finish well

This is the year of faithfulness, and true to form my faithfulness is being tested.

In June, I quit my job. The reasons are complicated and long contemplated.

Until the end of my last day I worked just as hard as I always had. I did the job to the best of my ability. I put in extra hours (nights and weekends). At times, I questioned my own sanity, but I never questioned the value of the effort. I left at 8:40pm, Friday, August 30 knowing that I had worked hard on behalf of those my former employer serves. I pushed through the weariness. I did all I could to set-up my replacement for success. I fought off excuses like "it doesn't matter, because in a few weeks I won't be there anyway." I made a commitment to finish well and gave my best effort to keep that commitment. Would I have preferred a leisurely summer? Absolutely! Will all that hard work be noticed or appreciated? That wasn't the motivation.

The finish well campaign was about the condition of my heart and the content of my character. Will I do whatever it takes even if no one is watching? Will I do it though a reward for the effort is unlikely?

I did what I believed to be the right thing to do, both in exiting my employer and in giving it my all to the very end.

The end of one chapter also marks the beginning of another - I still don't have a clear picture of the future, but I know my next steps and plan to implement these lessons on faithfulness in my new circumstance.

just Sheri, learning to push through

Lessons from my father

I could write a whole book about all I have learned from the man I consider my father. He has taught me about car maintenance, cooking, how to be a person of character, how to serve others, and so much more. Much of this was by demonstration rather than lecture. What is really amazing is that he is not my birth father - but he has been just like a father should be.

Most recently I have been grateful to him for the lessons he taught me on financial responsibility. He has a terrible distaste for debt and while his job as a manual laborer never earned him a high salary, nor paid benefits, he always had savings and was generous with others.

Today, there are two primary things I do with the money I earn: 1) I save and 2) I give.

Because that is what he taught me to do.

I haven't had a credit card balance in over 15 years. I have a credit card and I use my credit card, but I never carry a balance. In fact, in all those years I have not paid a single dollar in fees or interest to any credit card provider because I pay off the balance before the bill is due.

Other than our mortgage, I have no debt. We bought both of our cars used and with cash.

I consider myself frugal, but not cheap. What's the difference? I will still splurge on a nice evening out with the Hubs. At least once a year I take a vacation that includes exotic destinations. But frugality is a lifestyle. The majority of the furniture in our home is used, with a few newer pieces purchased from discount stores/vendors. When we take a cruise vacation I opt for an inside cabin rather than paying hundreds more for a balcony room. Travel destinations often include visiting friends, which means we can save money by staying with them rather than paying for a hotel (granted, I am lucky enough to have friends who live in places like Australia, China, Dubai, and South Africa).

My father taught me to be prudent with my hard earned dollars. To live within my means. To save for the future and things I want. I am grateful to him, because putting these lessons in to practice has brought financial freedom, regardless of the salary I receive.

Last year when the Hubs was unemployed for a series of months, we were fine because we had savings. I am now facing the very real possibility of unemployment by fall. I was talking to my father about this reality and discussing options for the future. During the conversation I thanked him for teaching me how to manage money, it is a gift that has served me well in life.

Because he is my dad and he loves me, he also said, "if things get too rough, you always have a home with me."

just Sheri, daddy's girl

director of the everyday, tedious, and mundane

In one of two book clubs which I am a member, we were discussing contentment. Many people spend their life looking forward to the next thing - when I...am older...married...have kids...am finished with school...retire...change jobs. When..the kids are older...

You get the picture. We think we will be content "when" - which really means "we will be content when?"

I have done this - looking forward to when, rather than finding contentment in the present.

But, that is not my current struggle. My current struggle is looking back. When my life was my ministry. When I woke each morning with a strong sense of purpose. When my days were consumed by a calling much bigger than I. When I was living the adventure with those who were consumed by it too. Aahhh, those were the days...when can I get back to that?

Though the question is different, the result is the same. DISCONTENT.

Through the course of the subsequent months I have been trying to root out my discontent. My biggest struggle is my job. I have a good job, it just doesn't engage my heart the way previous work did. I am the director of everyday, mundane, and tedious responsibilities. I shuffle paper from one place to another, write emails and answer phones. The decisions that are made between the paper shuffling and professional communications do make a difference to many who are doing good, life-saving work. 

