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Rachael Allaman-Missionary

-story and photo by Virginia Ross

Missionary Shares Her African Life

Rachael Allaman, daughter of Bill and Mary Allaman, grew up on a farm around Rozetta in the north part of Henderson County. She was the Valedictorian of the West Cenntral High School Class of 2011.

A mission trip when in high school set her on a path which would take her to Cameroon to teach at the Hope and Destiny Academy on the side of a mountain.

Her school's objective is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while teaching poor children to read and write. However, the culture being quite different means that other social skills and experiences are a day to day objective.

At first the Academy targeted poor children who could not afford to go to school as each child must pay a tuition to attend the public school. But later, tuition children were added to the group to offer a more natural environment. (Each student cost approximately $35 per month; donations from various groups plus the tuition paid by other students support the Academy.)

Presently, four classes-kindergarten through third grade are being taught in a converted house. A good nutritious meal is served at noon of beans, corn and rice. Protein in any form is a luxury so fish is added when funds are available.

Rachael shared her life-both as a teacher at the Academy, and as a volunteer at the largest orphanage housing over 150 children-with the Stronghurst Presbyterian Church last Tuesday morning before her return trip to Cameroon, soon.

Rachael displayed examples of the handiwork done in the Cameroon area which included carved animals, jewelry, colorful bags, wind chimes plus other unique items.

The church is looking forward to hearing about her experiences in 2017 when she returns this summer.

Rachael Allaman of Rozetta area and West Central graduate and now a teacher-missionary in Africa, brought examples of the handiwork done in the Cameroon area which included carved animals, jewelry, colorful bags, paintings, lutes, carved key chains, and wind chimes last week when she talked at the Stronghurst Presbyterian Church last Tuesday. -photo by Virginia Ross