Serving One Another: Reflections on a Service Project Trip to E. Africa

“A highlight for me was how much joy they had. They were so excited!” shares Hannah Kooiman, a senior at Black Forest Academy (BFA), Germany. From March 21-29 she had the opportunity to go to East Africa on a Service Project Trip (SPT) and help out with Spiritual Emphasis Week at an international Christian school. “I especially loved our chapel times.”  

Hannah worked mostly with the 3rd-5th graders and did some activities with the K-2nd graders. The 18 BFA students and 5 leaders helped with Chapel, games, crafts and Bible story time. The theme for the week was “Seek the Kingdom of God,” from Matthew 6:33. 

An interesting point about the trip was that at both BFA and the East Africa school, there are a good number of TCKs or Third Culture Kids. A TCK is someone who is growing up in a country different from that of their parents’ home culture. During the course of the week, these 2 groups of TCKs from different continents had many opportunities to interact. “The great part was one international Christian school serving at another international Christian school,” she says. 

Hannah noted it was a real “eye opener” to realize that the Jesus they had been taught about (in their respective schools) really does transcend cultures. He is universal. Suddenly, that fact went from being theoretical to experiential for many of the students. 

The trip challenged Hannah and her schoolmates to be flexible. “Scheduling was very vague!” she commented. “It was a good chance to be flexible, particularly since we had more kids than expected. The average group size was anywhere from 12-25 moving through the various activities. I had 23 in my group. We had to learn to adapt (our expectations).” 

The students from BFA (13 girls and 5 boys) had the chance to see more of the surrounding area when they had a “Cultural Day.” They went to nearby Entoto National Park. Then, they also saw 2 different market areas.  “The main market that we went to was actually located near the school, in the industrial (clothing) area. Then we saw another market that was further away (from the school) and run in partnership with IMB (International Mission Board).  

“The markets were really something. Everyone (Muslims and Christians) coexists. There were no clear rules.  

“A highlight for me from that day was trying a chicken shawarma, (meat wrapped in a pita with vegetables and a sauce).  

In closing she shared, “What I’ll remember most from my time in East Africa is the joy the kids brought with them each time we were together.” 

The Service Project trips are offered each year in March or April. Other STP locations this year included Malta, Georgia and the Dominican Republic.  

Pray for Black Forest Academy

• That as the school year ends the graduating students would be able to remain focused and make good choices as they move on from BFA.
• For wisdom and direction for the leadership of BFA as they seek the Lord's guidance in developing a strategic plan for the next 5-10 years.
• For staffing needs, especially an Academic Support (Discovery Therapist) and a High School Teacher for Literature & Composition English and Spanish. See all opportunities here: Black Forest Academy Opportunities
• For the ongoing capital campaign to purchase and renovate a new building that can be converted into 3 dorms. You can click here to donate: Give - Black Forest Academy