Some of you will know this, and many of you may not. A number of years ago, hubby had the opportunity to buy into a new restaurant franchise and he/we opened this restaurant in the north end of Waterloo. The franchisor wasn't doing much to grow the brand or support our efforts and after a few years and a big buyout, we broke the franchise agreement and branded ourselves, now running an independent restaurant in a large location. The area became more developed and more restaurants popped up, and we struggled to hold onto our piece of the dining out pie. We struggled to pay bills - both our own personal bills and those of the restaurant. Eventually, we were forced to close the restaurant or risk losing everything. It is by the grace of God that we still have our home. We have a very supportive church family that helped us through that time, friends and family would show up with food, or with clothes for Sarah, and sometimes the surprises came from strangers used by God. We were humbled and blessed beyond measure and there will be a time when I put this all on a scrapbook page, but not today. TODAY, there is someone else who is in a similar position, and today I have the chance to be the stranger who makes a difference. We are still climbing our way out the debt hole we dug during those restaurant days, but we are comfortable and we can help someone. TODAY, we do that.
There is a family, the mom is a scrapbooker and you may have seen her work around the blogosphere and in magazines. The dad is working, now, but was out of work for long enough that they are in a financial pickle, and risk losing their home. Home to 5 little ones. I urge you to join me in giving. I've been there, I know the stress she's feeling. I tear up at the thought of it. Every little bit will make a difference. I trust you will be blessed in giving, and I KNOW they will be blessed in receiving. It's easy to give, just go here.
May you be blessed and be a blessing today.
Thanks for popping by.
- Ann
