri’s for work.

Smoking or drinking alcohol is not allowed during the Gateway Field Service.

Click here for the Africa Mercy dress code.