October was a very busy month and also a very fruitful one. Ian and I landed in the US on October 1st and got home 25 days later. A week after our arrival in Georgia, we had eight 7th and 8th grade students (Lucy, Deborah, Joseph, Elisha, Levi, Rose, Abigail and Jeremiah) join us, along with two teachers (Mihla and Portia) and two home managers (Thabile and Mhtunzi).
The purpose of the trip was educational and relational, with visits to our partner school, King’s Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The second week, we flew to Los Angeles and traveled to Westlake, CA, to spend time with another partner school called Oaks Christian School. Interestingly, I met the COO of that school, Garett Freeman, in Taiwan when Chloe was attending Morrison Academy, and he is the one who connected Project Canaan Academy to OC.
There is far too much to share about all that went on, but I will give a summary of both visits.
Georgia: All 12 travelers received free dental care, visited Chick-fil-A head office (complete with all the CFA they could eat), then ate at CFA several more times. They went to the Georgia Aquarium, performed in chapel at Kings Ridge Christian School, then enjoyed lunch and classroom time with the students. They got into a recording studio and recorded sound and voice, which was incredible! They visited two other schools to see what other schools looked like, were taken on shopping sprees at Target and Walmart, had ice cream, went to the Varsity (one child ate FOUR hotdogs) and enjoyed a meat extravaganza while watching the Georgia vs. Auburn game.
In California, they also got to get into a recording studio at Oaks Christian School and helped write a song and then recorded it. They spent valuable time in classrooms, had very special class time with the photography teacher, David Hessemer, went to their first pep rally and attended the craziest homecoming football game, including people landing by parachute and fireworks.
Here are a few thoughts from their different perspectives:
Host mom: “We felt like the week was like having a mission trip in our home. We were humbled as soon as they walked into our home and asked us how many people live here. 4. What about upstairs? How many live there? 4. And downstairs? Still 4. 5 when Hamilton is home. Hearing Joseph play the piano and sing at the top of his lungs worship songs. What a beautiful noise unto the Lord. Taking them shopping. Wish we could take them back. Answering all of Mihla’s questions about the government and economy and the country. By the time they were leaving, they were a part of our family, and no one wanted to leave. They had nicknames for our boys. It’s hard to put into words, but we have been ruined in the best way and miss them so much
Teacher: “My first trip to the United States of America, a journey of learning, growth and unforgettable experiences. One of the highlights of my trip was shopping. It was such a beautiful experience, from exploring new stores to finding lovely things. But what made it truly special was the warmth, kindness, and love I received. I brought home not just shopping bags, but beautiful memories and a heart full of gratitude.”
Student: “My favorite part of the trip was going to the Dream Center in LA and cooking for and feeding homeless people. I didn’t know that there would be poor people in the US. I also loved our host families, who were so loving, kind and fun. It was nice to see different houses too.”
We are eternally grateful to the people who provided the funding specifically to make this vision become a reality. I know that our students, our staff and the people who interacted with them will be changed forever. Thank you for your love, your prayers and your financial gifts.
Janine