The Future of UBean
I have not made a post in a long time because I have been distraught.
May has been a tough month. Earlier this year I learned that the Wahlen's, our dear
friends, would not be returning to the field. They feel that God has
called them to something else. They would be returning for a few weeks
to close their apartment and say goodbyes. I am happy for my friend that
he is still pursuing God, but I was sad that he would not be with me
here in Mongolia on this journey. Then, the day before he arrived, I was
told that the National Office has decided to sell UBean Coffee House. The
reasons are because of the Wahlen's not returning, the uncertainty of
the business market and the financial struggle UBean has experienced
over the last year.
When I first heard, I descended to the lowest point of my life. If I wasn't crying over my friend's/family's uncertain future, I was punching the wall in anger. I could not stay at work, because I would be overcome with grief and would have to leave before bursting into tears. I had to wait to tell them and I could not share my pain. After Erik arrived, we met with our lawyer to discuss options and agreed to tell the staff on a Tuesday night.
During our meeting, Erik explained their call to return to the U.S. and then told them that we would be selling. Understandably, there were tears from staff, but no one seemed angry. Our wonderful lawyer, was also present. She asked everyone to go around the room and share about what UBean meant to them. Then she translated for us. The response was amazing. They showed so much grace that I was embarrassed by my anger. They expressed their love and understanding and felt that this was the ending of a chapter in their lives and a new one would begin. I am so thankful for these people, my friends and family.
Right now, we are preparing to sell the business. It is going to be a busy month. Our official last day is June 30. Jean and I will return as soon as the business sale is concluded and we need to fundraise for our return airfare. Our application is still in process and returning to the states at this time is part of that process. Our journey to Mongolia continues. That is all I can say at this time. Please continue to pray. If you have questions please email them to us rather than discuss them in the public forum. We are happy to share with you.
When I first heard, I descended to the lowest point of my life. If I wasn't crying over my friend's/family's uncertain future, I was punching the wall in anger. I could not stay at work, because I would be overcome with grief and would have to leave before bursting into tears. I had to wait to tell them and I could not share my pain. After Erik arrived, we met with our lawyer to discuss options and agreed to tell the staff on a Tuesday night.
During our meeting, Erik explained their call to return to the U.S. and then told them that we would be selling. Understandably, there were tears from staff, but no one seemed angry. Our wonderful lawyer, was also present. She asked everyone to go around the room and share about what UBean meant to them. Then she translated for us. The response was amazing. They showed so much grace that I was embarrassed by my anger. They expressed their love and understanding and felt that this was the ending of a chapter in their lives and a new one would begin. I am so thankful for these people, my friends and family.
Right now, we are preparing to sell the business. It is going to be a busy month. Our official last day is June 30. Jean and I will return as soon as the business sale is concluded and we need to fundraise for our return airfare. Our application is still in process and returning to the states at this time is part of that process. Our journey to Mongolia continues. That is all I can say at this time. Please continue to pray. If you have questions please email them to us rather than discuss them in the public forum. We are happy to share with you.
Wow...what a blessing in the way the staff responded! What an answer to prayer! Sorry to hear of this difficult transition. Praying for the next steps ahead.
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