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Delivering your child to an environment that integrates faith with learning means all the world to some families. For those of us trying to provide that, there are daily reminders to view our work as a highest calling ... none more poignant than the story I heard on Wednesday.

The current economy has been so hard on some of our families. Our student financial aid director was working with a couple who were finding it terribly difficult to pull together their family contribution in getting their child into college with us. But it clearly meant a great deal to them. They were pinning their hopes on us for a strong spiritual future for their child in addition to their successful academic and career future.

When these parents brought in their financial aid worksheet on Tuesday, a line item under the family contribution stated: "Blood Plasma, $3000."

That's right. Mom and Dad will be selling their own plasma weekly for the sake of their child's Christian university education.

When I heard that story, I sat in the meeting and cried. We have been gifted with a sacred trust.