A letter to my students two years later..

I can’t believe it has been two years since 32 of you wiggled your way into my heart. Two years since we struggled to get along, struggled to get to know each other. It has been two years since I learned what it is like to not take yourself seriously and just have fun.

I am so proud of all of you and I can’t believe how fast you are growing up. You have all doubled in size and shot up almost as tall and big as your personalities. You have more life than any group of kids I have ever met. Your love for each other and the place you live amazes me. You help each other grow and push each other to be better and I admire you for that. Sure you have some hiccups along the way but who doesn’t?

I think about you all often and the time we spend together. I think about all the things you taught me and I wonder if I taught you half as much.

I hope you are continuing to love and respect each other and that you continue to hold Jesus close and remember how much He loves you. Remember when things get hard Jesus is always there waiting to help you.

I hope you remember that you can be anything you want to and you are only as small as your dreams. You can do anything no matter how small you are. I hope you continue to make the world a better place. You are the future of your island and the future of the world. I am privileged to have been able to know you, even if only for a short time.

As you enter middle school, I am praying you navigate the beginning of your teenage years with grace. You are turning into little adults and I am so proud of you. I hope you continue to explore and find adventure in the things around you.

I can’t wait to see where you end up and where God leads you in your life. I know you are going to go on to do great things! Remember that I love you and I will always keep you in my prayers. Keep in touch and hopefully I will be able to visit soon!