For the past four years, our trips to El Salvador have never ceased to amaze me. Every year, I tell myself it will be my last, but year after year I return, and I am confident my experience with El Salvador and Habitat for Humanity will not end here. El Salvador is a memory I will always cherish, and there is something about the trip that keeps pulling me in.

Building a home is no easy task but being a little part of a big responsibility is exceptionally fulfilling. It is essential to realize that one may come to El Salvador to give, but he or she will go home having received more. I return to El Salvador for a combination of reasons, but I believe the most significant reason is witnessing my growth over the years. It is incredible being able to see how as I turn a year older, so does the student we taught, and so does the home we built the year before.

Having been to El Salvador for four years now, the growth is even more comparable, and I find it even more so beautiful. The relationships one builds with students, locals, and teammates only grow stronger, and with a stronger bond, the more love there is for one another. Without a doubt, I would not be able to go back to El Salvador without such a loving community and my teammates. I am thankful for the lessons learned and for the friendships that will continue for years to come with John, Paul, Karahm, Edison, Albert, Joel, Chris, Rose, Chloe, Melissa, Sharon, and Dr. Lee.

<Helena Cho George Mason University(2nd year college st>