WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING.

EPISODE 16: THE BUSINESS GROWS

It never seemed to me that a simple concept scribbled late at night on paper would become so genuine. Small at initially, consisting of only five women, a few sewing machines, and a dream, the women's cooperative I founded was suddenly being discussed in circles I had believed were well out of my grasp. I received an invitation to speak at a regional summit from the local NGO that had served as my mentor. I was initially hesitant since I had never envisioned giving a speech in front of an audience. Then I recalled the girl who, while holding a wailing infant at a dirt intersection in the rain, pondered how she would fare the following day. "Yes," I said.

A woman wearing a sharp navy suit and a name tag that said Amina Balogun, Regional Director – Thrive Africa, approached me after my presentation. She presented me with a collaboration opportunity that included national visibility, funding, and mentorship. It sounded just like I had hoped and prayed. There was a catch, though. "Some travel would be necessary," she stated. At least twice a month, Abuja. Nairobi later on, perhaps. Additionally, you should take the lead in scaling up, which entails longer hours and greater visibility.

Anxiety, not excitement, made my stomach turn. How about Oyinye? Her educational institution? Our habits? Being there for her has been the foundation of my life. I couldn't bear the thought of giving her up, even for a little time. That night, I brought it up to Emeka. As I paced the room, outlining the advantages and disadvantages, he listened intently and nodded. He stood behind me and put his arms around my waist, saying, "Amaka, you've worked hard for this." "Every door that opens is something you deserve."

It was giving, sincere, and frightening because success meant growth, and growth sometimes meant letting go of the old rhythms that had kept me grounded. "But what about Oyinye? What about us?" he asked me, his eyes steady and warm. "Then we figure it out together. I can step in more. Help with school runs, meals, weekends. Let me be part of this, not just the man who cheers you on from the sidelines."

Long after Oyinye had gone to sleep and Emeka had returned home that evening, I lingered at the kitchen table. As I looked at Thrive Africa's proposal, I tried to imagine what my life would be like if I accepted. It glistened with potential. and danger. I was still unsure of my decision. However, I discovered for the first time that pursuing your ambitions, even when they were the one thing you needed to feel complete, might occasionally result in guilt.