Last time we spoke, it was the week before Christmas and I had just made the move from the Web Team to Donor Services. While I am still under Curtis, I am also working closely with two powerhouse women that I want to introduce you to. 

I would first like you to meet Mrs. Tasha Mulder. She is the Donor Services Manager. She facilitates and oversees the relationships between Compassion and our donors who give consistently and generously. 

Tasha nurtures these relationships specifically through individual Stewardship Reports, which consist of updates about where a donor’s funds have been used and what they have accomplished. It is a colorful report filled with pictures and testimonies of the children and their families who have been blessed by the giving.

By the grace of God, we have a seemingly endless list of Stewardship Reports to be written, edited, formatted and sent. As you may imagine, this is a good problem: The more reports to be written, the more financial gifts the ministry has received. All that to say, it’s often more than one person can handle, which is where I come in. 

In a beautiful and mysterious act of God’s love and provision (which I will elaborate on in just a minute), I have become Tasha’s support in this area. 

I am responsible for helping to manage the reports – editing, formatting, a little writing here and there, and finally preparing them to be sent. Perhaps it sounds mundane; however, it is in fact just the opposite. 

Each report holds its own challenges as we try to make sure that each donor knows that we see and appreciate them individually. I am also being challenged as a writer and a “marketer” in new ways, which keeps me on my toes. 

The true blessing for me though, sinks deeper than my keyboard. I am, perhaps for the first time, becoming acquainted with the feeling of being fulfilled and satisfied with what it is that I do for a living.

I feel as though I am truly contributing and being productive in an area that really needs it. I feel as though my input and talents are not only needed, but are trusted to be used. Also, I am working on a fairly interdependent team which is refreshing. 

I don’t mind working by myself in many cases, but I also like to check in with colleagues. I like to know that we are all on the same page and that my work is helping them, and that I am in fact doing my job well. 

Tasha has been a huge part of making that a reality for me. In a different way, but with a similar result, Mrs. Nydia Teter, who is the new Director of Donor Services, has also played a large part in my new role.

While she is not new to Compassion, she is new to the team. In her first few weeks here, she has brought a light and energy that is dynamic and contagious. Working under her and for her is exciting (I don’t know if she is going to read this or not, but I promise I am not trying to brown-nose my way to a raise). 

Nydia has an optimistic, yet reality-grounded, business-savvy mindset about her. Considering all that she has taken on and all that needs to be done now that she is here, one might think she would get overwhelmed or become so focused that the personal relationships with us, her team, would be put on the back burner. That’s what’s different about Nydia; that is in fact the blessing of Nydia. 

One of Nydia’s first tasks when she came to our team was setting up times to meet with each of us once a week as a way of touching base and making sure that she knew what we were doing and what we needed. She has struck a refreshing balance between professional working relationship and personal care.

Knowing that I am seen, listened to and taken seriously while still being cared for by my superior is that much more motivating. In a nutshell … she is my hero.

In other news: The “Twinkie Project” is coming along wonderfully. Is the secrecy driving you crazy yet? I hate to break it to you, but I want it to. I want this not-knowing to keep you coming back. It’s all a part of my master plan … *evil laugh*

*scratching chin with a furrowed brow, in deep thought*

I think that’s it. Those are the most serious updates and news flashes this side of the Mississippi. 

For your consideration: Did you know that the phrase “Fear not” appears 365 times in the Bible? Once for each day of the year. Maybe He’s trying to tell us something …

My prayer for your heart and mine:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
- Romans 15:13 (ESV)

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Like I said, I really, really like this time of year.

But, for all of its constants and familiarities, this time of year also brings about change. I’m getting better at accepting it . . . but I still don’t like it. 

Change means that things that you have always known to be, things that are comfortable because of their consistency, suddenly become different. As in, they are no longer the same. Big and small, professional or personal, things evolve. 

For example, my job.

As of December 1, 2008 (*insert Jaws theme music*) I am under the directional supervision of Curtis Fletcher. This means a number of different things. 

For starters, I will no longer be “on the web team.” Tragic. I will be a part of the “donor services team” helping with tactical assignments as needed (I don’t really even know what that means, but it’s what I have been told). 

More importantly, I will be working more closely with Curtis as we start to shape “the program” for its launch. Most of my time and energy will be placed here as details get clarified and we are able to move forward. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What is this program about? And when is it launching?” 

I’m sorry to tell you, but I’m still not at liberty to say. The web team, though, during a highly critical and important meeting, code named it “The Twinkie Project.” 

