Decision 2010

Trying to make a decision about whether to stay in Mwanza for year 2 has been difficult.

We did a lot of praying, and asked for lots of prayer.

We spent hours discussing options with good friends and family.

We listed pros and cons on scraps of paper, drew diagrams and timelines with colored pens and made pretend “final” decisions to see how we felt about them.

And of course we talked, and we talked, for what felt like forever.

Throw into the mix that very fun vacation we had, and by the turn of the new year, we were in such a bewildered state, we wondered if we’d ever settle on a plan that we and our families could live with. 

All in all, it was an important process which forced us to ask a lot of important questions.

How much can we put up with, and how much can we really live without?

How much are we willing to sacrifice for our spouse?

How do you make any sacrifice without letting resentment creep in?

How do you know when you’re just chickening out of a tough but character-building, faith deepening, experience and how do you know when it’s just time to admit “We did what we could do,” and call it a day?

We really appreciate the time and input of the dear people who listened well, posed thoughtful questions about our marriage, careers and calling, and simply affirmed that life and work in small-town Africa is hard.  Just having that affirmed can do wonders. 

There was no quick or easy way to make this decision, in fact, the equally difficult process of working out of the details continues. But once again, we thank God and all those involved for walking with us through this time.