SHANNON’S CORNER
Connect. Nurture. Grow.
We did it! We reached our goal of raising $45,000 for 2025. Thank you all for your generous giving and support as we continue providing care to ministry workers and their families around the world.
Three Women. Three Journeys. One Safe Space to Be Seen.
This month, I had the privilege of walking alongside three courageous women in online debriefing sessions. Though their paths were different, each came to the process carrying layers of heartache, unanswered questions, and the quiet ache of grief.
One woman had just completed her time on the field. After years of pouring herself out in teaching in a cross-cultural school, she is now re-entering life in the U.S.—familiar yet foreign. She spoke of feeling untethered, as her identity and confidence as a teacher got shipwrecked and questioning if teaching still her purpose. In debriefing, she named her losses and began to envision how she might carry forward what mattered most.
Another woman had served faithfully for seven years and was preparing to return for another term of service. Her debriefing was less about closure and more about integration—making sense of the hard and holy parts of her journey so far. She unearthed places she hadn’t realized still needed tending: disappointment with transitions, weariness from carrying too much, and the subtle erosion of who she is in the midst of stress and uncertainty. As we talked, she began to notice what renewal might look like.
The third had just completed a four-year term in a different country than she expected to serve in. Nothing had gone according to plan. Disappointment after disappointment after disappointment. Her debriefing was tender and raw. We named the dreams that had died and acknowledged the cost of obedience. She left with more peace—not because her story had a perfect ending, but because it had been witnessed with compassion. What these women needed wasn’t advice or strategy. They needed space. Space to lament. Space to remember. Space to be honest. Space to be whole. Online debriefing provides that kind of space—accessible from wherever you are and grounded in grace and safety.
Debriefing the Goodbyes That TCKs Know Too Well
This month, I had the privilege of debriefing four Third Culture Kid (TCK) siblings who were facing a fresh wave of heartache: their closest friends were moving away. Again. They’d been through this before—farewell parties, promises to stay in touch, the hollow feeling when the door finally closes. But this time it was different. The friends leaving were leaving while the TCKs were here in the US on furlough and visiting family. They were missing out on the last days to spend time with their friends.
In our time together, we slowed things down. We gave words to their pain. We talked about what made those friendships special. We shared silly memories and sad tears. We let the grief be, without needing to fix it. And slowly, something tender happened. There was comfort in being understood without explanation. In feeling seen. In knowing that while people may leave, this moment of care was staying with them. This is the heart of TCK debriefing: 1) Helping TCKs find language for what they feel. 2) Reminding them they’re not alone. 3) Giving them space to heal and grow. Check out more photos and videos join Shannon’s Support Team Facebook Group.
Fun, Friendship, and a Safe Place to Belong
We had summer TCK Connect, meet monthly during the summer months. We had 15 students who joined us for a time of fun, laughter, and hanging out with other TCKs as we played online Yahtzee this month. In my small group, I had four students who shared their highs and lows of the month and prayer requests. Many are traveling right now on furlough or going to conferences so asked for prayer for safety, health, and getting to see friends or family. Most of our students say TCK Connect is the highlight of their month. It’s the place to be.
Life Transitions Coaching with Shannon:
Christian coaching is a Spirit-led, biblically rooted way of coming alongside someone as they listen for God’s voice and take meaningful next steps. As your coach, I don’t give you the answers or try to fix things for you—instead, I hold space, ask thoughtful questions, and help you notice what’s already stirring in your heart. Together, we create room for clarity, courage, and forward movement.
“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24
PRAYER REQUESTS
Praise the Lord for being fully funded for 2025!!! We made it!!!
Praise the Lord for a sweet and precious time with Helmholt Family!
Praise the Lord for two good online debriefs, one finishing her time in the Dominican Republic, other serving in India!
Praise the Lord for visiting and sharing at East Grove Church!
Praise the Lord for visiting with friends and family!
Praise the Lord for a great turnout of students for summer TCK Connect!
Pray for Cherry Run Camp July 26th – August 3rd. I’m teach youth Bible class.
Pray for World Indigenous Mission Youth Debrief (24 youth), Aug. 3rd – 7th, in San Antonio, TX and meeting with team going to Nepal Aug 7th-9th.
Pray for couple debrief on Aug 15th.
Pray for summer TCK Connect on Aug 15th.
Contact Information:
Donate Online! (Follow the prompts)
Mail Checks: World Outreach Ministries, Inc. P.O. Box B Marietta, GA 30061 (Make a check out to WOM & in memo or in a note write Shannon Eaton #783)
Bill Pay: free option via your online banking (Use the same information for checks)
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Shannon Eaton
107 Old York Rd Apt 5
New Cumberland, PA 17070
(724) 967-1437
Email: shannon.eaton76@gmail.com
Coaching: lifetransitioncoaching.shannon@gmail.com
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