*My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of the links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
It was summer 2018 when my husband called to tell me there was a big opportunity for us. A small grocery store with a taqueria was up for grabs at a great price. We thought our prayers were finally answered! Without a doubt, God is faithful.
This opportunity was perfect because we both have experience in the retail industry. My husband is a natural leader with sales experience, and I have a finance and accounting background.
For my husband, this was a great investment opportunity, and for me, something I only dreamed of having. When I was a child, I had a grocery playset with a cash register, and to this day I love everything about being a cashier and handling money.
My son was not that excited; he preferred to stay for many reasons–couldn’t blame him!
Nevertheless, we took that leap of faith and quit our 9-5 jobs to become entrepreneurs. We headed up north to Wisconsin to open up the store. What would happen after was only a matter of time.
Everything happened so fast
The first three months were brutal. We didn’t have a place to stay, we used free hotel nights, sparingly, and the rest of the days we drove back home– two hours each way. Our days quickly consumed with long hours at the store, and long commutes. Do you see why I say it was brutal? But, God moved.
As we started to meet friendly people from the community, a lovely couple offered their RV Camper they were not using. We were hesitant at first because we didn’t want to be an inconvenience, and also hopeful of getting a call from the landlord where we filled out a rental application. We were growing tired of the long commute, so we swallowed our pride and let them help us. What a relief! We didn’t have to worry about driving and falling asleep behind the wheel. Those nights were the scariest! But, God protected us.
September rolls around, and the evenings started to get chilly in the RV. Let me tell you something; if there is something I dislike the most IS cold showers! Fortunately, we didn’t have to suffer that long. We finally got a call from the Landlord that our application was approved. We handed the security deposit and it was a done deal. By October 1st, we had settled into our new townhouse.
We managed to run a business for half a year now. Working seven days a week we hardly had any rest. Not only did I have a 40+ hour job at the store, but I was also handling the bookkeeping of the business, and juggling college on top of that. If it weren’t for our employees, I don’t know if I would have survived! I am grateful for the hours here and there that I was able to get away from the store but I have a new respect for small business owners and other Latinos with stores who’ve been around for years.
Ring in the New Year
It felt like the dust was finally settling, we started 2019 with a celebration, but with it, new challenges waiting for us.
In February, my husband was doing the usual merchandise pick-up from the Chicago Marketplace (near Pilsen). I was at the store during the busy lunch hour. When all of a sudden, I get a call from him that he was feeling sick. Somehow he managed to pull over before the onset of severe vertigo characterized by spinning sensation and motion sickness. I had him on the phone the whole time and remembered feeling helpless. He was alone. Even writing about this brings back all of the anxious feelings– it was awful! But, God was with him the whole time. Every single detail from the timing of the event to the people who helped, the ambulance, the hospital, everything was meticulously planned out by a loving God.
When I least expected it
I get a dreaded phone call from the High School. My son was caught buying marijuana at school. My heart fell to the ground. We sat with the police officer and Assistant Principal while my son giggled because everything seemed funny. He got an out of school suspension for 5 days.
I also had the responsibility to drive him to the police station to get his fingerprints taken for his juvenile record. My heart shattered. I wanted to pretend this was only a dream–I really did!
I couldn’t even point fingers because this was partially my fault. Why? I was “not there,” my priorities had shifted. You see, parenting is a divine calling–if we lose sight of this, the world will step in for us.
It is a waste of time to get up early and stay up late, trying to make a living. The Lord provides for those he loves, even while they are sleeping. Know this: Children are a gift from the Lord, a reward from a mother’s womb.
Psalm 127 ERV
I felt like the Lord gave me an understanding of the real meaning of chasing after riches and material gains. Like the verse says, it is pointless, a waste of time because our time is precious. If God blessed you with children, make a great effort to spend quality time with them every day.
Related: 3 Tips for Parenting a Child with Depression
One year anniversary
The time came to plan our Fourth of July activities. My husband and I decided that it would be nice to do an employee cookout to recognize their commitment. We went to Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, where we climbed more than 80 feet and glided around a wooded landscape by a harnessed zip-line. When we finished our tour, the last stop was picturesque. I looked into the horizon and couldn’t help but feel grateful for God’s faithfulness. This event marked our first anniversary–we made it!
Before the start of the school year
My son got sick. What looked like a common cold led to severe fever and loss of consciousness.
At dawn, a loud thump woke me up. I walked out and didn’t see anything out of place, so I walked back to my bedroom, but knew something was not right, as I was closing the door, I felt a nudge to check the hallway bathroom. On the floor was a black shadow. I turned on the lights and saw my son lying there. My eyes opened in panic, and I called out to him. He responded, but his pale complexion was not healthy. Then, God moved.
On this particular day, my husband would go for merchandise; somehow, he got delayed and never left. When I called him on my way to the hospital, he was still in town and met me there. My son got admitted and had an IV put in, but he was in the most excruciating pain because of the IV. I dont know if he was severely dehydrated or his fear of needles that caused the pain. I am grateful that my husband got held back because he was able to help me open the store while I cared for our son. When I reflect on this day, I wasn’t sure if my son would live, but God is faithful.
Our next decision
About a month later, we received an unexpected text from a potential buyer. She was looking to start her own business and was interested in purchasing a store. My husband thought it would be a good idea to sell. Opportunity only knocks once! She agreed. We felt at peace knowing the business would remain in her family– they have a long history of running grocery stores. We figured if we didn’t do it now, there may not be another buyer any time soon.
Time to leave
With two months left of 2019, we organized our departure. The year ended and with it this season of our lives. One thing I am certain of is God’s faithfulness.
Everyone thought we were crazy for leaving our jobs, but that doesn’t matter because we gained so much more. You may feel that we had terrible events, and I won’t disagree, but experiencing Jesus makes it all worth it. I look back and, without a doubt, felt the love, protection, and faithfulness of God. My faith tripled during these trials because the only thing I could cling to was God.
Interestingly, I read John Ortberg’s book before we left for Wisconsin, and never imagined how things would unfold. In the book, If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat, the author invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone. Out on the risky water of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God. The experience is terrifying, and thrilling beyond belief. It’s also everything you’d expect of someone worthy to be called Lord.
Feel free to share how you’ve seen God move in your life recently.
♥ Blessings!
