It was a warm, sunny August day when a car entered the driveway of my home on a northern Wisconsin dairy farm. When the distinguished gentleman stepped out of his vehicle, we wondered, What kind of official visitor is this?

We discovered he was Ed Gammon, principal of Wisconsin Academy. Ed then described his mission, one that was to significantly impact my future.

The part of the visit I recall most was his desire for me to enroll as a freshman that very fall at Wisconsin Academy. It was already mid-August, and registration was just a few days away. I can remember my parents' dilemma—wanting the best for me, yet there was limited funds available.

Ed promised he would provide me with sufficient student labor hours to credit my monthly statement, leaving a balance my parents could afford. The amount was finally prayerfully agreed upon, and God's plan for my future started to take shape.

Days later my belongings were loaded into the farm pick-up, and my parents and I drove 200 miles to Wisconsin Academy. The principal kept his promise and arranged for a janitorial work assignment, and later a position in the business office. My God-blessed academy journey was on course.

The Lord placed in my path committed Christian staff members whose influence helped mold my character and growth in the Lord. This only cemented my childhood desire to be a teacher someday.

Marion Noerrlinger Newhart, class of '55, taught business education at three Adventist academies. Adapted from h3 (head, heart and hands), stories about lives touched through Wisconsin Academy christian education.