Big Changes for Nick

After a mere 8 months since first dislocating his shoulder, Nick did it again in mid-August. We're still waiting to see if surgery will be required, but as the doctor says, it will depend on how it heals. The injury put a crimp in his plans, however, as he had been accepted for an internship with a year-round youth camp in Ontario starting the beginning of Sept. Due to the physicality of the work involved, he had to withdraw his application.

Without a drivers license, and with his injury hampering his ability to find a job, he was at loose ends until he decided to go back to school. Then came a hectic week of applyig and being accepted at a Bible College and finding quarters when the school year had already started. But when God has a plan, He makes a way.

On Sept 10, Nick and I headed up to formally apply at Horizon College and Seminary in Saskatoon, SK. Nick had already done the groundwork via the internet and emailed his Montmartre High School and Eston College transcripts to Horizon. But as the dorm was full, we needed to find him accomodation.

A visit to the college for the necessary paperwork proved Nick to be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major in Youth Ministries.

Next, we checked out a condo owned by the family of a UofS student who was looking for a roommate. Nick liked it, the rent was great, and his new roomie looked easy to get along with. They shook hands, and that was that. And then we headed back home where Nick used his time to check in with his doctor and see about having his driver's license re-instated which he'd lost after his Dec 2013 seizure - the one where he fractured his arm on Christmas Eve.

Three days later on Sat, Sep 13, we loaded up the van with Nick's bed and stuff and JJ and I drove Nick up to Saskatoon.

Nick taking photo of his bed and stuff before heading to Saskatoon, Sep 2014

When we got to Nick's new place, JJ helped him set up his bed which happens to be the bottom bunk of a set they've shared since 1999 when we moved here to Draper's Acres.

Nick and JJ setting up Nick's bed in Saskatoon, Sep 2014

Nick's bed in Saskatoon with the quilt across the foot that was given to him as
his 2012 graduation gift from Church on the Hill in Glenavon, SK.

After a quick trip downtown to get him a student bus pass and groceries, JJ and I left Nick at his new home which was across Circle Drive from the University and College. Without a vehicle or bike, he'd be going to college via public transportation, which was fine by him.

Nick Draper, Saskatoon, SK, Sep 13, 2014

After a week of riding the buses, I received this text from Nick: Buses in Saskatoon shut down, I'll be walking or long-boarding to school pray for the buses to start again

So much for depending on public transportation. Nick and I had talked of getting him a bike, but as he wasn't used to riding one, never mind in the city, and it would be frosty streets soon, we had decided against it. Now I wished I had.

Later that day after a 2 hr walk/long-boaring trek to school where he walked in late, he texted, I think I'm going to go purchase a bike

So, he bought a bike with saddle bags, reflectors, a light, etc and started the hour long daily ride to college. He said he liked it in Sept, but by the time cold October rolled around and Saskatoon Transit still wasn't back on the road, Nick was starting to worry. One painful spill landing on his 'bad' shoulder didn't help.

On Oct 9th, Nick took a bus operated by the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) to Regina for the Thanksgiving weekend. It was such a blessing to have him home.

Nick catching sight of JJ at the STC terminal, Regina, SK,
 Oct 9th, 2014

We gave him his driver's license which had come in the mail and asked if he wanted to take our Uplander back with him since the bus strike was still on. On Thanksgiving Monday, Nick headed back to Saskatoon with his new wheels...

Brothers, JJ (foreground) and Nick, good-bye hug, Oct 14, 2014

Nick heading back to Horizon College, Oct 14, 2014

Thank you to those remembering Nick in prayer as he handles these big life changes.