Isn't it hard for children to be away from their parents that long?

Yes - it's hard for the parents and the students - boarding school isn't for everyone. However, for many families, Rift Valley Academy (RVA) means their children can receive a high-quality education, as well as access to sports, music and arts programs they might not have access to in other areas of Africa. Knowing there are incredible staff who love their children and are there to support them as well as keep them safe is a critical component of why many parents send their children to RVA. The school provides many opportunities for parents to visit including sports games, field days, special Sunday services, open houses and more. In order to provide even more time for students to be at home with their families, the school runs year round and takes a month-long break in December, April, and July as well as midterm breaks. On-going communication with parents as well as phone/internet access means family doesn't feel far away. 

While on my vision trip, I met a grade 10 student who had just arrived at RVA that year. We began talking about her experience and she told me that moving from the states to Kenya has been the hardest thing she's ever done - she really misses her parents and younger siblings (who aren't at the school). I asked her if she wished they hadn't moved and she shared with me how she's glad they moved because she believes in what her parents are doing and she loves RVA and all the friends she's made. 

Why don't parents just homeschool their kids?

Imagine if your parents were missionaries in some rural community or tribe in Africa and you were being homeschooled. You wouldn’t have access to athletics, pottery, music, wood working, auto mechanic classes etc. That’s why I love RVA so much. During an open house, I was able to walk around the classes and see some of the incredible programs here. I am amazed. For many missionaries homeschooling, local schools or tutors are great options, unfortunately for other families, they might not be.  At times, due to safety concerns of the area they are serving in, it's better for the child to be somewhere else. Sometimes there aren't local schools or tutors available and homeschooling isn't something the parents are able to do.  RVA has incredible athletics, music and arts programs which are often not a possibility in rural or remote areas.  Boarding schools aren't for everyone, but for the families of RVA who have had to make a difficult choice, it is the best option for them and their families. 

What are dorms like?

While on my vision trip I was able to visit a few dorms - they were my favourite places on campus. I made some notes in my journal about what dorms are like and I thought I'd share an excerpt.

Sometimes our definition of home changes and looks different than a traditional home. Last night I headed over to Cassandra’s (known affectionately as Aunt Cass) dorm with junior and senior girls. I had dinner with Cass and watched her in action as a dorm mom. I saw girls comforted when they were stressed about school, challenged when they were speaking lies about themselves, helped with homework, given medication, cared for when they were sick, supported when they missed a couple days of African Cultures class, corrected on grammar, hugged, and delighted in. I saw a dorm mom who loves those girls as if she birthed them herself. I saw a dorm mom who carried formal dresses across campus so her girls who were feeling nervous about formal, which isn’t even in this term, could try on dresses and find the perfect one. 25 cups were filled up with smoothies and 25 plates were loaded with carrot sticks and apple slices. Chores were done, reminders were given, prayers were offered and endless amounts of love heaped. Like any mom she multi-tasked like no one else... at one point commenting on a dress, while helping another with homework and signing a library pass for a third... all while supervising chores and hosting me. Super dorm mom for sure. This is home. For girls who are far from family and miss their parents I’m so glad they have Aunt Cass. 

How can I pray?