Shane Niyonzima [Photo by Beth Wallace]
She had to work very hard in health care to support herself and her two children in a new country. We lived with my aunt and my cousin, a combined family of five.
In addition to growing up speaking French in one of North America’s most cosmopolitan cities, I have been fortunate to travel and explore other beautiful places as well. I have relatives in Switzerland and have been there several times. I have also made long trips back to Rwanda to spend time with family and become acquainted with my heritage.
Now as a 16-year-old, I find myself in my third year at Great Lakes Adventist Academy in Cedar Lake, Michigan. It’s not a place I ever imagined I would call my home away from home. But here I am, thanks to the encouragement of family members who heard good reports about GLAA from friends. My mother and I were told that I would get a good education at GLAA, that I would be well-prepared for university when I graduated, and that the school would help me to grow in my Christian faith. The reports have all been proven true. Classes are going well, and I was baptized here during my freshman year.
At GLAA I’m not the only one who is far from home. I’ve met students here from Cambodia and Morocco. We all struggle with homesickness at times, but I have learned that keeping busy and involved helps. When homesickness does break through, however, I have learned to take it to God. The chapter “Gethsemane” in Desire of Ages is very instructive and inspirational to me. It talks about how Christ suffered, feeling separated from his Heavenly Parent, yet was ultimately victorious. Christ persevered and was finally reunited with God and the angels. Christ endured and made it possible for me to one day join Him in my heavenly home. Until then, He gives me strength to meet whatever challenges come my way here.
At GLAA, I have made Christ-centered friends. I am free to discuss my faith. If I have questions, I am surrounded by Christian faculty and staff who share Bible-based advice. Activities such as choir, Bible Camp, and Weeks of Prayer help me to grow in my faith. One friend in particular, Naomi Uwineza, a 2025 graduate, helped me in so many ways. I miss her, but I still carry her advice and insights with me. Vice-Principal Matt Hill continues to be a source of strength and encouragement. Whenever he sees me, he always asks how I am doing. I appreciate how he takes the time to listen.
I believe God led my Rwandan mother and her young family to Montreal and then led me to GLAA. He has shown me that He works in people’s lives in so many different ways. He has shown me the importance of a positive attitude and of striving to do my best with His help. As I look forward to university, I am considering several options. I like working with children. A future in child psychology or pediatric dentistry appeals to me. I also enjoy animals and so am considering veterinary medicine as well. Whatever I choose, I know God will lead me in paths of service as I remember the words of Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (NIV).
Shane Niyonzima as told to Beverly Matiko
