If you are planning to join a guild when you are there, maybe it would be worthwhile to check into their charity quilting and workshops. It is possible that you will have plenty to do with them, as well as piecing on your machine. If this is the first time you are spending 4 months at this location, you might try it without the machine the first winter and then you will know how much time you have and decide about the mid-arm for the following winter.
Have fun!