So, I show up each day and try to convince myself that it matters that I am sitting in my desk chair shuffling paper, responding to email and answering phones. I try to follow Jehoshaphat's instructions to ancient judges to "serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord." 

I want to be skilled at my work, but also satisfied with the task. I am asking God to change my heart. In place of restlessness, put peace. In place of discontent, put satisfaction. I must stop looking back and press on...toward whatever lies ahead.

just Sheri, reaching for the title of "surprisingly satisfied"

paralyzed by fear

Recently as part of my job I was spending a morning at a therapeutic horse ranch with a group of teenagers diagnosed with Autism. I learned quite a bit about the relationship between horses and humans, and the positive affect this relationship can have on kids with disabilities That's not what I left thinking about.

Horses are powerful beings, both in strength and ability. But, they have some instinctual fears. So, if a tarp is laid on the ground, they are afraid to step on it. Through the trusting relationship with the human guide they will work through this fear.

I am like that horse. I have fears - maybe because of past experience or maybe for no reason at all. These fears may stop me in my tracks, paralyzing me from moving forward. Thankfully, I have a guide. My Heavenly Father has walked me through many situations that later I look back on and think "why was I so afraid?"

What fear has you paralyzed? Who has been your guide through past fears?


just Sheri, aware of my own limitations

Austin, Texas

In early December, I received an all expense paid trip to Austin, Texas. No, I didn't participate in a raffle or anything like that. It was work related. A company we contract with sent out a survey asking for customer input. I replied, not even sure they read those things. Apparently they do. To my surprise, the CEO herself called and said they were holding a user group meeting, flying some folks to their headquarters to share product ideas and I was invited. Nice! This definitely encourages me to complete more customer satisfaction surveys!

I had the opportunity to meet users from all over the US (though this is a global company) and learn from them. I left with many new ideas. Though I was the new kid on the block, one of the ways we use the system was featured as a best practice. Hooray! It's nice when hard work is recognized.

Austin is a great city. I had been there before. The trip was only a couple of days and we hadn't seen anything but the hotel and the corporate headquarters (and the short walk between the two). So, a group of us decided to get out one night. The staff dropped us off at a local restaurant/hang-out that was supposed to have some specialty items. Then they drove away. We walked up to the establishment to learn the entire place was reserved for a private party. Someone had a taxi app on their smart phone and called a cab, that is when the adventure began! 

As it turns out, there is a rule about cab occupancy. A four passenger maximum. We were five. We had requested a large vehicle knowing we wouldn't fit in a normal sedan and honestly didn't know the rule. We had already waited 40-minutes for this cab to arrive. That is when one of the ladies kicked her negotiating skills in to high gear.

She convinced the Cabby to let her ride in the back. She did this on the way to a new destination and on the way back to our hotel.

Here is a photo of the same type of cab outside our hotel the next day (not the same Cabby to protect the guilty and generous).

When travelling, there will be unexpected hurdles. Roll with it!

just Sheri, back to Virginia and my personal vehicle y'all

The Art of Successful Grant Writing

On this blog I don't talk a lot about what I do for a living. I have held various positions over the years and the work only gets honorable mention a few times. There is a skill I have had to develop in my professional life, and it is one I am asked questions about often.

What skill is that? 

Grant writing.

In the world of change makers it is an important part of the fundraising tool belt. I was recently asked by our local Chamber of Commerce to do a lunchtime presentation on the topic. If you have 45 spare minutes, and want to mostly hear the presentation because the visuals aren't so good, then feel free to play the following video.

If you would like a copy of the Powerpoint presentation, let me know and I will email it to you.



Happy grant writing!

just Sheri, sharing lessons learned

sardines with tomato sauce

Once upon a time I would get a phone call or email and be on a plane to an exotic destination when something like a hurricane, flood, or earthquake happened.

In those days, I would work with a team to put together packets of food and non-food item necessities for families affected by such natural disasters.

There was a common item in our food packets.  It was VERY popular with locals.  It provided much needed vitamins and some protein. As well as a punch of flavor...and since it was a fan favorite it was a winning choice.

