Can you smell the espresso?

Yes! We are open and even though business is slow at the moment, it's ok. We are getting into the grove. Baked goods are ready, and the coffee master (Tony) is getting faster at making those lattes. The first day of training with eleven students, three made a decision to follow Christ. We are rejoicing at the opportunity that the Lord has given us to disciple these precious young people. They are eager to learn and have great potential. We see a couple who could easily move into a management role at the Garden Cafe in a few months time. Oh! By the way – it’s official! We have been approved as “The Garden Cafe.” Finally!

Our Grand Opening is scheduled for this Saturday, 20 November. We sure appreciate your prayers as we welcome the community into our oasis of peace and refreshment. So far the brownies and cinnamon rolls have been top sellers! Although the banana muffins are surprisingly popular as well. One woman whispered in my ear, “I don’t even like bananas, but that muffin was great! (Thanks, Connie Abendschein). We have set up a small Christmas tree and have a handmade wire cross on the wall below the scripture, “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honour.” God is celebrated in this cafe! No apologies!
We have much to be thankful for. We move into our own little apartment tomorrow and get to unpack our personal things and make it home. The Lord is giving us strength each day for the new things we are learning about running a small business. So many people near and far have contributed to this venture and we truly are blessed!

We will take pictures of customers and trainees soon. Keep your eyes open!

No longer homeless

(I wrote this a few days ago - and forgot to post it) Packed up with nowhere to go! That was my status a few days ago. The strange thing was – I wasn’t stressed like I expected to be. I surprised myself, really. People that helped us pack and clean even commented, “You look so calm.... you aren’t worried about where you’re going to live?”

Three days later. As we sit resting in our friend’s very nice little granny flat, we are happy to say that God has provided every need ... and then some.
Not only have they welcomed us to stay with them for these four weeks, but they will not accept any payment for our stay which includes laundry and housekeeping services. Do you see what I mean about above and beyond our needs. We just looked at a flat that is available in 30 days. It’s one bedroom and a tiny kitchen, living area and bathroom, a nice size covered carport (perfect for running space for Bella), and the price is within our budget!

Tomorrow we sign the rental agreement and put a deposit down on the flat. We are now free to focus our attention on the training cafe. Thank you for your prayers and support. We have received so many words of blessing and encouragement from friends near and far. Although these are uncharted waters for us, we feel the powerful wind of the Spirit filling our sails and guiding each step.

Our needs at the moment are to equip and set up the cafe. We are in negotiations with a coffee supplier for the espresso machine, and waiting for the answer from the catering company for other items. Our target date for opening is November 15th. Can it be done? To be continued....