He Passed!

Well, the fateful moment has come and gone and I am beyond pleased to announce that this afternoon Tim passed his Ph.D. qualifying exams!!!!!! In case you're just joining us, this is Attempt #2 on some very rigorous written and oral exams, successful passing of which determines one's eligibility to receive departmental funding -- i.e. either pass or pay your tuition and living expenses completely out of pocket -- also known as, quit the program and look for a job. :-( After the huge disappointment of last January, it makes it that much sweeter to have him breeze through the oral today (in fact, he had done so well on the written part that they didn't ask him any questions when he showed up for his "grilling"!). If nothing else, the letdown of the first round makes the success all the more poignant this time. Now here goes two more years!
We're so thankful to the Lord for sustaining us and answering the prayers of all the family and friends who petitioned on our behalf for extra grace for a difficult crossing.