What is that item?  Cans of sardines in tomato sauce by the case.

If you just said, "YUCK!"  I second that motion.

I share this because all the recent talk about earthquakes and hurricanes had me thinking about disaster preparation.  This common, and practical item, did not make my list as I am not a fan.

What items would you want around the house in event of a disaster? What's on your list?

just Sheri, picky even in an emergency

mid-career - whatever that means!

I think I have reached a new stage in life. I am no longer an inexperienced novice. Nor am I a well-seasoned veteran. I am that strange in-between. I have some experiences under my belt, but I still have a lot to learn.

I think they call this "mid-career."

I started to realize this about myself when returning to the USA. The jobs I was looking at required a certain level of experience. I met the requirements. That is a new occurrence. It wasn't so long ago that I would have read the requirements and been under the preferred threshold. I might have considered applying anyway, knowing it is was a stretch, but believing the company should take a chance on me. This time I did not have to debate that question, it was more a matter of whether or not I thought the position was worth the effort.

I've also noticed that recent months have brought about another new phenomena. I have been spending a lot of time with young women answering questions, listening to their stories, and hearing about their dreams. They are asking me how to get there. What do I know? Not much. I could probably tell you what NOT to do.

These events have me questioning my placement on the growth curve - have I reached the dreaded "mid-career?" If not, yet, I am probably pretty close.

Is this a good or a bad thing? I am not sure.

just Sheri, wondering how I got here

Career in Philanthropy?

Recently, I had to fill out a form. Probably for a doctors office. It had a question I have been asked before and often makes me pause.

Occupation.

I don't have a clue how to answer this. After years of trial and error on numerous customs forms and visa applications, I came to the vague description of "NGO manager." This assumes of course that the person reading the form knows that NGO stands for non-governmental organization. The whole thing wouldn't fit in the space provided so I settled for the acronym.

Now I work for a small office of three people and manage no one. What should I put in that pesky box?

I was told my new career is "philanthropy." Hmmm...that doesn't sit right with me. I feel the two words "career" and "philanthropy" don't match.

I have always viewed philanthropy as a way of being - concern for humanity, generosity or showing kindness to the needy. It is best when consistent in our lives...but as a career? That seems to taint it, somehow. It seems dirty to be getting something (pay, recognition, awards) from doing what is supposed to be about others. At least that is how I see it.

So, I am left with an unanswered question - what is my career? I don't know. Suggestions are welcome.

just Sheri, stumped

re-emergence of human trafficking

I have never taken a job with a focus on human trafficking. However, this issue has emerged in every endeavor I have been a part of in the past seven years. To me, that speaks to the prevalence of this issue.

I have been writing on this blog about human trafficking since 2008. You can read those posts: here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. It is mentioned many more times, but these are the posts dedicated specifically to the topic.

In November I returned to America. Though I know that America is a destination point for humans that are trafficked and I am well aware that this is a global issue - I didn't expect to run in to it. Then BAM! There it was again, rearing it's ugly head.

Human trafficking appeared almost immediately when I started volunteering for the Community Foundation health research project. Someone suggested I include it in the report. I hadn't considered the possibility. I started asking around and the results were astounding. Yes, human trafficking was an issue of concern - even in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

At one interview I had an undergraduate intern with me. The interview subject worked for an organization helping individuals overcome substance abuse. Near the end of our interview I asked the question about human trafficking. Oh, the stories they had to tell! When we got back in the car, the intern was in shock. I told her I felt like I had robbed her of some innocence, simply by having her present during those graphic descriptions. She mentioned it for weeks.

The 2010 global Trafficking in Persons report states the need in the United States for education of law enforcement - how to recognize and address the problem. Given one local news story, I agree with that recommendation. One interviewee told me a horrible story of police behaving badly. Apparently, in an effort to crack down on prostitution local detectives were participating in sex acts with the accused. When asked why they behaved in such a manner, the detectives said the sex acts were necessary because the ladies "don't speak much English." The obvious question, at least in my mind, is - where did these girls come from? It would seem to me they were victimized multiple times - trafficked, sexually exploited, and then treated as criminals. I am not making this up, you can read this story in the Washington Post.

