Mashujaa Day

Today we'll have a history lesson. :)

Friday was Multicultural Day at RVA - a day that has grown out of respect for Kenyan history and the people among whom we live and serve.  Kenyatta Day (which was Saturday) is a national holiday that honors the first Kenyan president (Jomo Kenyatta) after Kenya gained independence in 1963.   Last year, the new constitution changed the name to Mashujaa Day, or Heroes Day, to recognize that there were many heroes involved in helping Kenya gain its independence.  In Kenya, there is no school on Kenyatta/Mashujaa Day, so a few years ago RVA began a new tradition of celebrating Multicultural Day - fitting because there are students from 28 or 29 countries this year!  It is a day that the students can both celebrate their heritage AND learn about and appreciate so many others.  There is a flag ceremony at the end of the assembly during which 1 or 2 students carry their country's flag and say something in their language at the microphone, while the national anthem of that country plays.  Many of them were dressed in the traditional clothes of their country.  It had a very Olympic feel and was quite touching.  During Olympic opening ceremonies - and during this flag ceremony - I always like to imagine how all the peoples of the earth will one day worship God together and what that will actually be like.  Mind boggling, inspiring, exciting!  Enjoy a sampling of countries (and please forgive my lack of cropping!).

Madagascar

New Zealand

Norway

Republic of South Sudan - as you can imagine, there was a lot of cheering for him!  His life at home must be quite different than his life at RVA, but you can't distinguish any difference as he interacts with his peers from all over the world.

Uganda

Singapore

United Kingdom

United States-I was surprised by the emotions I felt when these kids started down the aisle amid raucous cheering.  It is hard to be a cultural minority and to be so far from home and everything you are used to.

Kenya - I really shouldn't have been surprised that Kenya was saved for last.  After all, we are all here in this country to serve and work among these people!  The sound in the auditorium was, in a word, deafening when they started down the aisle!

After the assembly, there was an event called the One World Run which is an international 5K race to raise money for AIDS orphans.  Rick, Ted, and Anna ran, I walked and photographed, and Emily cheered us all on!

Ted sprinting for the finish line!

A silly photo after finishing 25th at 7500 feet. :)

Rick actually smiling as he finishes!  He has not been running here, but still finished in under 30 minutes!

Here comes Anna!

Emily with Julia, one of her favorite friends from our time in Machakos. :)

That evening there was a pickup "American football" game (you have to distinguish it from football/soccer here) followed by fireworks on the field.  There was also a perfectly stunning sunset!  The mushroom cloud on the left is a rainstorm in the valley....

The next day was the school carnival, which is not unlike our Fall Festival back home.  The girls each dressed up with their "Big Sisters," while Ted dressed up as Pajama Heroes with our friend Julia. :)

Macaroni and Cheese

Hawaiian Hula Dancers

Pajama Heroes or Pajama Mashujaa!

This is our first full week in the hospital and we begin taking night call.  We are still trying to wrap our mind around the sorrows and the joys here at Kijabe Hospital....but will save that for another post.

Love,
Sarah
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13