And there was really no outlet for her to use this passion, this gift of dance that God had given her. At the age of 15, her family moved to a remote area of South Sudan (that’s in Africa, people) to be mission aries, and she soon became a boarding student at RVA. Grace had been taking ballet since she was 2 years old, and dance was her “thing,” her niche. We were working on some choreography together and she started telling me about how she grew up in Texas. I have so enjoyed working with her and I’ll never forget something she said that seemed mature beyond her years…. Grace has been an amazing teacher assistant for the past year and a half. I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me, but I said yes….and I’m so glad I did! She wanted to help me with my classes if I needed it. We had just arrived to RVA and many staff members were saying things like, “Oh, YOU’RE the dance teacher they said was coming!” or “My little girl is so excited to be able to take ballet now!” Before long, I started my first classes of elementary age kiddos! Somewhere in between, I should add, I was approached by a teenager who used to dance when she lived in America.

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 I’m ever-so-thankful that wherever the Lord has led our family, He always provides an outlet for me to use my gifts and talents. For many years now, I have invested much time and energy sharing my love for and knowledge of these arts with the next generation. Performing arts, namely dance and theater, have always been a huge part of my life.

Rift valley academy