High-Five

Its 5:45 a.m. and I've been up for a few hours. Haven't slept a lot in the last month. I don't know what it is? Stress? Anxiety? Bad ugali? Whatever it is allows me this opportunity to blog. With only five days to go, I wanted to shout out a few people from home who have been great supporters through my time here. If you are not on the list... please don't hate me. It doesn't mean I don't love you. It means that its 5:45 a.m. and I only have 5 days left in TZ. Help a sister out, and give her a little leeway on this one!!! Thanks ya'll.

OH, and I took these photos from social networking sites. So, if you don't like your pictures, its not my fault. You shouldn't have posted them!!!

Chad & Susan Hess - Hello! I previously created a blog dedicated to them! They are amazing. Enough said.

Holly Sims - You always think that you haven't been a good enough friend. YOU ARE THE BESTEST of BEST FRIENDS. You have been enough! Trust the Shae.

Mike and Tania Hufanda - Amazing couple/amazing friends who rallied a host of people, some of whom are listed below, to donate items to me and the babies here at Cradle. Love them. Love everyone on this list! Love the continued support from Ms. Tania!

Martha Wetmore
Catherine Hall
Hilda Walker
Schneider's
Karina Riesen
Stanley P.
Audrey Zuber -- Owner of Punkin-butt diaper company (www.punkinbutt.com) along with her friend (name unknown)

Amanda Brown - You were such a great sounding board before I left and have continued to be so even while I have been away. I appreciate and love you. Everyone should have a friend like you!

Sara Hueneke - Friend, confidant, sustainer of my sanity! Skyping with Sara was always a highlight of my Sunday! She understands me and can always bring humor to me when humor cannot be found!!!

My parents. Ok, this picture isn't EXACTLY Jack and Joni Beery. But I don't have a picture of them so this will have to do! I mean, these people look like they could be my parents, right?

My Florida Hospital Church - Our vision statement is one that I take to heart as a member of this body of people. Thank you to the other members of this community of believers who helped me fulfill my part of our VISION!

My Stovash, Case, & Tingley, P.A. Family - I asked for a photo a long time ago and only Cara and Karen responded! So, feast your eyes on these two beauties. But seriously, thanks for all the support, from employees past and present. I cannot thank you enough for your love and gifts. I am the luckiest woman to work in such an amazing place!


The Ragsdale Women! - This mother and daughter pair are so very close in my heart. While I've been away, Karen once wrote me and said "you know you are the best friend ever, right?" Well, Karen--- ditto to you!

Tami Cinquemani - I don't know what it is. We are totally different people, at different stages in our lives, with different circles of friends, and different goals for our future. But casual circumstances made our paths cross and a sweet friendship developed. This woman has brought compassion, friendship, normalcy, connection, and calm to my life the ENTIRE time I have been in Tanzania. I have never poured over every single typed word as much as I did each time I received an email from her. And the emails came so frequently that I almost feel ashamed that I could never reciprocate in-kind. But I say almost because I know that she completely understands my mission here and never asked that I do anything other than keep the focus and pace. Tami was a beautiful surprise to me. How could I have known that a simple friendship would blossom across the world and email? She will HATE that I am spending so much blog space on her, but I don't care. Everyone listed above has had me gush on them at some point in our relationship. And since Tami is a new member to my "people I value" list, she is just going to have to get over it! Love you Tami. Appreciate you more!


Ok, so this ends my ramblings. I am excited to be home. But there is still so much left to do in my few days here. We have 6 toddlers potty training and the place smells like PEEE! Yuck. So, as you can read, the work doesn't stop just because I am preparing to head home. Keep praying for me. Keep commenting. I need your encouragement to get through these last days. Blessings to you.

Imani, Tumaini, na Upendo.

~Shae