After I was made aware of the issue locally, I also learned that Virginia was forming an anti-trafficking task force. Good move. But, they were limiting the majority of activities to the big city of Richmond. That is unfortunate.

I have also learned that not all cops behave badly (thankfully!). In my new job I was told a story of an officer who rescued some girls from a brothel, and rather then prosecute them he worked to find them a safe place to stay. He enlisted the help of a faith-based youth residential facility. That facility has now taken on this issue as one of their own.

When discussions began with this youth facility and they mentioned human trafficking as one of their focus services, I shouldn't have been surprised. It seems to come up so often I should expect it by now. But, I didn't. The issue of human trafficking had, once again, found it's way in to my work.

just Sheri, beginning to think this is more than coincidence

P.S. One of the largest, and most effective, organizations addressing this issue right now is Polaris Project. Click on their logo to learn more about their work.

beyond "survival"

My work in recent years has been fully engrossed in survival needs - clean water, access to life-preserving medicine, shelter, food for the hungry, and recovery after disaster (natural or man-made).

Because the needs were so great, there wasn't much opportunity to focus on more developmental issues - education, rehabilitation, healthy lifestyles, and accommodating those living with disabilities.

I was recently asked - what do other countries do for those suffering with disabilities? I answered the question honestly. Those born with disabilities in less developed nations don't often live to see their first birthday. There aren't the same kind of legal and social systems set up to protect children, so no one steps in when a child is being starved to death. When they are gone, they are often not spoken of again. It isn't pleasant, but it is the reality of a survivalist circumstance.

I am now doing public health work in the developed world; where there are legal, social and clinical systems in place to help people beyond simply surviving.

I have mentioned in previous posts and tweets that I have been engrossed in site visits lately for work. It has been an interesting learning experience for me. First, I have had to change my mind-set. I am working on moving my "you are here" button.

I am not "there." I am here...it's amazing how difficult this concept has been for me to understand (or perhaps it's a matter of reluctance to accept this reality?). Here isn't just another place - it often feels like another universe. But slowly, slowly I am adjusting.

Second, I have been exposed to some learning opportunities in the public health sector that were not previously afforded me due to the ongoing focus on survival needs. For instance, I am learning about brain injuries and the rehabilitation services that accompany this issue. Due to our advanced medicine, more individuals survive a serious injury, but the result may be remaining brain injuries. There is a group working on this issue through community-based programming services. They are one of approximately 15 in the nation with this focus. But, they want to do more and focus on the neuro-behavioral issues that may accompany a brain injury - meaning acting socially inappropriate. These actions may have serious consequences, such as incarceration. I learned that in our nation 25-87% of inmates have a history of traumatic brain injury. There is an interesting article on this topic available here. Fascinating!

just Sheri, feeding my inner nerd

open door policy

Do you remember that children's song about the church and the steeple? It was always accompanied by fun hand motions.

Here's the church...Here's the steeple...Open the doors and see all the people.

Over the years I have spent quite a few hours thinking about a particular question - what is church? I've come to a few conclusions. 

1. Church is not a building, though that is the name we call it. 

2.  "The church" is made up of the last part of the rhyme - people. 

3.  Everything else is just a human creation; such as the building that houses the church.

I have had the privilege of attending church around the globe. This opportunity only further solidified these conclusions for me. 

Church can be held anywhere, at any time. Church can meet under a tree. Church can meet in a basement of an office building. Church can meet in homes or schools. Church is not the building - it is the people. Which I think is pretty amazing.

The other thing I've learned is the people are not one type, make, or creed. The church is diverse; made up of different colors, languages and traditions. To me that means the God we serve is bigger than my geographic location or culture.

One of the major criticisms of "the church" is all the money poured in to facilities. It is expensive to construct a building, maintain it, and keep the lights on. The worst part is, that after all that expense the building is often used infrequently. That is an unfortunate circumstance. However, since I've been back in the US this has not been my experience.

The church we have been attending houses many gatherings throughout the week. We meet on Sunday mornings, but Tuesday night a Spanish church uses the building, Wednesday it is used to feed the needy, Saturday night a Ghanian church meets...and those are only the activities I am aware of. I love that!