I can’t tell you why we named it that. No really. I have no idea. It has zero relevance.      

What I can tell you though is this: Curtis has written a job description specifically detailing my role, responsibilities and the minimum amount of time that I will continue to be needed as a temporary employee for this position. 

I have six months, at least. I’m going to be here (securely) for the next six months. 

*big-wide-eyed-stare*

Allow me to clarify why this is such a BIG deal. As you may recall, while I was on the web team, my contract was renewed, based on current necessity, at the end of every month. That is to say, I had no guarantee of employment beyond the 30 days I was given at a time. But God, in His infinite sovereignty and providence, continued to reopen the door every month. 

As I was recovering from my intense relief and celebration after receiving the six-month-security-news, it dawned on me: Perhaps the Lord finally got tired of the same ‘ol prayer and decided that if He gave me a six-month stint, I’d shut up. 

It worked. Sort of.

Currently, instead of praying for a job, I’m praying for other things; things that perhaps have a heavier eternal weight, things like my heart. 

During Thanksgiving (which I spent at home in hot and humid Texas), I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with one of my many precious cousins. Her name is Katrina, and she is a teacher in Austin. I met her long before she ever became a part of the family (by marriage) and she has long been a hero of mine.

She is beautiful. I mean really, really good-looking. But more captivating than her emerald green eyes is her passion and fervency for the Lord. I don’t use those words lightly. I have met few people who, in spending a measly five minutes with them, share just how much they are learning, being challenged, and are asking the Lord to continue to refine and change them.

I don’t know what your experience is with “refinement.” Mine is that, despite the fact that it is necessary and always better on the back-end, you have to be either really stupid or really holy to go asking for it. 

But that’s Katrina. Really holy.

As she shared with me the ways in which the Lord has been shaping her and showing her who He is and who He wants her to be, I became convicted. And I really hate that. 

“I want to go there in my walk,” I thought to myself. “I want to be stretched to new limits and shown new truths about who I am in Christ.” 

The only thing is . . . it could get messy. It will probably be hard. It will undoubtedly be uncomfortable. I will most likely have to confess and accept things about myself that I don’t like, that I don’t want to deal with. I will assuredly have to unpack baggage that I have been toting with me, partially out of habit, partially out of a need for security. And by security, I actually mean insecurity. Just to clarify.

As I wrestled with myself on the flight back to Denver, I decided that, difficult or not, it would be worth it. I’m ready to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before . . .” me (Hebrews 12:1b, ESV). 

Run with me this Christmas. As we welcome the New Year, welcome the change that the Lord has in store.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Since we met last, progression on the program has been both productive and sluggish.

Productive in that meetings are set, conversations have been had, and a “plan of action” has been made so that strategic and tactical steps can be taken. 

In the same way, it seems as though little has been accomplished because those all important meetings are not scheduled until later this month to the availability of personnel who have extensive traveling schedules. Unfortunately, patience is not a virtue I possess. 

The conversations, though, have provided the encouragement and affirmation I have needed. Let’s start with the most exciting one.

Compassion Experience Director Scott Barnes has hopped on board with Curtis Fletcher and myself and has been a great help in making contact with field countries. I have met with him on a number of occasions to discuss potential countries that would be open to the idea of our program.

About a week ago, he e-mailed a director in a country of interest to ask them to prayerfully consider coming on board with us and accepting the invitation to be the pilot country for the program. Scott said we would hear from them in a couple of weeks.

A few days later, we received a phone call from the country director saying that he loved the idea and wanted to be a part of it. He’s all in. I don’t know how else to say it, but this is kind of a big deal. 

Then there is the other conversation . . . the one about me.

Curtis, Chris and I had a meeting in my office (and by office I mean cube) to discuss where I belong and to whom I belong. Because Chris has his plate full with “web stuff,” and the web component of this program is only a small fraction of the program’s overall reach, there is only so much guidance and assistance that he can continue to give with regards to this program. 

This means that that the program is more technically a “project,” which now places the program — as well as myself – under Curtis’s supervision. This is good news. Let me explain why.

In terms of finding a potential, more permanent home here at Compassion, there isn’t an open position within the web team. While I love this team dearly, continuing in it would not be conducive to running the program.

However, coming under the supervision and department of Curtis would allow me to continue working on the project as well as a few other items that my skills may be better suited for. 

In addition, Curtis is looking to hire about four new positions over the course of the next several months. Optimistically, should the program be successful after the test and is made a yearly event, a full-time position would be needed to maintain it. 

Enter your’s truly.

