Derek Browne

To Go or Not to Go? To support my husband in his life's work in a country far away? Or to stay in our own country to care for our children? This was the dilemma facing many twentieth century Congo missionaries who were both wives and mothers. There would usually be little choice as to their decision. A wife was expected, and she herself expected, to support her husband wherever his career or vocation took him. Missionaries' own children would generally have to be found alternative homes or be sent to boarding school. The mothers would not only have to endure the consequent family separation but also misunderstanding and personal guilt. 'Mission and Motherhood' recounts and reflects upon the true stories of four Yakusu missionary mothers who bore this personal sacrifice with courage, dignity and discretion.