Life tidbits...

Although we're busy gearing up for a major life change -- a new job for me, moving the family almost 8,000 miles (literally), selling/packing, closing utility accounts, and more -- life goes on.

About two weeks ago, Asha took her first steps. She's not excited about walking but tries a few steps each day. Bella is "talking" more and more. Luke is taking more and more risks outside and inside (i.e. climbing railings, whacking insects, etc.). Shane has been spending lots of time on the porch swing.

Everyone (except Libby and the baby) has had colds. The monsoon rains have been welcomed along with cooler temps and less air conditioning (which means a smaller electricity bill)!

And, we were sad when our friend from Goa, Chandni, had to go back home last night -- a week earlier than expected. But we were so grateful to have her help the last 2 months and she left us with a freezer of baked desserts. Yeah!

We hope to have plane tickets in our hands in the next 24 hours. Looks like we'll depart for the USA on the evening of August 15. My friends have made some jokes about that because it is Independence Day (celebrating when the British finally left India). On that day, India will also get independence from the Spotts.

FAQ about India to USA move

Based on some responses via email and Facebook to our announcement, here are some "frequently asked questions" and answers about our move back to the USA.

Why are you leaving so soon? August is only a few weeks away!
The visas for Libby and kids expire in mid-August and mine in December. We, after consulting our bosses, decided that it wasn't worth the effort/expense to extend them given the core reasons behind our decision won't change in the near future. Also, if we return before September, Shane can start pre-school at the same time as his classmates.

I'm confused. We heard you're working until November?
Yes, we'll get back in mid-August and use some vacation time. Then September will be busy visiting our headquarters and debriefing. Many companies help employees who have had a "posting" overseas to relocate and transition back into USA life. Our org was very generous to give us 2 additional months if needed. Obviously, if I get a job sooner, I won't take salary from two places!

Ok, so REALLY why are you leaving? Any hidden reasons?
Nope. Really! This is about my temperament and knowing what environment I (and my family) need to thrive at this stage in life. There is nothing 'wrong' with Indian or American colleagues and the direction of the work here. I just feel that, at this point in my life, it isn't a great fit anymore. For example, I'm looking for less of a self-starter atmosphere and more team projects. And instead of learning by experience, I'm ready for mentoring or formal continuing education.

Is there any connection to last year's medical problems for Libby?
None. We did have some insecurities about India's medical system after her TB infection, of course. But we overcame those when Ben had knee surgery in February and Libby gave birth to another child here in April!

Does Ben have a job lined up?
Nope. I'm starting the job search this week (see my LinkedIn profile), although it is challenging to do this from overseas (despite Skype, emails, etc. which do make the world smaller).

Isn't your approach a bit risky with a family of four young children?
Yep, it's risky but not irresponsible...we have good support network in Portland, some savings, and most of all, confidence that something will open up. We need to move into a new season of life and are taking the next step even though everything isn't settled. Factoid: unemployement is close to 10% in Oregon; in India it is about 6%.

Do you want to stay in Portland?
We're open to moving anywhere in the USA, although living near Portland, OR for the next few years would be ideal (at least until the kids hit kindergarten?!) because, with four kids under four years old, the support network of friends and family would be nice for Libby.

What kind of job does Ben really want? I heard he wants to work for a "justice-minded org".
By a justice-minded organization, I simply mean that there are many relief or compassion groups that try to help the disadvantaged, but I'm more attracted to those that tackle structural injustices through projects or campaigns. Of course, there may be a department inside a relief org that looks at justice issues. That said, I'm wired to gather info, analyze, teach/train, and interact with people. So, combined with my cross-cultural interests, this could mean a job in a variety of areas including human resources, employee training, corporate communciations, or benchmarking any type of campaign (even a relief project). I would like to work for a 50+ employee organization since they typically have continuing education benefits and experienced management.

Will you go back to India someday? Would you rejoin your company after further training and experience?
We're not returning to the USA because we're saying "no" to India or our company. At a future season in life, we'd be open to rejoining or moving abroad again. Don't forget that all four kids were born in India so I'm sure we'll at least visit here again.

A decision...and Ben's thoughts

When Libby and I moved to India in January 2006, we thought we'd work here for a long time...perhaps until any children were in middle school. There are so many opportunities in India: to help the needy, a growing economy, a diverse culture, amazing geography to explore, and more.

But we've decided to end our contract and move back to the USA in August. The decision has even shocked us a bit. We certainly have mixed emotions. On the one hand, we've been going two years at a time and re-evaluating after each chapter if we want to continue or not. We've completed almost 6 years and feel satisfied we've achieved many things, especially with my Indian clients and colleagues. Of course, it's not just about getting things done. Our children were all (four) were born here and we've had positive relationships with neighbors, shopkeepers, government officials, etc. And we've grown personally through challenges we intentionally brought upon ourselves by living in a developing country as well as challenges thrust upon us (like Libby's TB infection last year).

Through it all, we've learned more about ourselves and our place in this world. This is a process that most people haven't seen, of course, but has intensified over the last few months through conversations with a trusted counselor, close friends, colleagues, and family.

When my mom died in June 2000 and I listened to the things said at her memorial service, I had several things seared into my mind forever: we have one life to live to its fullest and people are what matter. For me, that involves helping my family thrive and using my gifts/talents to help the needy as best I can. That's really the bottom line although I'm sure some people are expecting something juicy or a hidden reason behind our decision.

I'm a bit nervous about the next season of life since I have many opportunities but nothing nailed down. But sometimes we have to take one step at a time and trust that we've been walking on the right path...and the lamp in our shaking hands will reveal the next step as we move forward.

(I'll probably blog tomorrow about some common questions we're getting and the answers. Stay tuned.)