Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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Mary G
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 7:39am | IP Logged Quote Mary G

Greetings folks!

Well, it seems God has slammed the door on our going to Austria. DH can come, but because the school is not an official Austrian University (it's a pontifical institute), the Austrians WON'T grant the kids and me a visa -- so we could go, but we'd have to come back in three months. Not what we would like to do!

So, since everything was already packed up and house was sold, Moby (our van) was sold, etc., we have decided to go to plan B -- we're relocating to the Denver area to be near my brother/sil and my mother (who just moved here in May).

We're pretty excited -- we've been wanting to move here for a while. HOWEVER, we don't yet have a job, a place to live (we're staying with brother till we find something) but I'm west of the Mississippi again and I'm loving it!

Please keep us in your prayers as we head into this latest adventure.

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JennGM
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 7:44am | IP Logged Quote JennGM

Oh, Mary! I'll be praying for you! The Denver group will be blessed to have you there...but I'm slighly disappointed that you'll be leaving the east coast! In reading your post the song in my head: "All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...."

And another saying: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window." You seem upbeat in your message. I will pray the peace will continue.

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guitarnan
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 7:49am | IP Logged Quote guitarnan

Mary,

I can empathize...of course in our case it's the Navy telling us what we can and can't do, not another country! I know the last few weeks have been trying for you and your family. I'm glad Plan B is working out well.

You'll be in my prayers as you head west!


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Cay Gibson
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 7:50am | IP Logged Quote Cay Gibson

Praying for your intentions, Mary.
I know God will place you where He wants you...and you'll do *good* work there.   


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Mary G
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 7:52am | IP Logged Quote Mary G

Jenn, Nancy and Cay -- thanks for the good wishes. I guess it's a case of Austria's loss is America's gain.

The one thing that helps with all this is that it's not that the program didn't want us -- they're more upset than we are. That's why we firmly believe it is God's will for Rick to stop learning and start teaching about bioethics, theology and other "good" stuff!

We'll keep you all posted.

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 9:56am | IP Logged Quote Christine

Mary,
You will be in my prayers. May God continue to guide your family.

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 10:07am | IP Logged Quote ladybugs

Mary!!!!

Wow!

I have to say I'm excited for you and this grand adventure....any chance you'll come out west to visit your family?

Can I tempt you with the thought?

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 10:10am | IP Logged Quote momwise

Mary G wrote:

So, since everything was already packed up and house was sold, Moby (our van) was sold, etc., we have decided to go to plan B -- we're relocating to the Denver area to be near my brother/sil and my mother (who just moved here in May)


Whaaaaaat??

I'm in shock. Oh it's a good shock

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 1:43pm | IP Logged Quote MaryM

Gwen just told me to check the thread. I am shocked and sad for your abrupt change of plans - I know how you were looking forward to this adventure. But am secretly happy 'cuz you'll be here . If there is anything we can do to help let us know.

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 2:44pm | IP Logged Quote Dawn

Oh Mary, what a turn of events!! Such mixed emotions I'm sure, but you sound like you have a wonderful attitude about it all. Peace and strength to you! We will keep your family in our prayers.

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 4:40pm | IP Logged Quote Rebecca

Mary, I am excited for you and your family's new adventure! I admire your resiliency!
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 7:49pm | IP Logged Quote stefoodie

Wow, Mary, that's a major change of plans, but you seem to be handling it really well!

We were in a similar situation last year when we thought we were going to live in Germany for a few months (though we didn't try to sell our house) and then moved to Ohio instead.... and it is the best move we've ever made!!! Now we are surrounded by wonderful Catholic friends (old ones) and our family is so much happier than they were.

Praying that new opportunities come your hubby's way, and for all of you.



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momwise
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Posted: June 03 2006 at 9:08pm | IP Logged Quote momwise

Oh gosh Mary--I hope it doesn't seem like I was laughing at your predicament! I was laughing about where you ended up . God's plans sure are different sometimes.

I was wondering if you know why Austria wouldn't grant the visas. Doesn't it seem unusual?

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Posted: June 03 2006 at 11:02pm | IP Logged Quote Sarah

WOW! Hope all goes well. . .we'll pray.

