The Low Down . . . Down Low

Alright folks, it’s time for an update; the scoop, this dish, the latest happenings. A little FYI, if you will. Forgive me; my coffee is stronger than normal this morning.

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.