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"That's a fact," admitted Mr. Winkler, sipping his cranberry
juice. "Abby frequently has students coming in, specifically asking for her
as their instructor."
"As soon as I get settled in California," said Dennis, leaning back and
nodding to Abby, "I'm going to be giving you bigger responsibilities. That also
means a bigger salary, so I hope you'll keep that in mind when other publications
start knocking on your door."
"I'm not looking to jump ship," she assured him. "As long as we're
talking about the future," Abby smiled at her husband, "Jake is hoping
to attend the San Diego Christian Fine Arts College in California, next semester."
The announcement dumbfounded everyone in the room. Even Izumi, who had been following
the conversation from the master bedroom, wasn't sure if she had heard her daughter
correctly.
"Jake?" said John, in a shocked voice. "Go to college?"
"Why not?" asked Abby, a little perturbed at the grave reception that their
news was receiving. Dennis made big plans for the future and everyone applauded;
Jake did the same, and everyone hesitated-- everyone, that is, but Abby. "Look
at them, Jake," she laughed, "they're so proud of you, they're speechless!"
Abby's remark jolted her mother out of shock.
"Good for you, Jake!" Izumi called from down the hall.
"Thanks, Mom!" he shouted back with a large smile. Jake was pleased. Dennis
wasn't the only one who had big plans. It made Jake feel good, for he had something
to work toward... something that encouraged him to dream for the future... something,
called hope.
"Yes, congratulations," stammered John, slowly realizing that Abby's college
fund was making this dream possible. There was much to discuss, but that would wait
for another time. As John carved the Thanksgiving turkey, he quietly wondered how
this ex-convict whom he had predicted wouldn't last a month in Three Mile Bay, would
fare at a prestigious college. Only time would tell.
"Where there is no vision [hope], the people
perish."
~ Proverbs 29:18 ~
"It is good that a man [Jake] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation
of the LORD. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth."
~ Lamentations 3:26, 27 ~
"I [God] will remember My covenant with thee [Jake] in the days of thy youth,
and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant."
~ Ezekiel 16:60 ~
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