I can honestly say that I don't know how to start this blog. I added the above picture of the happy-go-lucky-me as a reminder of truly who I am and a reminder that everything is ok. The picture is from a fun cruise I took a little over a year ago. And I will try to go to that place in my head as I start this difficult entry.
Three days after my arrival, I was informed by my organization at home, that I am not now, nor was I ever, a volunteer missionary for them. They take the position that I came here to Tanzania on my own accord, and that as an organization, they are not responsible for offering me any physical, financial, or emotional support.
I am, in essence, half-way around the world without any affiliation or entity from the states looking out on my behalf. To say that this is a scary situation to be in, would be an understatement.
I know many of you have checked out their website and have seen my profile. Some of you have donated and have pledged to donate while I am here in Tanzania. I believe that the organization is going to change my profile to reflect that I am not here in Tanzania working on their behalf. Or they may opt to remove it altogether. I don't know what is going to happen with that. This is their decision to make. I ask that you discontinue your plans to donate through their website as it is no longer appropriate.
I know many of you will have questions about this situation. I have been scratching my head for days now trying to figure out what in the world just happened! But let me assure you, I am not angry at anyone. I am only devastated by the situation. I will privately answer your questions as much as I can. My only statement now is that although I am blindsided and dumbfounded, I will not speak badly of the individuals involved. I deserve respect for my efforts here in Tanzania. And I believe the organization does too. Just know that I need your support now more than ever. I am feeling abandoned about now. And for the sake of disclosure, the organization is fully aware that I am telling people. Its a blog . Obviously, everyone can see so I gave them the respect of telling them that I was going to let people know.
Satan is using those closest to me and this project to test to see when I will give up. And over the last three years I keep saying "if one more bad thing happens, I know that I am going to break." But every time, EVERY TIME, God's people (that's you!) lift me up and remind me that I am not done and that I can't stop. So right now, for a pessimist, I'm pretty optimistic! Let's do this already.
Three days after my arrival, I was informed by my organization at home, that I am not now, nor was I ever, a volunteer missionary for them. They take the position that I came here to Tanzania on my own accord, and that as an organization, they are not responsible for offering me any physical, financial, or emotional support.
I am, in essence, half-way around the world without any affiliation or entity from the states looking out on my behalf. To say that this is a scary situation to be in, would be an understatement.
I know many of you have checked out their website and have seen my profile. Some of you have donated and have pledged to donate while I am here in Tanzania. I believe that the organization is going to change my profile to reflect that I am not here in Tanzania working on their behalf. Or they may opt to remove it altogether. I don't know what is going to happen with that. This is their decision to make. I ask that you discontinue your plans to donate through their website as it is no longer appropriate.
I know many of you will have questions about this situation. I have been scratching my head for days now trying to figure out what in the world just happened! But let me assure you, I am not angry at anyone. I am only devastated by the situation. I will privately answer your questions as much as I can. My only statement now is that although I am blindsided and dumbfounded, I will not speak badly of the individuals involved. I deserve respect for my efforts here in Tanzania. And I believe the organization does too. Just know that I need your support now more than ever. I am feeling abandoned about now. And for the sake of disclosure, the organization is fully aware that I am telling people. Its a blog . Obviously, everyone can see so I gave them the respect of telling them that I was going to let people know.
Satan is using those closest to me and this project to test to see when I will give up. And over the last three years I keep saying "if one more bad thing happens, I know that I am going to break." But every time, EVERY TIME, God's people (that's you!) lift me up and remind me that I am not done and that I can't stop. So right now, for a pessimist, I'm pretty optimistic! Let's do this already.
Ummmm....seriously? How did that happen? Did you fall through the cracks somehow? I'm assuming that they are letting you stay wherever you are until you find suitable arrangements elsewhere. How bizarre! I sure do hope they work this out. How incredibly strange! Why would they even put you on their website if they weren't supporting you? Let me know what you need. Maybe a well written press release and dispersed would be well suited ;)
ReplyDeleteShae, there isn't an organization in the world that can contain all your potential and all that God wants to do with you! It's not about what organization lists your name, but how God will use you wherever you are. And I've found in my life that sometimes he leads us down one path to get us to the path that he ultimately had in mind. It's confusing and frustrating and better than anything I could have ever imagined!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chad and Bethany. I am totally ok with everything. I have had a few days to process and I am not concerned. Yes, B, they are allowing me to stay on where I am at. The orphanage here has been great. The issues at home were a 3 month huge miscommunication thing unlike any I have experienced before. But I believe as Chad pointed out that God has lead me down this path and has prepared me for another. I just have to keep focus.
ReplyDeleteJust let us know how we can help. You're doing great work over there, and God knows it!
ReplyDeleteHey Shae, just wanted you to know how absolutely proud we are of you! I know how difficult it is to set out on an adventure that you know that God led you to, and have things change midstream. We don't have control over alot of things, but the one think we do have control over is our attitude. You go girl! I love that you are choosing to just trust God. He has a plan for you and it's even more than you imagined! Know how many friends and family that you have praying for you. With that in mind, how can you go wrong?! Keep up the good work. I know what a blessing you are there. Remember, all things come with a price, but the rewards are out of this world! Love you! Chin up!
ReplyDelete