None of this is a guarantee. I’m well aware of that. But what makes it such a blessing is that I am wanted here. Chris, Curtis, and others want to see me stay here; they want the project to be successful, and they are advocating for me to be a part of it. That is a priceless feeling. 

Working closely with Curtis has been a tremendous honor. He is brilliant without being arrogant and has taken ownership and control of the project without being domineering. There are still elements that are intimidating to me, his rank being one of them. 

But he has been more than a superior. He has been a wonderful teacher. He has taken time out of his schedule, which is normally booked, to get to know me, challenge me, and encourage me. He is a great listener, and a kind counselor. Best of all is his sense of humor, which has impeccable timing.    

Knowing him has been an honor in and of itself. Working with him is a privilege. I’m looking forward to the months to come.

I’ll keep you posted. 

On a side note, I have recently created my own personal blog and would love for you to visit! I would like to get to know you and would enjoy the opportunity to read your blogs as well.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Curtis Fletcher informed me before I left on Thursday that he would be attending the entire cabinet meeting as a representative for Rick Davis and would be presenting the proposal on my behalf. Curtis also said he wouldn’t be able to let me know how the presentation went until the meeting was completely over. Needless to say, I was a bit restless from noon to three when he finally called.

“Hello?”

“So, do you want the good news or the bad news?”

“Bad news first.”

“Everyone was there except for a woman that we need for a unanimous decision.”

I stared at myself blankly in the mirror, and cocked my head to one side. Not bad, I thought. I had prepared myself for the worst.

“And the good news?” I asked with eyes closed.

“They love it and want to do it. Now. They fully approve and are ready to put the proposal into motion.”

I couldn’t bring myself to respond right away. I was shocked, overjoyed, and overwhelmed at the news.

“Oh my word… Thank you… I… huh, oh my goodness… Really? This is amazing. I mean, it’s unbelievable.” I continued to hem and haw, stammer, and fumble over what to say.

“We’ll have some meetings when you get back to start putting together a plan of action for Phase I. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

I hung up my phone and, with the help of a close friend, did what any girl would do in my case… jumped up and down and squealed at decibels only dogs can hear.

The rest of the weekend was a beautiful blur of wedding bliss, reunited friends reminiscing about years past, and coffee in the kitchen at sunrise with my grandparents.

In all honesty, I know of no other way to describe it than to say it was romantic. I felt completely swept off my feet; I saw my home in an entirely new light; an ever-present safe haven, a constant refuge and always open door.

While there, I had my Bible with me, in my purse, but I never actually read it.

I wonder how many others, like myself, read it out of habit or obligation because we feel and think that if we don’t, if we miss one day, the presence, blessing, and power of Christ lifts from above us and we suddenly become exposed to the elements.

I say that to say this: in the unintentional event of not reading my Bible, I felt the Lord come closer. I felt His breath on my skin in the gentle breeze in the early morning. I heard His voice in the laughter of my closest friends; I saw His love in the exchanging of vows at the altar.I saw His beauty and majesty in the colors of the Hill Country sunsets. And I was overtaken; completely and utterly intoxicated with His glory and goodness.

This is what I believe He showed me through all of these simple, subtle blessings.

To read His Word is power and life, yes. But to sit with Him in the stillness; to quietly rest on the peace and security of home; to release the burden and bondage of rules and regulations that come with “Christian instruction manual” not found in the back of the Bible, to let God be God …there is life and power in that too. My effort no longer dilutes His work; my agenda no longer disrupts His plan. And I am freed.

And so, over 700 miles away from work, completely powerless to affect the presentation one way of the other, I waited in the precious presence of my friend and we talked about her.

I am by no means a veteran of the selfless heart, but the moments in which the Lord has allowed me to experience the sweet freedom from self have been some of the most peaceful times in my heart and mind.

I thank you, dear reader, for companionship on this journey; for your prayers, encouragement, love and support. The page is turning now, but the story is only beginning. And I want you to be a part of it. Walk with me please; the road is long and narrow and I’ll need a hand.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

After a number of revisions, I presented the business case to Rick Davis, the head of the marketing department. Remember him? His approval and support is crucial . . . and we have it.

The meeting went well; questions had answers, investment costs were justified, and the next steps head forward. Forward to another conference room in front of the child sponsorship program cabinet.

This process may seem as though it’s being drawn out, but in fact, I’m encouraged. I’m at the final step — a presentation to the decision makers from throughout the company who determine how resources are allocated in regards to our country staff and the child sponsorship program.

