This year a team of 15 people returned for a third time to the northwest town of Lom. This time the group, made up of American, British and Bulgarian volunteers, spent an entire week working with children at the orphanage there.

What a difference a year makes. It's incredible how these children change from year to year - and not just physically! We witnessed children who had become teenagers and teenagers who had become adults - all in just 12 months. What a terrific reunion it was, with everyone still able to remember jokes, games and even nicknames for one another from the year before.

Despite unexpected and unavoidable obstacles, everyone involved - both children and members of the team alike - enjoyed playing games, doing crafts, taking pictures, and, for the kids, sharing their many accomplishments with the team since last seeing them in the summer of 2007.

Speaking of changes from 07 to 08,our group was delighted that this year saw a drastic change in the involvement-level from the carers at the orphanage. It shouldn't be surprising; this being our third summer in Lom, many of the carers also remembered us. Knowing what we'd be doing during the week, many of them said they didn't want to miss out this year.

In addition to the many fun hours spent with the children, the team was also able to explore Bulgarian culture even further. Besides dining regularly on traditional foods, we explored the Bulgaria capital of Sofia prior to our departure for Lom.

As always with such trips, the time flew by far too quickly. There were tearful goodbyes, but also excitement, excitement for the next time when friends from so many different places get together for another memorable time in Bulgaria.

Read one team member's reflection about the trip