We’re back! We have been in Benque now for 112 hours but it feels like we never left.   Coming back was just like coming home, not to sound cliché or anything, but it’s the truth.  There are many things that are just the same and many things that are new.  For example, new volunteers! Katie and I are two of the four returning volunteers who will be working at the High School and there are five new volunteers working with us this year.  Another new thing is that Katie and I will be teaching different subjects this year.  We have both been moved to the religion department and are currently going through all the new curriculums and lesson plans. 

For me, the greatest thing about coming back is seeing all my students and fellow staff members that I missed very dearly.  Within the first couple hours of being home we had seen about 8 students and each time I felt a part of my heart come alive again.  I didn’t realize how dearly I loved these kids, but boy I was ecstatic to see them again. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and I wouldn’t trade the time I spent with them this summer for anything, but it just made me realize that it’s not the place, but the people.

Picture above is last year's volunteers; we miss you all tons!