Lexington Adventist Academy

I'm way behind on posting here, but wanted to show an updated photo on two chicks we hatched this spring! They are so happy in their new home!

This morning after our week of prayer meeting, Pastor Sylva came over and gave two boys an impromptu mini-lesson on guitar!

It's Spring Week of Prayer, and we are so glad to have Pastor Nelson Sylva sharing his stories and challenging us to decide to follow Jesus!

We had a great time at the Family Science Day on Sunday! There were dozens of project boards and presentations about physics, chemistry, electricity and astronomy where kids got "passport" booklets stamped. Pathfinders sold a lot of sopes and burritos, too! I'm just posting random photos. Thanks to the volunteers who presented and Appalachian Christian Academy for joining us! Also, a big thanks to Daniela Little and all who helped her with organizing, decorating, and facilitating!

It's time!

I know this was on the calendar all year, and in the church bulletin and newsletter, but here is a reminder:

Copied from the Lexington Seventh-Day Adventist Church newsletter:

We are delighted to introduce you to our newest LAA teacher, Rachel Shoemate, pictured above with her husband Joseph. She will teach grades K-4 starting in the 2026-27 school year. Rachel shared with us a little bit about herself and Joseph so we can get to know them better.
Rachel grew up in Angwin, California, where Pacific Union College (PUC) is. She attended PUC Elementary, PUC Preparatory School (their academy, affectionately called PREP), and graduated from PUC. God planted in her heart during 3rd grade the desire to be a teacher. Her mom was her 3rd grade teacher, and Rachel wanted to be just like her. She said her mom is “a great role model!” Her mother taught at PUC Elementary her entire career and retired a few years ago. Rachel’s family still lives in Angwin, and although it will be hard to leave, she sees teaching as a ministry for Jesus and will go where He needs her. They are looking forward to their new home in Kentucky.
Rachel has been teaching the lower grades class the last five years at a two-teacher school. She also taught in Michigan, including Ruth Murdock Elementary, and a year in Taiwan. She studied Spanish in Spain some years ago and can teach basic beginner Spanish in the lower grades. Rachel is looking forward to coming to LAA and the neat opportunities for field trips in and around Lexington as there is so much history here.
Rachel and Joseph met at Pacific Union College, remained friends for many years and then reconnected on Facebook. He worked as a chef at Andrews University while she was a teacher in Michigan. They just celebrated their 11th year of marriage! If Joseph looks familiar to you, it may be because he has visited the Lexington Church when he was stationed here recently. He works for FEMA and also has a degree in Spanish from Andrews University. Rachel and Joseph really enjoy history, and have found the historic sites, forts, and culture of Kentucky to be enjoyable. They’ve had the opportunity to hike around Red River Gorge. They have two cute French bulldogs, as you can see in the photo below - Buster and Zoey.
Rachel is a vocalist and plays ukelele. She leads song service regularly at her church and occasionally sings special music. She really likes to sew and has recently gotten into quilting. Rachel and Joseph are both very crafty with multiple hobbies. Rachel enjoys music, baking, exploring, gardening, and chickens.
We are looking forward to the Shoemate’s coming to Lexington and all that Rachel will bring to LAA. Welcome, Rachel and Joseph!

Pastor Little and Mrs. Ito took students from LAA to ICC Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, and Friday morning for Outdoor School. Along with about 120 other 5th and 6th graders, our students had classes about shelter building, water purification, edible plants, fire building, animal intelligence, and first aid, and got to use the zip line and go canoeing! At each worship, there were skits and talks about Elijah. Our students made friends with teammates and cabin mates from other conference schools. It was a great experience, and God blessed us!

When it's a warm day in January....

This is so true! We do our part at school, and can see the difference in students who do and don't have screens outside of school. Statistics in the United States concerning families who read together or play together or even eat dinner together at a table are so sad. Parents: it will be well worth the sacrifice to make a difference for your kids!