Sunday, January 20, 2013

Called Overseas to Cook and Clean?

When God called me overseas, I had no idea how much time I’d spend cooking, cleaning, home schooling, playing games, and driving kids to sports practice. Just as if I were still back home in America. I even asked myself, “Why am I here, anyway? I can mop floors and teach reading back home.”
I had no idea that when I led a women’s study group, I’d feel bad about leaving my kids home with my husband, and when I spent days on end caring for a sick child without leaving the house, I’d feel vaguely guilty for neglecting my “ministry” responsibilities.
Years ago I asked a more experienced woman, “How do you manage to have a ministry outside of your home?”
Her answer flabbergasted me.

Visit A Cross-Cultural Mom's Companion to read the rest of this post.

4 comments:

Stephanie said...

Wow, can I relate to this?! I so know that "vague guilt" that lingers on both sides of the equation. Thank you for your insight...and the wonderful quotes from other women in our shoes. So good to process.

Betsy de Cruz said...

I think the guilt is almost the worst part! I want to let God free me of that as I follow His leading day to day!

us5 said...

Olive, this article was absolutely excellent. thought-provoking, insightful, thoughtful. i don't think i'll ever regret the time i've spent investing in the lives of my family. you are a woman with a gift - i'm pretty sure you should write a book. thanks for sharing your gift with us here! :)

Betsy de Cruz said...

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Barbara! I do dream of writing a book, but don't know when I will.