Welcome back!

It is so great to be back with students and teachers. The plans and changes that have been developed over the last several months are now being put into action. We are doing what we love to do!

The other day, I went to Costco for the first time, by myself. Now that doesn't seem like a big deal, but I'm used to following someone else who knows their way around. I zig-zagged around, went down the same few aisles several times thinking I was entering an aisle I hadn't been down yet. I knew, in time, I'd get everything I came for, but at the moment, I was frustrated. I know, if I return to Costco a few more times, I'll get the hang of it and won't be frustrated. I have HOPE in that. 

This new school year is kind of like my trip to Costco. Really with anything that is out of the ordinary, like my trip to Costco, we tend to zig-zag and wander, looking hard for normalcy and routine.

Obviously, life presents change and with coronavirus, there's been a lot of hard change. But I have HOPE. I know that once some of the unknowns and new routines develop, things will become normal. In fact, I have hope things will become really awesome, and life will move forward in a positive way. Yes, I have HOPE in this.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that three things remain: faith, hope, and love. He says love is the greatest, and yet he doesn't leave out faith and HOPE. So, while we continue to navigate uncharted waters, and find our way through life, have hope in our Savior and God who is by our side with whatever it is we are going through.

I'm so grateful to see you and be back with your kids again. God bless, and have a great week!

—John Barkel