Performing arts, namely dance and theater, have always been a huge part of my life. For many years now, I have invested much time and energy sharing my love for and knowledge of these arts with the next generation. 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.
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
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. She wanted to help me with my classes if I needed it. I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me, 
but I said yes….and I’m so glad I did!
Grace has been an amazing teacher assistant for the past year and a half. I have so enjoyed working with her and I’ll never forget something she said that seemed mature beyond her years…..
We were working on some choreography together and she started telling me about how she grew up in Texas. Grace had been taking ballet since she was 2 years old, and dance was her “thing,” her niche. 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. EVERYTHING changed for her. And there was really no outlet for her to use this passion, this gift of dance that God had given her. She told me how she was so thankful to be dancing again, and then she said, “I think that when I gave up my passion to follow where God was leading our family, He gave it back to me.” And that He did. For both of us.
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Among the Nations 