staying put

we have decided to stay put and not accept the transfer to montenegro. i am throwing up in my mouth as i type those words. it wasn't an easy or popular decision to say the least.

the mature, responsible grown up in me doesn't rear his ugly head often - but when he does i feel obligated to listen. especially now that i have a loving wife and little girl which i am responsible for taking care of.

montenegro would be amazing... an experience that we will most likely never be able to have again. living in a part of the world that is still part of 'old world' europe yet more developed and civilized than what we live with here in central asia would be an upgrade. unparalleled travel opportunities. higher standard of living. easier access to medical care. a whole list of reasons why we might be better off on a day to day basis.

better off maybe... but i am not sure about happier (ok... the travel to italy and greece and croatia would be so much better than traveling to almaty or tashkent).

life is here in bishkek is really good. we have an amazing community of friends - most of whom are going to be here for the next two years as well. we are able to save (now that jenny is back to work full time) loads of money, pay off bills and save for important grownup things like retirement and olive. nina the nanny is a god send. she loves olive like she is her own daughter and takes such good care of her. we always know that our daughter is safe when she is with nina.

sure... bishkek has it's down side. the gross winters. the trash. the pollution. the rude (it's a culture thing) people. the traffic police always squeezing money.

but it is also an amazing adventure. we love the bazaars and markets. the outside cafes are lovely in the spring, summer and fall. the city is so green and lush during the non winter months. we are learning the language (slowly). we are learning to be more accepting and understanding of different cultures and religions. we are growing as people. oh... and we both really love grilled mutton.

i guess it all comes down to attitude. there are times when we have felt trapped here... that we would never find a job outside of bishkek. last year when dad was sick and dying it was the worse. it felt like a prison here... so far away from family and friends back home in the states. it has felt less that way this year. less stress. i have jennifer. olive. boone. we are making our own little go of it as a family in a land that is both foreign and familiar at the same time. we have a good thing going here.

staying here and not moving to montenegro is a good decision (i didn't throw up as much in my mouth that time).