A Rock has Fallen from the Sky

Not literally. But, a most-likely life-altering event has taken place for Chris, Luke and me. (Settle in, now. Brenda, go make some chili popcorn. This might be a long one.)

You know that for over a year, we have been praying, pondering and planning on moving to Aberdeen, Scotland this coming fall so Chris can begin his PhD at the University of Aberdeen. There are several reasons why Chris wants to study in the UK, mainly the independent nature of their programs. You don't sit in several classes with several different professors in the UK system. You have one supervising professor, who you meet with each week and who supervises and guides you as you work on your thesis. When Chris and I went to Scotland last summer, we were able to meet with a professor there who agreed to supervise Chris. Things were moving along swimmingly. Chris applied in September, and the University said that we would hear regarding his acceptance in 6-8 weeks. Fast forward about 16 weeks, and we still had not heard from the University. We were a wee bit nervous, for we had put all of our eggs in one basket. Not a wise thing to do, we admitted. From what we knew, Aberdeen was not terribly difficult to get into. We thought Chris would be accepted with little problem. But, we knew we had better make some alternate plans, because we did not want to be left with no options but to wait another year to start school again. So, with barely a week to prepare, Chris started studying feverishly to take the GED - a standard, comprehensive test required to apply at most graduate schools in the U.S. He also scurried around, getting transcripts and references for his applications to the PhD programs at Wheaton, Trinity and Southern. On December 22, the night before we drove up to WI for Christmas vacation, he took the GED. It wasn't fun, but it was over with.

Over the holiday, we discussed what our options other than Aberdeen were. I admit that the prospect of staying in the States were appealing to me on many levels, and I got some hopes up that I wouldn't be facing culture shock come the fall. But, alas, when we returned home, Chris' acceptance letter to the University of Aberdeen was in the mailbox. Chris was elated and, once again, super excited to study at Aberdeen. My brain and emotions experienced a different phenomena, and for a few days, I admit that I wasn't happy. I didn't know what I felt. But I wasn't happy. However, God is so gracious and kind to me. I acutely felt a change occur in my heart - I once again felt incredible peace and even excitement about the prospect of living in Scotland for 2-3 years. I knew that God has great things for us!

Fast forward another 10 days to Friday the 12th. Chris woke up sick with a cold and called into work. I got up to find him some medicine. Chris checked his email. And the rock fell from the sky.

His supervising professor from Aberdeen has taken a position at Cambridge university. In all likelihood, the University of Aberdeen is out of the equation.

This is one of those times in our lives, Chris' life especially, where you know that God is sovereign, he is not surprised, and he still has great things for you. But, you are so disappointed. It's no one's fault - not even your own - but you're just sad, maybe a teensy bit angry. It would help if there were someone to be angry at.

There are a few things that are quite amazing to me about this situation. 1) Had we gotten our acceptance letter from Aberdeen on time, we would be in this situation without applications at other schools - this would be BAD. 2) Before we got accepted at Aberdeen, we still were unsure if it was God's will to go or not. There are many expenses involved. It would present many challenges to us as a family, and we were having a hard time knowing God's will in that area. Since I was the one with more hesitation, I felt convinced that I must go ahead and encourage Chris to go. God would provide for our needs. I didn't want to say no to that experience and wonder later in my life if we had made the right decision. Now that decision has been made for us. There will be no wondering. Chris was accepted. We said yes. But it seems now that God has firmly shut that door.

There are certainly other options for study in the UK. But, at this point, it seems too late. Chris hasn't established any contacts at other schools. He has applied to the University of Cambridge (I think), but if you know anything about Cambridge, you know that it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It's unlikely that he will get in.

Right now, we feel a bit anxious. But that certainly is for nothing, isn't it! We are trusting in God, though we will certainly feel better when we know that we have been accepted to at least one school here. Wheaton College and Graduate school is our dream - our long shot. They accept 6, count 'em, 6 doctoral students each year. They provide a full scholarship and a stipend. Trinity is probably our second choice; and Southern our third - though I would love to be near our friends and church there, I would love to be 5-6 hours away from ALL of our family.

And honestly, maybe study in the UK isn't out of the picture. Who knows? We certainly don't. If you do, let me in on it!



In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139: 16