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Shannon n Paiges Legalization and Living Expenses

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First off, thank you for taking time out of your day to read this gofundme. I never thought I would actually be doing this, but it has come to a point where I need the help of friends and family. Most all of my life I have made choices based off of what others expected of me, and what I thought they would "approve" of rather than be true to myself and make decisions for myself. I have wasted years of my life chasing after the goals and dreams of others, rather than my own dreams and desires. Im not here to sugarcoat anything...I have made horrible decisions in my adult life that has ruined a lot of friendships and connections. I own and accept those choices. I have no one to blame other than myself. 
   Back in March 2020, I came to the decision (after discussing it with Paige) to move back to Terceira, Portugal to be closer to Paiges side of the family and learn how to live a much more simple life. While I had convinced myself that I have enough saved up to be able to make this drastic move (in August 2020), the reality was, I didnt have nearly enough.  I'll admit it, I wasnt fully prepared for the amount of funds that would be needed to set us up, legalization and all. I ended up quickly running out of money and soon started living off the good graces of my friend and her husband. For the past 2 and a half months, they have been footing the bill for everything. This can't continue. I am not perfect by any means, and there is a lot of coulda, woulda, shoulda's, but the fact is, I was unprepared and I need to find a way through this obstacle. I do NOT regret the decision to move here, but I DO regret how unprepared I was. 
   A few weeks ago, I was pleased to hear that our US government had decided to aid once again with a second stimulus check. But that happy news was short lived after I realized that the check was being sent to my old, closed account. Because of this, I now have to wait until I file taxes to be able to claim the stimulus checks as a "recovery rebate". Which pushes off any kind of funds to pay for the expenses of daily living and legalization further out. I am not asking for a hand out. I dont want people to pay for my lack of preparation. What I am seeking, is help to get us through until my tax return (which should hopefully be in about 2 months). The help that would be given on this gofundme, would immediatly be returned to each patron that graciously decides to help us get through this time. 
   Paige and I are literally a few steps away from being 100% legal here in Portugal, which would allow me to immediately start working. I already have 2 locations wanting to hire me as an LNA as soon as I have my resident card. So the struggle is almost over. I just need help crossing this last bridge. I know all of us are struggling during this time, and I dont blame those who can't help, but if you feel compelled to help us, your donation will not be taken for granted and again, will be immediately returned to you once I recieve my tax return.  Please try and remember the times in your lives where you were in a similar situation as I, and remember how all you needed was a helping hand to get you through.

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Shannon Walker
Organizer

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