Adventure awaits

It's a funny feeling you get when you realize that the time you have with friends and family is suddenly deminishing. What once was way off in the distance and unknown is now drawing near and seemingly heart beats away. You ponder what things do you want to do before you go? Which people do you spend more time with? What items do you take with you to prepare you for a year long journey and at the same time remind you of home. All the while throughout these thoughts a battle of anxiety and excitement rages within, yerning to travel and be adventureous and also clinging to what you know and cherish. How fortuitous would it be if we could peak our heads into the future a bit and see which choices we'd rather prefer. Nevertheless, there are lessons to be learned at every bend and oh the lessons I've learned and have yet to be taught.

I had only been with this class for about a week, but they weren't shy in showing their true school spirit!

Weary, of course! Aching back, sweat on the brow, the smell of freshly cut grass, every muscle in my body lingering and waiting for one thing, the swing of the bat and the dash to defend. Tonight marked yet another catch that happened all so quickly. A ball was hit over the left-center fielder, I was playing right-center, once the ball was hit I sprinted back as fast as I could until I was just a little bit past the left center fielder. The left center fielder lunged up for the ball but was short and in a split second by muscle memory I leaped into the air fully extended stretching out my arm as far as I could reach and magically the ball landed in my glove as I came plummiting back down to earth onto the warning track. The fall hurt, but the catch was so worth it. I love playing softball especially when I get to make a diving catch. It's such a rush sprinting as fast as you possible can while the ball rapidly depletes in velocity and then all at once you dive, the ball drops and everyone goes wild, gotta love the game.

So today I finally made the decision to teach in South Korea official. For the past few weeks I was tore on whether to go or stay at WVCS. I absolutely love the school and the purpose I have as a teacher not just teach history, but history on the foundation of God, made my life feel as if it had more meaning. There were a couple of apathatic students, that's common, but for the most part they were the best students I had ever worked with. It was hard at times to remain professional when so many of them felt like dear friends. I'm so nervous about this upcoming adventure I can only imagine what awaits me in the next chapter of my life. However, I should make it clear that my time at WVCS has not concluded. If the Lord allows it I hope to possible return if not as a teacher than a guest speaker for chapel, whatever it be a part of me will forever cling to the precious and fond memories I had at WVCS.

Mr. Saturday Night, Huh, well, tonight my best friend is accompanied by family, and my other friends have wives. So frankly, this is turning out to be popcorn and a late moving night. Only problem is out of popcorn and the late movie isn't so late and is rather boring. If only I was 75 then I'd have a really good excuse to go to bed at 9 on a Saturday night. Whatever, I'll toast a glass tonight in hopes of a brighter Saturday night the following week.

It was the best of times, it was the... best of times. Had a great semester teaching at Willamette Valley Christian I hope to stay in contact with the alumni and those to graduate. It was the first place I taught at where I felt purpose in my life as a teacher. It's amazing how being able to talk and discuss God and his word makes life worth living.

Greetings Everyone

Welcome to the newest blog of Jeffrey Benson