Jul. 16, 2009~ Tough week with tough decisions to make ~
This has not been a banner week for us at the bakery. We usually keep pretty busy producing bakery items for our customers, but this week started with only one order to be filled, which meant that we had to lay off thirty-two employees on Tuesday. Without orders to fill, we cannot pay loans, taxes, rent, and suppliers. We are in a pretty horrible situation right now and can only believe we got snagged by the recession (depression) that is plaguing our sluggish Indiana economy.
This situation makes DH and I feel like failures. We have been in the bakery business for almost twenty-nine years and have survivied several recessions in that time period. In the past three days, we have experienced shame, guilt, loss, and depression. DH, who is known for optimism, is feeling like the bottom has fallen out. But, we love each other and are communicating about how we feel, which helps us stay close during this storm.
We have to consider our options and they are not pretty to look at. The word "bankruptcy" has not entered into our working vocabulary until now. The bank will take our assets, and except for our home, there isn't much to take. We are seeing a lawyer tomorrow to go over what is what. I pray alot. If you think about it, could you send a prayer up to Heaven in our names?
We just received two orders for product. One from a cutomer that owes us money...if he would pay on time, then maybe we wouldn't be in as much of a mess? It's hard to say. We have a meeting this afternoon with him and don't know how that will come out. My hopes went up to see these orders but they probably aren't enough to dig us out. Our suppliers will want us to pay up front for the ingredients. I'm just a mess with emotions. Shutting down will be so hard.
Praying. Though we have never owned a business, and I know this is different, when Paul was laid off last Thanksgiving, it was so hard. But we were just talking the other day how much the Lord has blessed us with the janitors job at our church. He's getting paid more than he was, and he was actually paid the other day to walk around with me and help with VBS. How cool is that? :) Now, this isn't the perfect job, no benefits what so ever, and we know it's not going to be forever, but we also know that the Lord has blessed us with it, and will continue to watch over us. Is it easy? No, but it's all we can do.
You are not failures, and you have done great. The Lord is not surprised by this, and He always knew this time would come (regardless of how it ends up). It sounds like you are doing all you can, and in those practical things, you are trusting in the Lord, I don't know what else can be done. He will lead you both, and who knows what new adventures the Lord might have for you? Maybe some new direction with the bakery, who knows? All I know is that when the Lord is in it, it will be great. Maybe not easy, or what you originally thought, but with God, all things are good.
Please know I'm not saying any of this lightly, and I can't even imagine what you are all dealing with. But you are in my prayers. And I do pray that if need be, some new adventure will come your way. :)
Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
I love you. God loves you even more and I know He will get glory through this situation.
Jenn
Ohhh my sweet friend. I am soooooo sorry I missed this. I didn't know the details but Jenn had breifly said you were hitting hard times but I didn't know how hard. I will lift a prayer my dear friend. I know prayer is the biggest thing I can do but I wish I was there to take you out for a coffee and be a listening ear. But I can still be that if you ever want to email me. I am here for you even if I am MILES away.
Sending you the BIGGEST ((((((HUGS))))))) I can give.
In Him<><
-Mary
I am not a home educator, but am very proud of my daughter, jenn4him, who homeschools my three precious grandchildren. I admire you all. Thank you for being my source of inspiration.
May God Bless You,
Mama Karen
