Thursday, April 02, 2009

Ohhh Cannn-tada!

After a year and some months after completing his MATS, 4 PhD rejection letters and lots of wondering about what in the world we were going to do next, Erik has been accepted into a Master's program at St. Paul University . . . . . in Ottawa, Ontario . . . Canada.  Eh?

We are both actually very excited and hopeful about this new possibility although right now it feels quite daunting, moving a family of 5 to another country, not to mention financing the further education.  So we are eating this elephant one bite at a time beginning with financial aid and passport applications.  Let me tell you, it is no easy task getting a 22 month old child to pose properly for a passport photo.  And don't even ask how the 6 year old reacts every time  we so much as look to the north.  Thankfully, Quincy is fairly indifferent.  We are really working the whole "lots of snow to play in" angle without mentioning the actual temperatures or non existence of "snow days" for school.  

As for the grown ups, I am more than a little anxious about finding a brand spanking new job in a largely bilingual city.  Oh, and a place to live too.  Erik is hoping to take a quick trip up there next month to get a better feel for the school, the job and housing markets, and an overall take on the city and whether or not we can really make a go of it.  It is all just  a little overwhelming, but deep inside I am wired for adventure and surprises so it is quite exciting at the same time.

So there ya have the latest word on Young family news.  Hopefully, there will be further updates to come.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get aboot the rest of my day.  ; )

6 comments:

thelifeofbrynn said...

WOW! Congratulations!!! So, what will he be getting this masters in? Will that lead to a dr. or will he stop there? I'd love to know some more of the scoop! Thanks for sharing!! :) Miss you terribly!!!

Oh, and if you're still in Portland come the end of July, we will be in Seattle and Spokane for our b-annual trip- just in case you'd like to hook up again. :)

Gayla said...

wow! that is amazing!!! what an adventure... i think that is so exciting! who knows what all God has for you guys??? lots of maple syrup, to be sure! ;-) congrats!!!

Heather said...

Brynn, it is a Masters in Eastern Christian Studies and the plan is to complete it in a year and then go directly into the doctorate program in Eastern Christian Studies. The doctorate is what he applied for, but they felt like he just didn't have enough specialized course work which is why they offered the MA program.
If we go, it will be the first move we have made where we don't know a solitary soul. Our priest went to seminary with one of the faculty members, but I don't think that really counts. Anyway, we shall see what happens.
And yes, if we are still here when you guys do your NW trek we will definitely meet up with you! Miss you too!!

Unknown said...

Heather--it's so funny to think that when you make the move into my very own country, you'll be farther away from me than you are right now! Ottawa is actually my dad's hometown, and we still know a few people there. Let me know if you the phone # of a friendly helpful person there.

cori said...

Canada, eh? What an awesome opportunity! I'm so happy for you guys. I bet you'll have French Canadian down in no time!

The WatchCat said...

Congratulations! That's exciting. We'll hate to see you go, but we understand all too well how this stuff works.

You might grab Fr. Michael sometime and get some regional tips from him. I'm sure he'd be happy to help.