As we approached the end of 2016, we patiently waited for insight into our next assignment. Our work visa was set to expire on March 1st. One of two things would need to happen at the start of 2017. Either we would apply for an extension to our visa in order to stay in the country or we would be reassigned to another job and a move would happen. While I enjoyed my time in Canada very much, I did not anticipate staying for longer than our original three-year visa. Just before the Christmas holidays, the company made a request that we extend our visa, and suddenly I was faced with the possibility of continuing in Canada for another significant amount of time. I was a little disappointed. I had thought that we would be heading back down south. But, I was thankful for the positive aspects. We had a fantastic group of friends in Canada and Brenna enjoyed her time at Sarnia Christian School.
Just after the first of the year, we began working on the paperwork for our visa extension. I settled into the mindset that we were here for another long haul and then something unexpected happened. In early February we found out that Jacob was being transferred to Houston.
The move plan was uncertain. Jacob's effective date was April 1st, which complicated a school move. Most schools in Houston finished in late May, so it didn't seem reasonable to transfer to a new school for only 6 weeks. But our school in Canada continued until the very end of June, which we couldn't wait around that long for. Jacob's schedule also complicated things, as we weren't able to get away for a housing hunting trip until the end of March. Mom and Dad came up and kept Brenna while Jacob and I flew to Houston for a quick house hunting trip. After a few days and some hard decisions we ended up buying a house that wasn't finished and wouldn't be complete until August. That really threw a wrench into our plans.
