Yesterday was Mashujaa Day (Heroes’ Day in Swahili) in Kenya. It is the day when the country celebrates all the men and women who have contributed to the independence of Kenya. It is a big national holiday, and Rift Valley Academy celebrates the day by celebrating Kenya and also by acknowledging all the cultures that are represented in the school. There are 37 countries represented at RVA. I thought initially that could not be possible unless they were counting kids whose parents were serving as missionaries in different countries. But in fact, to be included as a representative of a country, you had to have a passport from that country. That means there are 37 passport represented countries at RVA. That is pretty cool for our humble Kenyan school! The day was spent with the kids playing games, dressing in the traditional clothing or the patriotic clothing of their countries, eating big meals at the cafeteria, while ending the evening with caramel apples and hot chocolate . . . in the rain. Rainy season is in full swing! It was a great Friday, and it was a fun time to celebrate all the cultures coming together in peace united in Christ. (Click on the pictures below to view the slide show with some short descriptions.)

Kenyan colored banners around the cafeteria

The school is ready for the festivities.

Flag raising ceremony in the morning

Allison helps teach line dancing

The gym is full of line dancers

37 students representing their countries carrying their flags

Representing the Quechua of Peru

The girls representing Peru. They did not carry a flag because they don’t actually have a passport from Peru despite the fact that they consider it one of their homes.

Annie with her “big sister”

Let’s eat barbecue!