Blessings Through Metal and Wood
As we closed out February, we saw additional infrastructure additions and updates and the finalizing of our furniture orders, which will begin being delivered throughout March. In Nepal, everything has to be custom-built and ordered to specification. You never think of all of the micro-decisions that go into opening a cafe like this but there are seemingly hundreds of little decisions that mount up.
One thing we are incredibly grateful for in all of this work, however, is the blessing we have been able to provide to the many, many workers who have worked so hard to build this cafe. Workers who have become close friends. Workers who have become personally invested in seeing this cafe be a success. Workers who come of their own accord now to help in whatever way they can to move this project forward.
One brother told me “We were struggling this season with no work. We prayed and prayed for God to provide for our needs and, when we were at our lowest point, you called me to ask about doing a metalworking job which has now become an abundance of work for us. It was a direct answer to our prayers and I am so grateful for the work you have provided.”
This same brother has now done our roof, metal partitions, interior painting, shelves, and pergola, fixed our side deck, and has done an incredible job with all. He is now lining up to create ten outdoor tables for our garden area as well. While we have needed his expertise and his renowned integrity in his work, the Lord used us to provide for some significant needs for his family. Another brother had a similar response when I gave him the job of building our door frame and another large shelf: the Lord provided for some significant needs and brought them many provisions through this cafe.
It is these reminders that the Lord is in this project on so many different levels and his blessings can come through so many different means, whether by metal or by wood.
March is lining up to be a busy month but this is what we closed out the month of February having accomplished:
We installed a new wood-frame door, which is a central focus area for our entry. It makes the entire space POP with character!
We had new custom shelves built for our store room.
We saw the installation of our new computer system which is connected to the coffee bar, kitchen area, and our delivery system.
We saw the installation of new metal partitions near our entry way which will create new seating areas on our front walkway and provide a structure for vine growth at the entry of the cafe.
Our gardener completed our plant box in the entryway with both bamboo trees and bonsai trees. Our electrician completed the presentation with some incredible focus lights that illuminate the entry point of the cafe.
We have had to prepare our electrical system for appliances and air conditioning. Since many of our bakery tools have been imported from the US, we need a special voltage regulator to use them. We also need strong battery backup system for the regular power cuts in the city.