There’s a glitch though.

The presentation is October 10 at noon. And on October 10 at noon I will be back in Texas helping my friend stay calm and sane before she walks the aisle of matrimony the next morning.

Ironic? Possibly. But probably not. The Lord apparently has something else in mind.

Believe it or not, I’m not upset that I can’t present — I don’t have the right to be that selfish. The creation of the campaign and the progress I have made thus far have all been outside of my own ability or direction anyway. No reason to claim it now. If anything, getting to see it unfold, to witness God move how He wants, when He wants, is more fun.

Knowing that its success is wholly dependent on the Lord’s will and allowance assures me that I can rest confidently in the project’s achievement. No matter when that may be.

In other news, I heard back from HR about the position that I applied for. They gave it to another girl they felt was better qualified. It is an awesome answer to prayers. Let me tell you why.

Thursday, the day before, I was talking with Curtis Fletcher, and I told him that I had applied for the job. He looked at me and asked, “Do you really want that job?”

“Yes.” I replied. “I think I could do it, and I think it would be a good learning experience.”

Apparently I am not very convincing because he looked at me and repeated his question and sure enough I had a different answer. “Sure . . . maybe. I don’t know.”

Friday morning, as I sat in my car in the parking lot, I prayed that the Lord would make it apparent what He would have me to do. I asked Him to speak loud and clear, and to tell me in some form or fashion if I were to accept the position if it was offered.

I know myself pretty well, and I knew that if I were offered the position, even if it wasn’t what I wanted, I would accept out of fear of security and longevity here at Compassion.

I got out of my car, made my way to my office, and answered a phone call about an hour later. “We have given the position to someone else.”

Pretty clear, wouldn’t you say? I’m grateful I didn’t have to come to that conclusion on my own, either. I’m terribly indecisive.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Last week was quite the whirlwind. But oh the productivity! Let me just tell you, we’re moving forward! As you may remember, after delivering the business proposal at the end of my internship, I was asked to write up a business case. For all intents and purposes, the business case is simply a shorter, more-to-the-point version of the proposal that will be delivered to the higher-ups for approval and funding.

I can hardly believe it, but I think it’s going to happen. My idea may be funded. Thanks to your prayers. Special thanks and recognition go out to a gentleman by the name of Curtis Fletcher. I met him last week when Chris set up a 90 minute meeting with him to get his insight and opinion on the business case.

When I walked into the conference room he was already there, nearly ten minutes early, reading/highlighting/taking notes on the draft of the case that I had e-mailed him.

He is every bit of 6 feet, 4 inches, probably taller. He has the build of professional football player: broad, thick, and intimidating. When I walked in, he peered over his glasses with big blue eyes and said “Hello.”

Shockingly, his voice was soft and kind, and a smile broke the concentrated look on his face. Suddenly I felt a little less small.

The meeting went very well. He works closely with those to whom I am writing, and his vantage point helped to enlighten my approach. Finally, I had some clarity on what to say and how to say it.

The biggest answer to prayer came when, at the end of the meeting, Mr. Fletcher offered to help redraft it. “My door is open. Whatever you need, I’ll help you.”

I wish you could have been there because I have a feeling my face said it all. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. I don’t remember what I said, but I remember what I felt. Sweet relief.

With a clarified direction, and the assistance of someone who knows what he is doing, I had a surge of excitement and inspiration. Back to the drawing board I went the next morning and into his office shortly thereafter.

Sure enough, his door was open and his welcome was warm. After some impromptu meetings and even more e-mails, the draft is complete and will be on its way to . . . I-don’t-know-who, tomorrow.

Needless to say, last week was the encouragement that I needed. Call me crazy, but sometimes my faith dwindles when there seems to be a stagnant or presumably idle period of time when, despite work, there is no progress. Can anyone relate? Anyone? Bueller?

Praise report: My “on-call” status has been renewed until the end of October! I am so grateful for the opportunity to stay on board here and to continue working on the campaign. Thank you for your prayers, as I know many of you have kept me in mind. It means the world to me, and I am truly thankful.

Prayer request: I recently had two interviews (for the same position) within the marketing department. I interviewed for the “Advocates Network Assistant” position. I’m excited about the potential and think that it is a position that I would both enjoy and be good at. I was the first of five interviewees. I should know by the end of this week if I get it.

No matter what, I know God is in control and that His plan, whether I see it or not, is good and perfect. He is sovereign, He is faithful, and He is the perfect provider. I am learning to rest in Him, trust in Him, and above all else, abide in Him.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates