Although being a volunteer teacher was one of the best experiences of my life, it was also one of the loneliest years. My time in Wisconsin was filled with prayer, contemplation, and a soulful journey of self-examination. My only friends were a Christian brother and Ryan, who was in Montana. Other than that it was me, a class of 6th graders, and my pal Jesus!

I longed for 70 degree sunshine, coffeetopia, salt water waves, warm breezes, and fresh strawberries. But the longing is what made me appreciate the little gifts of each day all the more... fresh air, a crisp morning after a long night of snowfall. I learned to give thanks for the comfort of a scarf on a chilly fall evening and the beauty of the great lakes rolling waves, even the yummy taste of a grilled cheese sandwich. I pined for home, but I could appreciate the underappreciated gifts that I took for granted and that has made me a better person, one who can really find good in anything... even Wisconsin in the dead of winter, friendless, lonely, and weary from the intense responsibility of teaching impoverished youth.