by Rachel
Here in Kenya the movie Lion King has been a topic of conversation. Elton John’s “Circle of Life” turns in our minds and sometimes rolls off our tongues. We are thankful that our circle has been able to intersect with the circle of life at RVA. Living in this circle for the past 3 weeks has brought new insight on what life is like for these missionaries. Comforts of “American living” can be found here and there, yet for a variety of things many extra steps must be applied. A trip into the closest shopping center takes an hour and a half one-way and can easily turn into an all day excursion. The RVA community here is very giving of time and often share resources. The one thing I have observed in this circle is that you are available 24/7. Families here live very close and daily there are people in, around, walking through your home. Children have playmates hourly and the phone rings with more opportunities for play. You never quite know what the day will hold. Flexibility and authenticity is KEY to living in Dan and Courtney’s circle of life. Privacy and quietness is hard to find unless you are intentional about getting it. However, if you need help with anything such as borrowing a shovel or needing laundry soap, just walk a few feet to your neighbors and they generously lend what they have. Living in such community offers many opportunities for people seeing you in your happy, sad, and overwhelmed state of being. Not a lot can be hidden.
We have shared in all three of these states of being but because the difficult times aren’t often reflected in photographs posted on a blog one might be misguided that life in such a community is always smooth. Overall though, it has been a joy to participate in this generous and loving community.
Me with my “little” brother
The boys on their way to play Sunday evening basketball
The Dan Schmidts and the Chris Crefelds (friends from PA but currently living in UAE) enjoy some quality time together.
Dale and Nate enjoy birthday dessert while Annie bombs the photo
Isaac and Nate take nerf darts very seriously!
Julia laughs it up with Ethan and Nate in a pool below Paradise Falls.
Liz, JJ, Ethan and Nate pose during our hike to Paradise Falls (this was prior to the plunge)
Brother Dan and his two boys at Paradise Falls
Julia and her “not so baby any more” cousin, Evie
Our visit with the Muiruri Family one Sunday afternoon.(Fred is an administrator at Naomi’s Village)
School was in session for some hours in Mr. Schmidt’s classroom (Alegrebra, Geography, Sudoko)
Watching the sun set on Upper Field
Cousins hanging together in the evening.
Ann and cousin Ethan
Evie with their bunnies; Stitch and Tipper
Charolette, JJ & Evie
Snuggle time with Evie and Nate
Uncle Dale and Nate fixing a clock.
Game night at Ed & Debbie Rothfus’ home.
Isaac pushing Evie on their swing in the yard.
Ann with cousin Nate
Lunch out at Cafe Ubuntu just the four of us.
JJ and Ethan chopping wood.
Making new friends in Kenya. ( Charolette, Phoebe, Maddie and JJ)
Making fresh lime-lemonade.
Laughing and playing cards with my niece and nephews.
Ethan and Nate at their championship basketball game at Tichtie Court.
Court and I at 6:30am workout.
Walking the guards trail looking for monkeys.
JJ and Evie walking together on the guards trail that surrounding the campus.
THANK YOU DAN AND COURTNEY FOR WELCOMING US INTO YOUR CIRCLE OF LIFE AND SHOWING US HOW BEAUTIFUL KENYA CAN BE!
How wonderful for you! Enjoy your "circle" and your time in Kenya! Thanks for sharing!
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