Alegbra.

I took Algebra twice and I still have a hard time spelling it. I always switch around the "g" and the "e." The first time I took it was in Ft. Leavenworth, KS with Mrs. Berlin. I did not like that class at all. I sat in class for 45 minutes each day right before lunch and had the most difficult time understanding the way she taught math. Then I would go home and spend at least an hour each night with my dad teaching me, there were many nights that were a struggle; however, those struggles gave me a solid foundation in math and I am thankful for that. I ended up with a B in that class, so I had to retake it in 9th grade when we moved to FL; my teacher was Mr. Hall and that class was really easy--because my dad had provided me with a solid foundation. 

My dad made me show ALL my work, even if I know 2 +2 = 4, I HAD to show it...which was at times frustrating, but really reinforces what you have learned and shows you where you have made your mistakes. Sitting in Mr. Lawrence's 8th grade Algebra class yesterday afternoon made me think about all these things dealing with math-particularly Algebra. It is vital to have a solid foundation in this subject, because all other math is built upon it. I saw a teacher who loves his students yesterday; who makes his students figure out where they made their mistake; who encourages; who is extremely knowledgeable; and who is great at explaining in a very patient manner. 

Mr. Lawrence is a beautiful example of what it means to be doing what God has called you to do. He spent 19 years banking and decided that he really wanted to teach math at Mustard Seed. He loves his job and it is obvious; but what he loves more than his "job" (teaching math) is his students.