Cannon Aug 2019

When I wrote my first newsletter at the beginning of this year, August seemed so far away! A lot has happened since then, both in logistics (paperwork, anyone?) and in my heart and mind as I prepare to leave home to teach in another country. I am excited to finally share my official departure date: August 24, 2019! I have less than a month to pack, get everything in order for my visa, and say good-bye to everyone here in the States (the hardest of the three by far!) I have committed to teach in Rafiki School Rwanda for one year, and I am excited for the journey that lies ahead. 

Sixth grade students during an outdoor art lesson

I recently returned from two weeks of missions training at Rafiki’s Home Office in Eustis, Florida. It was a whirlwind trip, but it left me even more excited and full of hope for the work that Rafiki is doing in ten African countries. I learned about the Orphan Care Program that cares for the orphans who live in the Rafiki Villages, the Widows Program that partners with local churches to help disadvantaged women earn a living, and the Rafiki Institute of Classical Education that is Rafiki’s own teachers college.

Books I helped clean and get ready to send to Africa from Rafiki's Home Office

I think I was most excited to learn about the Education Program and find out more about classical Christian education, which is a liberal arts curriculum that provides students with deep knowledge through the reading of original texts, class discussions, and persuasive speaking. All subjects are taught from a Biblical worldview and are integrated to provide a rich learning experience for the purpose of positively impacting the students and their community. I got to thumb through the new eighth grade art curriculum and had a huge grin on my face the whole time—what a wealth of creative experiences, knowledge, and meaningful art-making! (My art teacher self was dancing a little.) 

I also want to give a heart-felt THANK YOU to all of you who have prayed for me and supported me with financial gifts! If you have not donated yet, but would like to, now is a great time as I need to have as much of my funding raised as possible before I leave on the 24th. I need to raise $6,500 in either one-time donations or pledges. God is so good and it is so encouraging to me that you are joining with me in this way on my journey to the mission field! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

An early morning walk to church