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Mary G
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Posted: June 04 2006 at 8:22am | IP Logged Quote Mary G

momwise wrote:
Oh gosh Mary--I hope it doesn't seem like I was laughing at your predicament! I was laughing about where you ended up . God's plans sure are different sometimes.

Gwen -- no offense taken. I had pm'ed both you and Mary to "soften the blow" when we found out last week, but I guess the pm's didn't go through....

momwise wrote:
I was wondering if you know why Austria wouldn't grant the visas. Doesn't it seem unusual?

It's all political, as far as I can tell. ITI is a Pontifical institute which means it can teach whatever it wants to in light of what its stated chrism is (ie, it has to follow the teachings of the Catholic church) but it doesn't have to answer to the Austrian govt. The Austrian government, although a "Catholic country", has its own universities that answer to the government. ITI has been trying to get "Austrian University" status as well as the pontifical distinction, but it's been a long, slow process. Similar to "getting your cake and eating it too".

I think after 9/11, many countries have tightened up on their visa and residency permits. We're not that upset; as I said, we had a fall back (do we have an emoticon for "doing the happy dance) plan and that's great.

Now, not to say we won't miss Austria -- but now I don't have to pick and choose which books to store, which to bring; I have access to an English-speaking library again; and I'm near my family. What more could you want?

But, do keep the prayers coming -- we could sure use them.



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Posted: June 04 2006 at 8:58am | IP Logged Quote Elizabeth

Mary G wrote:
- but now I don't have to pick and choose which books to store, which to bring; I have access to an English-speaking library again; and I'm near my family. What more could you want?

But, do keep the prayers coming -- we could sure use them.



Um, a job?

Seriously, Mary, I'm taking notes. I am completely amazed by your enthusiasm and cheerfulness in the wake of this complete upheaval. I'd be a total wreck. I'm sitting here in my same old house with nothing in boxes or the slightest bit disrupted and looking at employment insecurity and having to fight total panic. You are one cool cucumber and a great inspiration!

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Mary G
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Posted: June 04 2006 at 6:26pm | IP Logged Quote Mary G

Elizabeth wrote:
Mary G wrote:
- but now I don't have to pick and choose which books to store, which to bring; I have access to an English-speaking library again; and I'm near my family. What more could you want?

But, do keep the prayers coming -- we could sure use them.



Um, a job?

Seriously, Mary, I'm taking notes. I am completely amazed by your enthusiasm and cheerfulness in the wake of this complete upheaval. I'd be a total wreck. I'm sitting here in my same old house with nothing in boxes or the slightest bit disrupted and looking at employment insecurity and having to fight total panic. You are one cool cucumber and a great inspiration!


I agree -- a job would be nice, and I'm sure we'll find one sooner rather than later. DH is exceptional at what he does, we have contacts here, and there are many opportunities.

The other side of it is that I've seen God's hand so many times in my life -- when I thought a door was closed, something better (or some explanation) would occur that would show me God's hand.

Here's a good quote from Augustine's Confessions:
By her flood of tears what was she (St. Monica) begging of you....Yet in Your deep counsel, you heard the central point of her longing, though not granting her what she then asked.

Soemtimes it SEEMS as if the prayers aren't answered, but they are in God's time.

5 years after my first husband died, I was trying to figure out where I should go to "jump start" my life -- at the time I had an 8 and a 6 yo. I prayed and God sent me to Raleigh.... I bought a house in Durham but got a job at a parochial school in Raleigh (about 45 min away). I was praying that I would get a job and a house near each other. But God heard "the central point" of my longing and I ended up meeting and marrying Rick. God's hand at work.....

But, prayers would be most welcome that God's will be shown soon!



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Posted: June 04 2006 at 7:03pm | IP Logged Quote alicegunther

Oh, Mary, I am stunned to read this.

Praying for you--and wishing you were moving near me!

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Posted: June 04 2006 at 8:20pm | IP Logged Quote Leonie

Mary, I am stunned! I pray that all will go well - it sounds like a big adventure! And I know the move will go well, with God's blessing - we have been blessed by our many moves.

Let us know how things go. How are the dc with the changes?

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