Chai and Stoney
One can't be friends with an Adkins or Arensen (RVA alum who've gone to school at Houghton) without hearing larger-than-life stories about Rift Valley Academy. Since Amy and I know multiple Arensens AND Adkins, we've heard more than our share. To be perfectly honest, we went to RVA feeling like real life couldn't possible compare to one of Mike or Aaron's stories. But we were blown away.
We had a great time in RVA! We, to use guidance counselor Steve Peifer's words, "worked like mules" (four Houghton info sessions, two dorm talks, and two class visits in two days!), but enjoyed every second of it. We found RVA students very approachable (and smart!) and simply enjoyed being part of the community for a few days. We got to witness RVA's version of Shen Block (or is Shen Block Houghton's version of RVA's "cheerleaders?"), drink Stoneys at the snack shop, have lots of chai, and eat Mrs. Adkins' cafeteria food. Not to mention getting to enjoy the beautiful views and the perfect weather!
It was also great to catch up old friends. Colton Rabenold, who is well known to Houghton-in-TZ students, is currently a junior there. Blake and Nicole Arensen (Houghton alum) are now on staff.
We caught a ride back to Nairobi on Saturday and have since spent the weekend with Tegan Kroening's family and catching up with our old friends Ben and Carina, Houghton alum who are currently doing research in Southern TZ. Ben and Carina are distant relatives of the McKees, missionaries here in Kenya who ALSO went to Houghton.
Whew! As I write this, I'm realizing yet again how there are Houghton connections everywhere! And I'm also realizing how often I use parentheses! And exclamation marks! I think this is a sign that I need to sign off; this is enough for today. (Blech. I'm going to try to convince Amy to take over blogging duties.)
Chatting with students and Mr. Peifer during chai time
You can't beat RVA views!
Caf building
![CIMG2538[1]](http://static.flickr.com/42/93509464_22ee43602c_m.jpg)
Proof that we were there!
![CIMG2533[1]](http://static.flickr.com/35/93509466_42faccb315_m.jpg)
Blake's fourth period Swahili class (Colton, Kat, Blake, and Amy are in the middle of the back row)
We had a great time in RVA! We, to use guidance counselor Steve Peifer's words, "worked like mules" (four Houghton info sessions, two dorm talks, and two class visits in two days!), but enjoyed every second of it. We found RVA students very approachable (and smart!) and simply enjoyed being part of the community for a few days. We got to witness RVA's version of Shen Block (or is Shen Block Houghton's version of RVA's "cheerleaders?"), drink Stoneys at the snack shop, have lots of chai, and eat Mrs. Adkins' cafeteria food. Not to mention getting to enjoy the beautiful views and the perfect weather!
It was also great to catch up old friends. Colton Rabenold, who is well known to Houghton-in-TZ students, is currently a junior there. Blake and Nicole Arensen (Houghton alum) are now on staff.
We caught a ride back to Nairobi on Saturday and have since spent the weekend with Tegan Kroening's family and catching up with our old friends Ben and Carina, Houghton alum who are currently doing research in Southern TZ. Ben and Carina are distant relatives of the McKees, missionaries here in Kenya who ALSO went to Houghton.
Whew! As I write this, I'm realizing yet again how there are Houghton connections everywhere! And I'm also realizing how often I use parentheses! And exclamation marks! I think this is a sign that I need to sign off; this is enough for today. (Blech. I'm going to try to convince Amy to take over blogging duties.)
Chatting with students and Mr. Peifer during chai time
You can't beat RVA views!
Caf building
Proof that we were there!
Blake's fourth period Swahili class (Colton, Kat, Blake, and Amy are in the middle of the back row)
posted by Amy and Katrina at 3:04 AM
4 Comments:
Again, I am a mix of feeling floored and giddy with excitement at all that you girls are doing and experiencing! Making stories a reality, connecting with old friends and making new... And you get to see and spend time with Ben and Carina!!!
I miss you girls so much! And Amy, Sam says he misses you. grins That's kind of a mild way of putting it. ;)
I love you so much!
Rachel
Wow, you continue to go through a lot of exciting and awesome experiences. The Lord has been so good to both of you. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. The schoollooks beautiful! Is it really?? :)
i've been there :)
Kansas,
Dorm parenting in East Africa sounds great right now...it's 31 degrees F and sleeting...ugh. Hope you've had a safe flight and are now at Rainforest!
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