I had a couple stay with me some months ago. They were in town for the wife to visit the UW Med School. Grace is from Zimbabwe and came to the US as an exchange student in high school, sponsored by friends of mine, whose oldest son Michael was at the same time an exchange student in Ecuador.
Grace returned to Zimbabwe preparing to begin med school (like the European model, entering right from high school), committed to serving the poor of her country. Unfortunately, political turmoil closed down the university. Hearing about her situation, my friends, with the help of others, sponsored her return to the US and welcomed her back into their home. She began community college. Son Michael had also returned to the States and the two met, fell in love, and married.
Several years later, now both in graduate programs, Grace made the decision to again pursue medical school, still sensing the call to serve in this way. But they would like to have a child as well. Difficult decisions. Scouring the internet and listening hard to friends in residencies, they understood that it is better to have a child in your first couple of years of medical school than during your residency. Now pregnant and only a few months away from entering med school, she was excited and more than a little anxious. She knew her plans to nurse the baby and the demands of new motherhood would make this first year a challenge.
They now have a healthy baby and Grace is in medical school on the east coast. Michael, setting aside his research for a time, is primary baby caretaker. They report "having a child and managing two academic careers is a challenge, but our son has totally blessed our lives." I'm so grateful to hear that and continue to pray they receive the support they need in their academic programs, their church, and community.
Have you lived with the challenge of an academic program and babies? What has been your experience? What has been helpful for you?
