My mom was a huge advocate of Christian Education. She took the phrase, "All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children." Isaiah 54:13 NASB literally. Her will was unwavering in her determination that her children would have a Christian Education. She made huge sacrifices to ensure her vision became a reality. If there' one thing she is instilled in her prodigy is the importance of a Christ-based Education.

As part of this vision, she was a significant driving force in the establishment of the Westchester SDA Elementary School. A Seventh-day Adventist Parochial School. There are fond and no so fond memories of early morning rising as we took numerous taxis, buses and trains to New Rochelle, NY because Mrs. Hendricks was determined her kids were going to get a Christian Education. God heard our prayers and eventually a bus was purchased. I won’t mention how there were five of us and one person would purchase hot chocolate and coffee rolls and make everyone else share, but seemed to always have enough money to purchase themselves their own cup of hot chocolate and coffee roll…….

One thing that I have not heard mentioned by my siblings is how mommy would go around the Tri-State area doing plays for the youth service (AY-Adventist Youth) held in most Adventist Churches on Sabbath Afternoon. I fondly remember a play we did in Connecticut. They were scary to do, but once it was underway you were too busy trying to remember your part then be scared.

Children and Education were my mother’s passion. She relentless in her desire to see as many children as possible in Christian Education. We knew before we went to high school what college we were going to.