RVA

"If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."
John 8:31,32

Today was a sunny Saturday, so we decided to get out and enjoy it. Kathy packed a lunch and we walked up to the RVA campus and had a picnic on the bench above the rugby field, overlooking the Rift Valley. I don't think there's an athletic field anywhere with a more amazing setting!

We love this beautiful campus, with its acres of grass and trees and stunning views in every direction. It houses classroom buildings, dormitories, and homes for teachers, staff, and their families.


We feel like we're entering a little bit of America when we walk in the gates, as most of the kids are from American families, and the school has a distinctly American feel to it. In fact, Teddy Roosevelt laid the cornerstone for one of the oldest campus buildings, while he took a break from a hunting safari.

We also enjoy walking what is called the "guard trail", a 2.5km path around the perimeter of the campus that passes through acres of trees and skirts the railroad at the highest point. We walked the trail today after our picnic.









Nearly 500 students attend school here. Their families live all over Africa, in about 20 different countries. Though most are Americans, there is quite a number of other nationalities represented as well, including a growing number of Kenyan students.

The school has quite a history. Established over a century ago to serve missionary families working in Africa, RVA has survived the upheavals of two world wars and the struggle for Kenyan independence. It is now a strong academic school, with graduates often moving on to careers in Africa, or otherwise living their lives with a more worldwide perspective.

Every Thursday afternoon, I walk up to RVA and staff the Student Health Center. I see kids (and a few staff members) with a variety of injuries and illnesses. There is a terrific group of nurses who take care of the kids the rest of the time, and the Health Center even has about 20 beds for kids who need a watchful eye while they get over a fever or other illness.

Along with the hospital, the secondary schools for Kenyan boys and girls, and Moffat Bible School, RVA helps to make Kijabe an active and interesting place, where people are served and the Lord is honored in many different ways.

We are grateful to be part of this community.

- Doug