MERIDIAN -- There have been some new developments involving the leader of the Haiti missionaries. We are learning more about Laura Silsby.
Not only did she not have the papers necessary to cross the border legally, but she didn't have experience running an orphanage.
Was she in over her head?
She's been described as the consummate go getter. A single mother who started her own business -- and helped disadvantaged children around the world.
“She has a way of getting what she asked for,” said Bryan Jack.
But Bryan Jack, a manager at Laura Silsby's Idaho company says she also has another reputation with several employees.
“Mainly comes down to promising a bill of goods that were never delivered,” said Jack.
Silsby is facing deep financial problems. The bank foreclosed on her home, and her business -- an online retailer, once thriving, has been the target of numerous lawsuits which allege she's been delinquent with payments.
Employee Bryan Jack filed suit just this week complaining he'd been told repeatedly he'd be paid for back wages, but wasn't.
Silsby's world was closing in as she left Idaho for Haiti. That may help explain why the mission was so disorganized.
Many have wondered why for such an ambitious mission, she and the group failed to clear the most basic hurdles -- such as paperwork to transport Haitian children, and registration as an adoption agency.
“In my heart I think she probably went down with good intentions to help people in trouble. But it's a lack of foresight in planning-once again. She did that in her business life and seems to follow in personal life,” said Jack.
This is what Silby told CNN shortly after being taken into custody.
“We know the truth ultimately is that we came here to help the children and we know that God will reveal truth and we are praying for that and trusting him. Because we came here knowing that this was his mission not ours,” said Silsby.
As the questions began to mount in recent days her church pastor came to her defense. CNN asked whether he had any concerns about Silsby never running an orphanage.
“Is that problematic?” asked CNN.
“Well, you know, we're talking about a mom for one thing. And she's raised children. We're also talking about a woman who has been a businesswoman-so the idea of knowing how to run a business-all of that was already in place,” said Pastor Clint Henry.
In 2006, Silsby won an award from a national women's business group. The committee made note of her charitable work saying she'd given hope to countless families around the world.
She is also a respected member of her church. And that's why several members jumped at the chance to join her in establishing an orphanage.
They were actually asked if they would like to help. When they were asked they both said “yes.”
Sean Lankford's wife and daughter volunteered to go with Silsby just a few days before leaving.
“I know their character. I know they did not believe that they were not doing anything illegal. I absolutely know that would stake life on that,” said Lankford.
Now, the question is whether their leader led them down an illegal path.
