There are people that walk into our lives and God instantly gives us a connection and love towards them. In 2006, I was hired for my first teaching job as a kindergarten teacher. I scrambled to prepare everything for open house day when I would finally meet my first class. The day arrived and the first student to walk through my door was Daniel.
That year I learned that I loved teaching kindergarten and loved each one of my 24 unique students. Half way through the school year Daniel told his parents he wanted to visit me at my home. We explained my 45 minute commute and the logistics so he settled on a Burger King dinner date. 
In May, when his family announced they were moving, I was devastated. I'd come to have a special bond and love with each of these five people. They had come to America so that Daniel's father could attend seminary at Liberty University. That spring, he completed his classes and received a position as pastor in California. That seemed so far away to me! Daniel's last day was field day. Our class wished him well with hot Cheetos, his favorite snack, and a shirt we had all signed.
Little did I know, God planned for this family to stay in my life well beyond that year. On several of my visits to see Paul, I was able to spend a night with them. We scattered a few emails throughout the past 3 years, but no visits had taken place. Last month Daniel emailed me from his newly established email account. We set up today for a reunion. We split our 3 hour drive and meet in the middle for lunch. I can't explain the joy in seeing him and his mother again. They are a true picture of God's encouragement, love, and graciousness. Only as we talked did he humbly reveal that he recently skipped a grade to be in 7th (still making straight A's). He's read through the entire Bible 5 times! Isn't God amazing? He has specific purposes for Daniel, yet Daniel doesn't seem to realize what a gift of learning he has. I'm so thankful to be a part of watching these plans unfold over the years!
