Not What I Signed Up For

It’s the new theme that I seem to be hearing from a lot of people. Including myself.

There are some major changes that will occur over the next several months here in the DR that will impact all of us. For one, Brian Wallace, the Director of the program (Manna International) is leaving and heading back to Florida indefinitely. His wife’s (Tammie) father is doing very poorly with his health and the family needs Tammie and Brian to help care through this rough time. Brian/Tammie have been on the mission field for 30+ years, so this is going to be a hard transition in many ways to go back. But, it’s what they need to do to take care of their family. We all admire them for what they mean to us here, but also their willingness to support their family in a time of need. We support their decision, but will miss them.

They are not sure of the future. Brian hopes to continue to work in a capacity that allows him to use his talents, but not sure exactly what that all means.

In the mean time, the work here will continue. We’re in the process of reassigning and reevaluating roles and responsibilities. All I really know is that I’m not sure what I’ll be doing or for how long. I came specifically to help Brian set up an extended training program for young adults. That will not be happening here anytime soon, so I’m not sure how best to use my skills. There are plenty of “openings” but not sure what’s best.

We have new team members joining us in January. Two couple who are currently in language school (Spanish) in Guatamala. Brian and I flew to Quatamala last week to deliver the news of him leaving to them personally, so they could have time to digest, ask questions, and suggest ways they can help. Like all of us, they recognize the great hole Brian & Tammie will leave, but are still planning to come. I’ve greatful for their commitment.

So, things continue to change. It’s such a different world. In America I generally had a direction of where I was headed, and it seems I ended up there, for the most part. I know that may be different for others, but for me, paths were somewhat layed out and achieved. Not here. Not by a long shot.

Every path thus far has changed dramatically. I still don’t see myself in a different “job”; no desire to go back to what I had or was. Just not sure what specific role I will play; where, or when. My hope is that I’ll continue to stick with this. But it’s not what I signed up for.