So, we've decided to extend our stay in Geneva one year. We're really enjoying our time here, and the US economy clinched it for us.
Most of you probably know that we've been mulling over this issue for months. We first started considering lengthening our stay last Fall. We've both been back and forth in our sentiments many times. I don't like making decisions and waffle over what item to get on a restaurant menu, so you can imagine how difficult truly important decisions are for me! I've really been trying to avoid actually making a decision until recently Spencer's manager talked to him and said, "we really want you to stay, here are all the reasons we think you should, and we want to know before April if you are going to or not". We had planned not to decide until after our visit to the States in April when Spencer could talk to the OC office, so this shook things up. We decided Spencer better talk to them on the phone instead. So he talked to a friend in OC and then to the partner. The partner basically said, "if you can stay then you should". She gave him no cause to feel confident about returning at this point in the economic crisis and basically said you are taking a big, unnecessary risk if you decide to return this Fall. Then we actually had some evidence of her concerns last week when several of Spencer's co-workers from the OC got laid off. We finally hashed it all out one night with the pros and cons of each side, and made our decision, then took our answer to God, and we know its right. We feel so blessed that we have this opportunity to wait out the crisis in safety.
In addition to that very compelling reason to stay, we are also enjoying our time here, our kids are doing well, having fun and learning a second language, this gives us the best chance to build a solid financial foundation, we'll have the opportunity to do a bit more European traveling, we feel good about our service in the church here and missionary opportunities, and ... I'm sure other reasons that I don't feel like enumerating.
We know that we'll continue to miss out on a lot by being here and some main reasons for going back are to be closer to family again, have a yard and more space, and be in the sunshine more often during the year; but when we thought of all of that against why we love being here for now, the instability and uncertainty of going back, and the relatively short period of time this is in our lives, we knew what to do.
This gives everyone more time to visit, so make your plans!
Love, Harmony and Spencer
This blog is public for all to see.
If you're still wondering what "rester en Suisse" means...it means Staying in Switzerland.
Harmony, you said all of this so well. I'm so glad I have a super strong and supportive wife. I'm am so proud of my little family and am thankful we have each other and this experience together.
When we first started considering staying we didn't know that the crisis would effect my company in California. The financial security that is here for the moment is an added blessing to the other growth and opportunities we are all experiencing here.
Like Harmony said, we do miss you - please come visit us - we would love to spend time with you.
Yay for us! I know this was a tough decision for your family, but I'm so glad you were finally able to come to a decision that you know is right. With the US economy so shaky, we're also feeling really thankful to have a secure job over here.
Well I am glad you are doing well and that you have the security of a job there. We are very disappointed obviously as we miss you and the kids terribly. I hope the economy comes back strong and you have the opportunity to return to the States. I was afraid that an extension was in the works. Can't wait to see you. Dad
Doesn't it feel good when you finally have the decision made, and you also know it was the right one. Bet that is a big weight off your shoulders!
Congratulations - I would love to visit again and bring the family this time! And actually site see more instead of spend time in conferences!
Hip Hip Horay! I'm so glad you are staying!! That means more time for us to play here! Although, I can totally understand that it is a big decision to stay, at least the work here is stable and secure. I feel the same way about missing out on all the family stuff happening back home but that is what Skype and blogs and such are all about. And then it is such a big deal when we do show up that everyone turns out to see us. We are like the main attraction.
I'm just glad you are happy with your decision and that you know you made the right one. Can't wait to play!
I am thankful that you have job security. Sorry that you have to be so far away to have that. We see you more now through skype and your U.S. trips than we do when you are far away in CA. Nonetheless we hope you can come back to the states next year with a job waiting for you. We are looking forward to our trip to Europe to spend time with you.
Good job guys on making the decision! I'm so happy for you that you feel so good about it. Que la fete continue!
well that answes my question to you. i totally hear you when you say you have trouble making decisions over meny items, the big tdecisions make my stomach hurt!!!
when are you in UT??? let me know ok.
marsha