One of the things that I have difficulty processing is dealing with disappointment. We spent 7 months working with the Nicaragua government providing all the information needed to set up a corporation for a cabinet shop. We finally received approval in December and then this year we have had to deal with a few unexpected changes to the original plan.
For years, we have allowed the boys in the vocational carpentry program to take home the small projects that they made in class. Often times, whenever they completed an item and took it home, they never returned to class. The item was a stool, very basic and could be beneficial to them, but there was always so much more that needed to be learned in class. The classroom was a constant turn over in students.
Our original vision was to have a cabinet shop associated with the carpentry school in order to sell the items that were made in class. The shop would teach the boys about business management, provide income for themselves and a funding avenue for the ministry. We partnered with our local church and they too would receive a portion of the profits. You might remember, that we were operating out of free space that was available in our church with the plans to expand the area for a permanent facility.
Even, with the best of plans, sometimes things change. Because of new programs within the church, our carpentry class space was needed by the church. So, we had to find a different facility. We wanted something with heavy foot traffic, good visibility from the street, and most importantly - affordable. So, disappointment #1 had set in that we were having to move.
We were successful in finding a space that fit all but one of our criteria; heavy foot traffic, check; good visibility from the street, check, check. The most important criteria was a stumbling block. The rent was higher than we would have liked. After some negotiation, the owner agreed to a sliding scale on the rent for the first year. We moved into the space after Easter, painting it, adding additional electrical, lighting and fans.
We have our first commercial contract to build and install cabinets in a kitchen of a custom home for a local builder. We were on our way to what we hoped was a successful business venture for the students and the ministry.
However, disappointment #2 has landed on us. The country is in turmoil. We are in an almost lockdown state and many people are afraid to leave their homes. We have no idea what is happening, the situation changes daily and at times is very grim. Our downtown area was in flames and an entire block destroyed. First and foremost is our safety and that of the boys. We have suspended classes temporarily.
The builder still wants the cabinets for the home he is building. We will devise a schedule that will allow Preston and a helper to proceed safely with the work. Everything about our life seems to be in a holding pattern. Never did we think we would ever be living in an environment that was so unstable.
We ask for your prayers and your encouragement to continue to live and work in Nicaragua without fear.
