MAT @ GFU?!?!

A long time ago, Marcel and I decided we were being called to Idaho because I was going to go to nursing school and he'd be getting his MAT. Then I realized I was far from ready for more schooling and just a few months later Marcel decided he wouldn't be able to start in January as originally planned because of some confusion from the Admission's Office, but after a lot of prayer we realized it was still the right thing for us to go to Idaho.

Fast forward to last week and things are changing: Marcel received a letter from George Fox University's Boise campus informing him that he still had time to apply for their program to start January 7th. It seemed impossible because before school can start he has to: apply to school, write an admissions essay, get 3 letters of recommendation, create a teaching experience resume, update his FAFSA, take the PRAXIS test, participate in a group assessment/interview, and attend the mandatory orientation session on December 21st, just 2 days after we're leaving Oregon! But with help with the wonderful people in the Career Center, a final schedule to die for and a wonderful wife, he has been able to get everything done! Plus, by using the Career Center he is eligible for their Grad School Application Fund--each student who uses them can receive $150 in funds for the application and testing fees. It has left us with just $20 to cover out-of-pocket. What a blessing!

The admissions counselor @ GFU told him there is still plenty of financial aid available and it is still the FAFSA using 2008 tax information, so we should be getting plenty of aid. And she also told him that pending no red flags being seen during the interview and the letters of recommendation he'd be an admitted student as of Monday, just in time for the orientation and he'll be on his way to getting his Master's of Arts in Teaching!

The program is part-time for the first 2 semesters, January through September, with class just Thursday nights and a class or 2 online, so he'll still be able to work nearly full-time! That's the reason he first thought this program was where he needed to be. So if he makes it through the rest of the process without any red flags, he'll be a licensed teacher in May 2011 and we'll be preparing for another big move to wherever he can find a job teaching music!

It feels good to be rewarded for our faithfulness and continually trusting in His plan, instead of following the path we set out for ourselves. It may be very uncomfortable at times, but it is ALWAYS turns out best when we allow Him to lead our lives!