Lonesome volunteers are paid in hope and faith.

Dictionary.com defines "lonely" as a feeling of being: "affected with, characterized by, or causing a depressing feeling of being alone; lonesome." That pretty much sums up the last few days.

To someone on the outside it may at first seem ironic that being surrounded by dozens of students a teacher would feel this way, but my time so far in David, Kentucky has been one marked with lingering feelings of disconnection with the outside. The world outside of the mountains and valleys I have come to call my home. Besides the fact that, to reach civilization, it requires a 20-30 minute drive to "civilization" consisting of a small cluster of franchise restaurants and bulk retailers such as Walmart and Save A Lot, compared to the mainstreet independent coffee shops, bakeries, and bookstores that those such as myself are accustomed to congregate in. Yes, there is Internet at the school and cable at the volunteer house, but that form of communication and entertainment is far from what I'm used to. Although I've only been in Appalachia for about 1 1/2 weeks now, I haven't seen many folks in my age bracket, let alone those that share my eclectic interests... yet. I'm assuming those in the know choose colleges outside of this area or spend much of their time working, perhaps in the dozens of coal mines surrounding David. Who knows.

On a lighter note, today marks my third full day of teaching. Teacher. It still feels weird using that title. Although the last few days have been some of the most difficult days of my life for several reasons, I have received supportive comments from my fellow teachers and just getting through each day's six classes feels like summiting a new mountain. Incredibly exhausting, yet leaving me with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Perhaps more then ever in my life I feel I have the potential to make a real difference in the lives and futures of others. Yes, I know that is the idealist in me coming out, but it is what is getting me through each day.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. It makes it worth writing. :) Thank you all for your support and prayers! Love to share more with you now, but alas, three folders of assignments to grade and no one else to do it! I'm off!

God Bless you!!!