November 4

Abby came home from student teaching today bearing a small collection of birthday cards and gifts from her second graders.

As she shared them with me --the bunny pouch, the Christmas pajamas, the sweet note from one child who thanked her for helping him to "feel calm"-- I could see the emotion in her eyes. She's really come to love these kids over the past few months, and it meant a great deal to her to know that they appreciate her, too.

She's going to make a difference as a teacher. I know it. And I'm grateful that God has blessed her with a compassionate, caring heart that will compel her to work hard to help the young people who are entrusted to her care.