Over the next several weeks, we have three exciting Roots updates to share with you. After years of praying, planning, and preparing, the vision of the Roots Project became a reality in August of 2018 when the Roots Home officially opened its doors for the first time, welcoming six children to their new home. As the Roots Project launched, Charles Currie served as the Director of Roots, and he and his wife, Ally, served as house parents from the time we opened the doors until their departure from Sierra Leone in February of 2020. Since that time, Charles continued to serve as the Director of Roots working closely with our in-country staff.
2021 brought a shift in the leadership of The Roots Project. Because of other time commitments, Charles stepped down as the Director of Roots in 2021. We are grateful for the time he committed to The Roots Project and his dedication as he helped to build it from the ground up in Sierra Leone. The Roots Project grew in many ways thanks to his leadership.
We are excited to introduce Sheri Barnett as the new Director of Roots. First traveling in 2010, Sheri has served as a team leader and board member for many years. She has a heart for TRS and leads with excitement and passion. In the fall, Executive Director, Lori Pyle, reached out to Sheri about taking on this new role with The Raining Season. After much prayer, Sheri truly felt called to this new position, hearing God say, “You’re not doing this; we are.” Sheri is excited about this new opportunity and dove in with love and purpose. Since her first trip in 2010, Sheri shared, “I have always had our kids’ back, but I also knew that there was more.” As Director of Roots, she will have the opportunity to continue her impact in the lives of our kids. She also shared, “The Raining Season is such a blessing for our kids and myself. Through the Roots Project, we are going to figure out the best paths as well as God’s plan for these kids.”
Sheri began her new position as the Director of Roots in September learning and observing. She led her first official Roots Team meeting with our staff in Sierra Leone at the end of January. As the Director of Roots, Sheri will work with our Roots staff in Sierra Leone and serve as a liaison for the team in Sierra Leone. She will take what the staff needs in Sierra Leone to our U.S. leadership, including our Executive Director, the board, and the U.S.-based Roots committee.
Looking to the future of The Roots Project, Sheri continues to reflect on Psalm 1:3, “They are like trees planted by the water, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Sheri noted that like a tree, our kids did not choose their hardships or challenges, but The Raining Season has enabled them to grow, and they can thrive despite any circumstance. TRS provides for them and will continue to provide what they need as they discover what path they will take.
As a new chapter for the Roots Project is unfolding, our commitment to the kids and the Roots Project remains the same. We are looking forward to sharing an update on what has been happening at our two Roots Homes (including some VERY exciting news) next week!
Many blessings,
The Raining Season