to stay or not to stay.....

I feel like my life is like a box of chocolates at times. Never gonna know what you gonna get.... For this week the new "chocolate flavor" is whether or not to stay or go to Egypt for the full semester next year. Jen, you might have some good advice for me.

Before we got married, I knew I was going to be away from John for at least 3 months, and I was ok with that. I figured I would work and save up so we can both enjoy a month out in Egypt and not have to worry about my bills. I know he will be taking 15 credits and will be super busy trying to take in the culture, go to school for at least 6 hours, and then study for at least another 5. I would be busy with Festival stuff and with my Health Fair in October. Needless to say I would have enough to do and wouldn't have a lot of time to be "sad." Besides what would I do in Egypt, I would get so bored if I didn't have anything to do. I would go crazy!!! I don't know Arabic, so I would be lost.

This week as John was at his speaking appointment with Mike, he found out some interesting information:
*A previous student said the biggest mistake he made was not brining his wife to the study abroad.

*Those husband who didn't have their spouses during the semester were more prone to depression

*They felt the extra expen$e is worth having their spouse

Now the pressure is on. I would love to go to Egypt, but I am not a student that can just take off a semester and then come back to study. I actually have my biggest projects those first weeks. I have programs to run and people to keep alive.. (J/K :))

John would like me to go, and who wouldn't. I would make life so much better, and hey I might even teach Zumba out there! ( I already checked and there are 4 different places near Cairo that teach Zumba.) He is very understanding though, and knows I have work and the extra $$ wouldn't hurt anyone.

As we have been reading the reviews of previous wives, I feel like I could be doing something out there. Some of them worked with NGO's and projects and were able to experience the culture even more so than their spouses. Which would be super cool. I could learn some great cuisine out there too...

On the other hand, so much can happen from now until next August. My current Executive Director might resign and not be around. If that were to happen I don't know if the new Director would allow me just to get up and leave for 4 months and then come back. My program assistant might be going on to Grad school next fall so that wouldn't be good. I wouldn't have anyone who I could trust to keep the work going.

To stay or not to stay... that will be the new chocolate for us. There will be a lot of learning in the process and a lot of prayers of faith. I am sure the Lord has a plan for us, and I hope I can have enough faith to act upon it.