'Jambo Village Volunteers!'

Welcome and thank you for considering volunteering with Common Ground. You have a created a unique - perhaps a once in a lifetime - opportunity for yourself. You will help fellow persons who are truly in need, and experience incredible personal growth in concentrated time. CGP understands how important your time is and appreciates you "giving" it unselfishly. We hope you, like those before you, feel that you get personal growth, adventure, broadened mind and that your rewards are great.

I am sure you have a million questions. One thing is true: everyone's experience is unique. Come with an open mind, ready to absorb a flood of new information and new frame of reference. Leave your expectations at home. Observe without judgment until you fully understand all the factors. If something strikes you as being "backwards", objectively consider why it is acceptable in this culture. You will probably find valid reasons. I do recommend that during your first few weeks or months simply observe, learn, and try to understand the culture. See how things "work" here. Try to remember that there is never just one right way to do something. You most likely will see many things that are considered backward, but are common and appropriate here. Just remember that often there is no right or wrong.

During your time in Kenya, you will have the unique opportunity to meet and live amongst the many diverse people and cultures of Kenya.

Leave your material possessions at home. You will need very little of them here. What you will need is natural curiosity, a positive attitude, plenty of patience and a willingness to help those in need. You certainly will have to deal with frustrations of development work. But a generous smile to warmly offer, the desire to accept many friendships, and an untiring sense of humor will assure you that a trip of a lifetime is ahead of you. You will never see the world the same way. It is up to you to make the most of this valuable experience that you have created! Kenya is waiting for you.

We wish you the best of luck and are excited to have the chance to work with you!

'Karibuni! (welcome to all)!'

Joshua Amwai Machinga
Program Director, Common Ground Program