Last night, after traveling or waiting around to travel from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. I'm still in a semi-coma but wanted to share some exciting news that I haven't even had time to consider very deeply, so more will follow.
As you know, we are looking ahead, planning for Fran's next steps after graduation in June 2018. I met with several people in California and have received correspondence with suggestions and offers of help, all of which are exciting. I also have news about the length of my projected stay in here Oaxaca, which is now longer than expected. I thought I was going to qualify for housing in California in about 2 years, but was informed that it will now be between 3 and 4 years. I am 700th on the list!
That means I can be here to support Fran in various small ways a bit longer. In the following weeks, she and I will be looking at the possibilities and organizing priorities.
The basics:
Fran will study English for 1 solid year, possibly 18 months, in order to pass the TOEFL test at the level expected by colleges in the U.S. and abroad. That means weekly classes (at least) at Berlitz, and 3 times per week with me, plus an English-only environment here at the house.
Fran will then attend graduate school near Mexico City to get her Masters in Agronomy. That should take 2 years.
But other opportunities have been offered and are possible:
1. An offer to go to school and work in New England.
2. Possibly attending Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz for a year.
3. Possibly working on an organic/sustainable farm near Barcelona and studying there, possibly a doctorate.
For now:
One step at a time. Investigating the details. Applying for a passport and visas, etc. It's a little overwhelming, but we have time to do it all at a measured pace. Thank you so much to you all, and especially those who are now becoming involved in helping with the next stages.
Our goals:
That Fran receive a deeper and broader education than that available to her here in Mexico. That at the end of the process she will be able to support herself and love what she is doing, including contributing positively to her community and beyond. We are determined that she at least receive her Master's degree, become fluent and qualified in English, and have the benefit of at least one year abroad in Canada, the U.S., or Europe.
Onward!
