The Highlander AFRICA MISSION TRIP By: Magdalen Carlson
or assisting with other things. One unnamed student even passed out after watching a tooth get pulled. Meanwhile, at VBS, students built friendships with the children, teaching them English songs and sharing messages of God’s love through crafts and bible stories being acted out by the volunteers and teachers of the school. The children especially enjoyed playing with balloons and the new soccer balls were a rare treat in their community, most use a paper bag as a ball.
With passports in hand, a group of students from Highland Academy embarked on a life-changing mission trip to Kenya, eager to serve, learn, and immerse themselves in a new culture. For many, it was their first time traveling outside the country. Their journey consisted of three flights—two of them lasting nine hours each—followed by a very bumpy, six-hour car ride. After an overnight stop, the students, staff, and parents on the trip finally arrived safely at Mara West, the resort where they would be staying for 10 days while doing their mission work. Throughout the week, the students dedicated their time to various projects. Some laid bricks for a new dormitory at Kensington Hall Oloosinon Girls’ High School, while others gathered materials for making trusses for a new roof. Some worked at the women’s medical clinic, and still others led Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the neighboring primary school.
Fawn Ndanyi, a senior at Highland Academy, said that her favorite part of the trip, besides much needed rest poolside, was “working with Rhiana [Powers] on the worksite.” While building, painting, and tying rebar, they worked alongside local laborers, picking up bits of the language as they worked and forming connections. Many students particularly enjoyed working with Gilbert, the man in charge of rebar, who shared jokes and cultural insights with them throughout their stay. At the clinic, students assisted in different areas, though only girls were allowed to help with ultrasounds and births due to the sensitive nature. During their stay, around five babies were born, and several students had the unforgettable experience of witnessing and even assisting in these moments—some moved to tears by the beauty of it. One or two Highland Academy students would occasionally work with the local dentist helping pull teeth
Editor In-Chief Design & Art Director Magdalen Carlson Tristan Naumann Reporters Addison Atlee Shiloh Bushey Bertin Shyaka Stephanie Silva
Photographer Miguel Bittencourt Sponsors Stephanie Rufo Melissa Weisner
According to Dustin Aho, co-founder of Africa Mission Services and coordinator of the mission projects, Students’ teamwork significantly accelerated construction progress and helped prepare for the next group projects. Aho, who also hosted the group at Mara West, guided them through local customs and cultural etiquette. It was a highlight to be able to drive through the Maasai Mara National Reserve on Sabbath, seeing Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Lions and Jaguar just to name a few. It was a full day with the group leaving camp at 6am and returning just after sundown.
With all the work site jobs complete, the group was given a full day of rest before heading back to the chaos of school and work and the long flights ahead. A few people went on a small hike to see a beautiful fig tree, where the baboons typically hang out, while others laid around or played darts by the pool. Lunch was handmade pizza served by the pool which everyone was very thankful for. The day before, the chef served the group their traditional Kenyan food, immersing the students in the culture, which included lamb, goat, rice cakes, irio, baked bananas and spicy peppers. On their way to the airport, the group made a final stop at a shopping mall in Nairobi where they explored local stores and markets, bringing home not just souvenirs, but lifelong memories of their time in Kenya. The students left to make an impact on the people of Kenya, but in reality, the people of Kenya make a lasting impact on Highland Academy’s students
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