Should I Stay or Should I Go? Two Situations...

I had an interview today for another PRN chaplain position. It's at the hospital where Walter was born, ten minutes from my house, five minutes from OGUMC, and the only independent hospital in the area (there are three hospital systems in the area, and every other hospital is a part of one of those systems). I applied for the position thinking I could have my cake and eat it, too (meaning that I could continue in my current position), but that's not going to be possible. In the interview, they told me that I would work one 8-hour shift a week and then be on call 2-3 nights a week. There's no way that I can do that AND continue in my current position.

I should know something by the end of the week. If they offer me the position, I'm still debating if I should take it or not. Yes, it would probably be more money (I imagine they would pay me more than my Catholic hospital does), it's much closer to home, and it's where most people in my church and community go for medical care. Plus, anytime my little brother has any seizures, he lands at this hospital. My potential boss seems very personable and the two chaplains in the department seem nice. I especially liked the one who I'd be working with the most.

On the other hand, I really enjoy working at a faith-based hospital and like and admire all the chaplains at MMC and DPMC, especially my boss and quasi-boss. My only reason for "looking" was a) to see if I could have my cake and eat it too and b) my current employer is transitioning to having more and more CPE students (residents and interns), so they will have less of a need for PRN chaplains.

Oh yeah, and I would somehow need to find day care for both kids, one day a week. And we just signed Nora up for five-day preschool beginning this fall. Hmmm...

So, I don't know...it could be a moot issue entirely if I don't get the position. But if I'm offered the position, then I'll need to make a decision fairly quickly. Do I stick with the known entity and the relationships I've built, or go with this new opportunity?

Prayers appreciated. Wisdom also appreciated.

In other news, I'm also deciding whether or not to attend Annual Conference (gathering of all the Methodists in Virginia) this year. The past two years, it's been held only 20 minutes from my home, so I've gone for at least a day (not for longer because of time off/childcare issues). However, this year it's on the other side of the state...almost five hours away. While technically I can stay with my mother-in-law for free, I would need to bring both kids with me, which isn't exactly relaxing. They may or may not have childcare during the daytime sessions (and oh my gosh, don't get me started on the lack of childcare at Annual Conference because I may BLOW A GASKET.), but if they do I will still have to pay a (fairly reasonable) daily fee. Then there's gas and food (my MIL doesn't cook. Her freezer is full of frozen dinners). Did I mention that since I'm on family leave, I get no financial assistance to attend this event (unlike those who are serving a church or in extension ministry)? The only reasons I want to go are: a) it's a great way to see people you never see and b) I might get to vote for delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. But really, is it worth driving five hours with two young children and paying a couple hundred dollars (for food, gas, childcare)? I just don't know...but I'm leaning towards, "no."