In recent weeks I have been visiting community-based health programs for work. I have been VERY encouraged by what I have seen...

One local church has converted their basement to a small free clinic - equipped with a waiting room, office space, space for vital sign checks and exam rooms. In addition to providing space for the clinic, this church provides hospitality for those who come to visit the clinic through baked goods (including sugar-free varieties for diabetics), drinks, gift cards for medicine purchases, bus tickets and more.

A second church provides a sit down dinner for the homeless and coordinates with the free clinic and state run community service board to provide clinical services. This church buses in the homeless and many others come via public transport. Those who come sign-up for services. Throughout the dinner they spend time with a doctor to talk about health problems, get needed medicine, or speak with someone about ongoing mental health issues. This service is changing lives for the better. Equipping individuals to improve the circumstances of their lives.

A third church hosted a health fair - including rapid HIV testing, blood donations, blood pressure screening, and a mobile van to check eye-sight and hearing. The group providing the eye and hearing screenings, also provides treatment for those in need - paid by their generous volunteers.

The church is alive and active - using their buildings as a community resource. 

just Sheri, loving the open door policy

Guest blogger: The Traveling Spouse

Today, I am a guest blogger at Little Creek Life. My friend Athalia writes about life in the mountains on a five acre swamp.

I was asked to be part of a series on "Holding down the Fort." This series is dedicated to those leading a life of adventure...and attempting to overcome the struggles that come with it. My perspective was unique, as I was the traveling spouse, rather than the one being left behind.

just Sheri, hoping someone can benefit from my experience (and mistakes)

updates

I haven't done a great job of writing regularly since moving...so, I will dedicate this post to general updates.

Unemployment Rates
Back in December when Kenyon and I were both unemployed and looking for work, I wrote a post called "Unemployment Rates: reality check." I still believe the unemployment rate is under reported - meaning it is larger than the current 9% estimate. Why? Because, there are many who have just given up looking for work or have been unemployed so long they no longer qualify for unemployment benefits. That does not even count the number of individuals who are under-employed. However, since that post both Kenyon and I have secured good jobs. I began mine in February and he started his in July. I am the grants director for a local health foundation and Kenyon is working on the nursing staff of a nearby hospital. We are blessed to have these opportunities.

Of the five adults at the dinner party the night of my "reality check" blog post - two remain unemployed. Granted, they live in a different part of the U.S., but both hold higher level degrees and certifications (CPA and law), both have a wealth of experience. It symbolizes that the effects of the recession are still being felt by many families.

Setting Routines
In April, I wrote about my efforts to establish routines. In that time I have made exercise and cooking a regular part of my life. Kenyon and I rarely eat out and most of our meals are made from fresh fruits and vegetables. I am also exercising 2-4 times per week. We don't have a gym membership, so I find ways to incorporate fitness in my life through being outside or using the exercise videos that have traveled with me around the globe. The result, I have lost about 6 pounds since that post and I have no idea how many inches. But, I feel better physically...and that was the ultimate goal. I hope to keep it up and continue to reap the rewards.

Finding a Church
In May, I posted about our efforts to find a church home. I am pleased to report that the internet strategy worked. We have been attending the church for a few weeks consecutively and are starting to get to know folks who attend. We've participated in community dinners and other outreach events. We also recently attended their newcomers meeting. Having a church home does make a new place feel more welcoming and friendly.

Well, that's all folks...what have you been doing lately?

just Sheri, apparently too busy to write regularly

homelessness

Since posting about people living in the woods I have become increasingly interested in the homeless issue in our community. I've been asking around to see what I can learn.

In a recent conversation with a doctor (who also sits on our Board of Directors) I learned that the hospital system doesn't do a good job of tracking those without a place of residence. It had been decided by someone in hospital registration that everyone must have an address to put in to their computer system. If it is a required field in their software program, there are ways around this - such as creating a code for those without a place of residence (e.g. 9999). This would be helpful because one could later run a report for all the 9999 addresses and know how many individuals were admitted and/or discharged without a place of residence.

