A SCHOOL DAY AT RVA

Hi All,

I thought I would give you a glimpse of what a single day looks like here at RVA. Today is Tuesday September 25th. The day starts early with the girls up by 6AM to do their dorm jobs. (Cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors) Then, they are off to breakfast by 710AM with school starting at 7:45 AM. Julia is up at 7:16 (not earlier, not later or we are in trouble). We check the dorm to make sure all dorm jobs are done well. We greet our inside and outside helpers, then Janine leaves to teach her cooking classes.

First I walked out back to examine the brand new baboon prevention system installed on the campus barrier fence. We will keep you updated on the effectiveness of this razor-wire protections.

After the inspection, I head down to the Arcade where I work. Now I know that sounds like every boys dream but in the British system, an arcade is simply a store. Here is a look at my corner of the arcade.

This is where I coordinate and order all supplies needed for the campus.
Today at 9:50 AM I went to Janine's advanced cooking class, along with my co-worker Dennis Doughty (also from Pa and another EAGLES fan)  to taste test and judge the corn chowder they have made that day. Tough work, but somebody has to do it.

The class set fancy tables and all. Mrs. McLaverty was very excited to have us. They even posed for a picture with the teacher!

After judging chowders, it is off to chapel, which on Tuesdays is a student led praise & worship time.

             Today's chapel was led by one of Janine's cooking students. They did a great job.

                                              After chapel, students and staff, head to chai,

                                                 a 15 minute break from their school day.

The staff met to pray for each other, the students and all of the community outreach programs scheduled for this coming Saturday. (visiting aids orphanages, building relationships with local workers, prayer walks and football with elementary schoolkids.

After chai, I helped Janine clean up(some) in Home Ec. and headed back to the arcade to clean up loose ends and look for cables and bulbs for the scoreboard in the gym. First stop was the cafeteria to help place the dry goods order. Every Tuesday, they serve cheeseburgers and french fries so I walked through to check it out! Notice the mound of french fries, all made from scratch. (serves over 500)

Janine was asked to ride into town with another staff person to keep her company so she gladly went!

I walked by the Physical Education class being held outdoors on the upper field. the boys and girls are playing a game called "SOCCI" a mini soccer game. (notice the valley in the backdrop)

 I enjoyed lunch with Julia and then it was time to return to school and work. Being up at 7200 feet, the weather changes suddenly and we found ourselves facing a huge thunderstorm! Janine reports that it is NOT raining in Nairobi.

As we were walking through the Titchie school area, we came across the sixth grade science class. They were working with thermometers to see if wind or rain would affect the accuracy.

After Julia headed to art class, I stopped by the music room to check on some of our dorm girls
to hear them play. We will definitely have a worship time in the dorm led by these young talented ladies!

At the end of the school day, all dorm students must go to the laundry and pick up their clothes that were washed, dried and folded by the very capable Kenyan staff.

The sun is now shining brightly and that is reflected in the smiles of the students (our girls).

After returning home, Julia works on her art project, drawing a portrait from a picture.                     Her subject? Lizzy of course!

After that there was a visit from the local fire equipment company to inspect our extinguishers.

Okay.... now you have a glimpse of a school day here at RVA. The day is hardly over as we still have homework, dorm devotions and our Tuesday dorm meeting (with treats of course)  then we will fall into bed and start all over again tomorrow!  Hope you have enjoyed this glimpse of our new lives!

Love you all,

Steve for Janine and Julia (Lizzie too)