Meanwhile, the (K-6) students at the Parent Run School (PRS) had Spiritual Emphasis Week too. While we still were in class, we began each day with chapel consisting of a time for singing, for listening and for sharing. We learned about Timothy and the key verse was 1Tim 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” We looked at ways to be an example for those older and younger.
And on Thursday we went on a field trip to put into practise “setting an example to the believers” in a new Cameroonian Christian school called Rainbow Innovative School. Before leaving we gathered in front of our school for prayer. It was precious to hear the students (and staff) commit the day to the Lord.
Patience Malone, director of Rainbow School is amazing woman. The mother an RFIS student friend of Michelle & Nathan’s, she not only runs this Christian school but also a restaurant adjacent to the school. Last year the school opened with just 15 students; this year there are around 50 (many pre-schoolers), and next year she expects over 100!
After initial greeting and a snack in the play yard, we all went up to a large classroom where we took turns sharing songs, verses, skits; it was true culture and educational exchange.
Each of our students had brought a book to donate to the school. Since the Rainbow library consists of maybe 15 books, they appreciated getting new books – as evidenced by the smile on Mrs. Malone’s face.
Then we divided the kids into 2 groups. One group played organized games in the play yard, while the other group paired up to read together. Ben stepped outside his comfort zone to read (to a couple of the older boys) the book about whales that he brought to donate to the school.
And then they switched so those reading went out for games and those who had played games went inside to read.
And when it was lunch time, we were treated to a gormet meal at Mrs. Malone’s restaurant. On the other side of the building, tables were set in the yard with cloth linens, beautiful plates, and Rainbow’s teachers became servers.
We were treated to rotisserie chicken, french fries, pizza, vegetable beef stir fry and fried plantains. And for dessert we had brought a variety of cookies and bars to share. We kept asking if they eat like that every day … and the only answer we got was “we always eat together.” I’m willing to guess their school lunches beat our typical brown bag lunches at PRS.
Before going home we had free time to play together. Teachers chatted, and we were all taking pictures like crazy. It was an excellent experience for students as well as staff. We decided we have to do it again — next time Rainbow will come to PRS to visit. This may be the start of a beautiful new relationship!
