News from RVA

20th March 2003

Dear Friends, Family and Supports,

Some of you may have heard that RVA opted for an early departure this term to try and avoid travel problems which could arise in the event of war. 200 of our 320 boarding students come from outside of Kenya. The decision was made Tuesday afternoon just before 5:00 PM. It is now 48 hours later and we have been able to get 240 of our boarders on their way home. We still have 80 students here, but so far no flights have been canceled and we have been able to make bookings for everyone.

A group of us spent Tuesday night until 1:00 AM calling parents and then started back up at 7:30 Wednesday morning. Then we had to call again once flights were booked with the flight information. Our Travel Coordinator and the travel agency which helps the school have done a great job getting kids on flights. Today Kenya remained peaceful and all flights went on schedule. We will have students flying out all through the weekend so we covet your prayers for their safe travel. God has kept our phones working better then I have ever experienced in all my years in Kenya.

Below is the official information release by our superintendent, Jim Long (who does not leave till April 4th - Praise the Lord! :-). Please read it carefully and note that this was done only because of concern for travel and NOT because we feel in danger here at RVA.

God Bless,

Tim & Bonnie Cook

March 18, 2003

In light of the impending conflict in the Middle East, the RVA School Board and RVA Administration felt it prudent to allow students an early departure for April vacation. We felt the window of opportunity for "ease of travel" may be best at this time. We will be encouraging parents to take their children home beginning tomorrow (March 19) at 4:00 PM.

We recognize this change of procedure may not be convenient or possible for some. We will continue to care for our students as long as needed. We are referring to this "end of term" leaving procedure as a "rolling early departure". This means that it may take a few days to get all of the students home.

Peace and grace,

Jim Long
RVA Superintendent

P.S. The only reason for this decision is to take advantage of this window of opportunity to deal with travel logistics. Thanking you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

"Update: The process of getting our students home is going smoothly and we are trust that all of our students will be home or at guardians by Sunday evening. (March 20, 2003).

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