The classroom is a different world at RVA. Jim and I teach missionary children from Kenya, Finland, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Great Britain, as well as USA. These children are bright, inquiring, funny, and fun. No sullen stares, no monosyllabic, grunts. These young folks actually greet and carry on conversations with adults
They are still kids. Seventh grade boys are not totally above horseplay in the libary. One ninth grade young man in a good natured way wanted to get a rise out of his English teacher. "I'm not so sure Poe meets RVA standards. Looks pretty dark to me." I told him that Poe fits biblical literary standards -- blood, mayhem, and sin.
These young people still have an amazing awareness of popular culture -- thanks to the web, I'm sure. They also have a personal awareness of gritty realities: poverty, disease, regional unrest. They tell stories you won't hear everyday in West Virginia, or New York, or Texas. How many US students do you know who have ridden camels or climbed "Kili" (Mt. Kilimanjaro)?
About Me
- Gale
- My husband and I are on a short term mission with African Inland Mission as teachers at Rift Valley Academy where Jim also serves as a chaplain.
No comments:
Post a Comment