The time has come for us to part…
A year and a half ago, we opened the store in town. It is hard to believe so much has transpired in so short a time. Various workers have come and gone. We’ve moved locations. We’ve changed our focus various times. It has been quite the ride.
We opened the store as a way for the ladies here to find work in a safe, Christian environment. At the time of opening, there were four ladies and a family hoping to work at the store. Caleb has been the manager from the beginning while I have been the owner, financier, and board chairman, sort of.
From early on, Esmeralda took a significant role in the store. She has done so very well with the work, and I would be glad to have her as an employee any time. But recently, she has been working alone. With Caleb’s planning to leave in January, we decided a couple of months ago to transition to Esmeralda having full responsibility for the store. Caleb and I have continued to help along the way as needed, and we have met with her every Monday to discuss strategies.
But Esmeralda has decided that it is simply too much for one person. She had found some helpers from town, some who worked a few days, some who worked half a day, and some who never showed up after the interview. After much thought, she decided to step away from the store, a decision that was not easy for her. She struggles with feeling like she failed, but we don’t feel that way. Had she been able to find good workers, the store would still be going today.
That said, last week found us unpacking the store. It was a little sad, but it was also a relief for me. I feel sad that it can’t keep going and that I don’t have the time to make it work. I found my time at the store fun and fulfilling, and when we had two or three workers, it was financially profitable as well. But it will be a relief to remove another responsibility from my plate, especially with Caleb soon gone, leaving me as the only man here.
Caleb and Belinda have done the bulk of the packing and moving, which has been a big help. The building owner has been gracious with us and has caused no problems with us terminating the contract, which is a blessing. We have stored the machines at the little house on the farm for now, and we split the inventory among Caleb’s, us, and the church. I own all the store stuff, but I don’t know what to do with it for now. I think I’ll wait to consider selling it for just a bit.
When Tanner was here, we were already in talks about the possible end of the store. He said that he wished he could stay to keep it going because he enjoyed the times he got to help in the store. Caleb told him to get married and bring his wife back so they could run it together, but I don’t know how quickly Tanner can make that happen. 😁
So, this is goodbye to the store for now. It was a great opportunity that I’m glad we took. We learned a lot, and we met some friends through the experience. The lady, Reina, who has been coming to church is a store contact.
Another chapter closes.
P.S. Weston Slabaugh, formerly of Huaral, presently of PA, came to visit this weekend! It was great to have him here. He helped us with the store move and then preached for us on Sunday. Having a dear friend to just hang out with for a few days was so special!
Juan David 