If your goal has a Ph.D. in view, probably where you get your masters
less of an issue.  I would think that where you achieve your Ph.D.
would be the coup de grace.  As I believe I've mentioned, I had a
friend get his Ph.D. from Trinity, Cambridge, England.  For its unique
nature, it seemed to place him in higher regards even than if he had
earnt it from DTS.  Neither is easily achieved.  The major point is to
what degree of appreciation your PhD counselor is held within the
theological community.

As for money, well there is where the will of God is the determining
factor.  If it is His will, then money is not an issue, is it?  As for
scholarships, well you have to contact the various schools as they are
very fluid in nature.  But most of  my friends, like myself, recognized
that there would have to be some financial assistance.  When I didn't
go any further, I began aided my friends.  Sometimes I feel as if I was
left with the short end of the stick, but then we must revisit the plan
of God.  I don't feel I was ever outside of the will of God for
sacrificing that dream for returning to the work force, raising a
family and supporting all the people we do.  I also have to think
whether or not to have pursued such a course was just some
hallucination of grandeur to begin with.  My counselors in school
always commented that I was a C student getting A's.  But at what a
cost as it consumed me.  To have continued with a family I think
looking back on it might well have killed the marriage.  The means is
never justified by the ends before God's tribunal.

I think you pretty much know your options.  I also think you are aware
of peripheral issues involved.  Perhaps you are seeking to find
justification for what you have already predetermined.  Perhaps.  You
must be the judge of that.  Whatever, the answer will only be found on
your knees. Either way, knowing His will for your life will reap a
peace which is never won any other way.

Yours is a most worthy goal.  It was my own.  Even now, to teach is the
greatest joy I experience in life.  I do hope you already are part of a
mentor program.  If not, you need to seriously consider it as it should
aid you on whether or not teaching is really your calling and gift.
Enjoy your Christmas,
-Loren
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