Meet Jillian Sigler, Ignite Christian Academy's March student of the month. Jillian is an 8th grader from Southeast Texas who currently lives with her family in South Sudan where her parents serve as missionaries.
The Journey to South Sudan
In June of last year, my family and I moved to Kapoeta, South Sudan to minister to an unreached tribe called the Toposa. The Toposa are a group of 750,000 people, and only about two percent are Christians. I love experiencing a new culture, and have enjoyed being involved in such a diverse way of life.
Out here, there aren't too many clubs or places to go. The closest grocery store is a three hour flight away, so every few months we have to fly to Nairobi, Kenya to restock on groceries and meat. However, I love to read and write in my free time. I also enjoy going to the nearby villages to hang out with the kids.
My Ignite Christian Academy Experience
I first became aware of ICA when my mom was looking at homeschool options since we were moving to South Sudan. My favorite parts of distance learning are being able to work at my own pace and not having outside distractions.
Honestly, I was so surprised and amazed at how involved the teachers are with us. I love to check my email and see my History, Bible, or any other teacher message me just to say that they are thinking about me. My favorite subject is Language Arts because I really love to read and write.
Family Time
I have an older sister, Grace, who is 16 and attends boarding school in Kenya. I also have a little brother named Gannon who is seven. He also studies at ICA and uses the LIFEPAC curriculum. My siblings and I don't get to spend a lot of time together since my sister is at school a lot, but we always like to just hang out and laugh when we are together.
Dream Job
I don't really know what the future holds for me, but I would love to be some kind of evangelist when I'm older. My dream is to become a pediatrician in a third world country, because I love being around and helping kids who are underprivileged.
I am so proud of being able to say that I, a girl from Southeast Texas, have lived in a foreign country and of all of the things I have gotten to experience. My advice for other students is never say never. I know that a lot of people say that, but I never in a million years thought I would be living in Africa, and look where I am.