A day of answered prayers, isolation

Yesterday was a day of answered prayers for me and Mama. Our realtor/contractor, Glenn called fairly early in the morning to ask how our money situation was working out. From our discussion a week or so ago, he was aware we were working with the bank to get the funds together to complete the houses and he is at the point that it would only be right to get some money to him for him to continue with the remodeling. He has done a lot of painting, inside and out. The kitchen cabinets in the Dover house look amazing now. So, we are at the point of finishing out the kitchen and bathrooms in both houses and purchasing appliances. I let him know we were still working with the bank and should know something by the end of next week. For now, he is moving to other projects while we work with the bank. As soon as we have the funding settled, he will complete both houses very quickly. He has had several calls from potential renters on the Dover property, so he expects to have it rented quickly upon completion. Possible by July.

Another answer to prayer came as our CPA finally got the financial statement to us. That came to me late Wednesday evening and I immediately forwarded it to the bank. The person I am working with at the bank responded even though it was well after 6 pm. So yesterday, I worked with the bank to move forward with the loan we are asking for to finish the houses and replenish our accounts. We are not asking for much, less than 50% of the value of the properties, but it will be enough for us to re-coop our costs and move forward with completing the houses as well as allow us to continue investing in this very lucrative real estate market. Less borrowed means a significantly lower loan payment. Where we stand right now, if either of the houses are rented, it will more than cover the cost of the loan. If both are rented, we will make significant passive income.

Additionally, I asked our CPA for an electronic copy of our tax return for last year. I got that yesterday afternoon while Mama was out with Grandma and Grandpa. For the first time in several years, we are due a refund for last years taxes. It is not a huge refund, but they owe me and Mama versus us owing them. That was icing on the cake. It was a completely unexpected blessing especially since I had to prepay “expected” taxes through last year on a quarterly basis through 2019. Now, all that money will be returned to me. Praise the Lord! That will not happen again as Mama and I build this business – and as her business grows. But it was a nice surprise.

Lastly, Mama and I got our stimulus payment from the government yesterday. It came as a pre-paid debit card, but we can work with that. I would much rather have had a check I could have put in the bank. Mama and I are praying about that money. We need to spend it wisely in order to get the most we can out if it. That too, is a bit of money that we will not get again. We need to make sure we get the most out of it possible. We have only one chance to do that. Fortunately, there is not particular hurry to spend that money.

Cori let Mama know yesterday that things are bouncing between bad and worse in Honduras. The country is going into strict lockdown again this weekend. They were hoping for the exact opposite. She and Nate have only been allowed to go out to get necessities once every ten days. Those whose number would have come up Saturday or Sunday will have to wait an additional ten days for their turn to go out and buy what they need. Quantities of staples are generally available in the stores when they are able to shop, largely because the Hondurans do not have money available to buy in large quantities. Very unlike our country where people will strip the shelves bare, leaving nothing for others. Most of the population buy their “daily needs” only. Being forced to make a day’s ration stretch for ten days is a true hardship. Something we cannot readily sympathize with. Having no income exacerbates the issue for a large portion of the population. How they are surviving is beyond my comprehension. We may never know the overall effect of this situation, but as is true here, more are suffering from the imposition of forced isolation than are suffering from the virus.

The isolation has gone on long enough that it is difficult to stay positive. No news. No updates. No guidance. Only day by day decisions imposed on the populace. Cori is feeling the strain intensely as she tries to prepare meals with the little they have in the house and as she tries to keep the kids happily ignorant of the hardships imposed during the isolation. A couple days ago, Cori made it to the children’s home for a brief visit and told us that the kids in the home were overwhelmed to see someone new. It has been many weeks since they have seen anyone besides those they are isolated with.

Please continue to pray for them and the ministry there.