This doctor told me that she currently had three of 30 patients in her wound care center who are homeless. That is a large percentage! One man who is living in his car was forced to enter an address upon registration. His solution - four digits from his drivers license and the word Ford. Why Ford? Because that is the make of car he drives.

More and more I admire the compassion of those who want to help this population in their time of medical need - which is simply an added complication to an already desperate situation.

just Sheri, saddened that this is happening in America

Still "transitioning"

We have been in America six months. My, how time flies!

Our stuff arrived from Africa, we secured employment, moved in to an apartment and a generous church met our need for furniture and basic household goods.

Kenyon and I went to a movie at the AMC Independent theater with my co-workers earlier this week. Prior to the start, there was a preview for a new movie. This is not unexpected, but what followed was...

The preview started with a shot of the African bush. Then something happened that caught me completely off-guard. Tears. Lots of them. Streams of them. I was glad it was dark and hoped no one noticed as I knew I could not explain, but was simply overwhelmed with emotion.

I am conscious of the aching in my heart for my former life of adventure; it isn't the adventure I miss, but the people in other places whom I grew to love dearly. I miss the sense of purpose that work afforded me. Days later, I still cannot fully explain the tears.

Apparently,  I am still transitioning (even more than I am aware)...

just Sheri, grieving a loss

people living in the woods

Virginia has a lot of beautiful trees. I have enjoyed watching them bloom this Spring.

In my work I recently learned some sad news. This may surprise some that read this blog from other parts of the world. In the richest country in the world (still the United States of America), there are people living homeless in the woods. In fact, not far from our new apartment is a homeless colony.

On a recent Sunday Kenyon and I were exploring our new surroundings. A group of homeless individuals were hanging out with their signs, sitting on the curb in a restaurant parking lot. Not far behind them in the woods, through the trees, I could see the tarps they use as shelter.

A couple of community organizations I am working with want to help by providing respite care for this group. I admire their compassion and commitment.

How many times has your doctor told you to go home and rest? Or given a family member instructions to help take care of you? Have you ever thought about what happens if you didn't have a home? Could you imagine having to go back to the streets sick? Talk about being vulnerable!

just Sheri, rediscovering my homeland

Who you gonna call?

My whole life I have been told, "In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1."

In the USA, that is the number to call and the fire truck, or police, or ambulance will show up to your rescue. All things considered it is a pretty efficient and effective response system.

So, now I work in a hospital building and am required to go through mandatory training about safety issues, etc. During that training they asked a question I hadn't considered...when an emergency happens in a hospital (like an office staff member with chest pains or an accident in the building) - who do you call?

Dialing 9-1-1 would be silly since we are already at the hospital. So, what do we do? I learned that we dial a specific extension and request a hospital based rapid response team.

I thought you might also appreciate that tidbit of trivia.

just Sheri, adjusting my "you are here" indicator

Found: a female dominant profession

I know that I have mentioned it before, but my new job is in a hospital. At orientation the male to female ratio was 9 females to one male. I continue to notice the landslide gender imbalance in my favor. The president of the hospital where I work is a female, as are most of the VP's.

I work for a foundation and at each meeting I attend with others in my field I am keenly aware of the female dominance.

This is VERY new to me. I started my career in technology, which is heavily male dominant...it seems that since then women in my chosen professions seem to be the minority. Not anymore. I have found a profession where women rule - health care. Yes, most of the doctors I have seen are men, but that is a topic for another day.

just Sheri, part of the dominant group (for the first time)

ROBBED!

Yesterday my co-worker had her wallet taken from her desk.

I learned through this experience that teams of petty thieves target hospitals, they walk halls looking for open and vacant offices and snatch what they can. I suppose that is the risk of working in a public facility.

What was amazing is the damage they did in less than one hour. Security has the suspect leaving the building on video surveillance at 2:17pm. By 3:07pm when all credit cards were discontinued, the thief had racked up nearly $2,000 in purchases from Target and Best Buy.

They committed the felony of stealing credit cards in one county and went shopping in a neighboring county, which makes it hard to prosecute if apprehended. That leads me to believe these guys are knowledgeable about the system.

What a terrible way to end a work day.

Have you ever had something taken from you?

just Sheri, realizing vulnerabilities