challenges and taking risks -- words that perfectly describe how crazy my 2013 went. it was a year spent far from what i normally do, and made decisions i never thought i'd engage in. a year of highs and super down lows, i almost lost my sanity. hahaha and that's less any vacation nor retail purchases squeezed in. it felt like bigla akong nagmature with everything i did. so yeah, the year that was should make it in my books...errr this blog rather.
1. started a business
mid part of 2013 when i started to engage in the wholesale and retail of eggs. i rented a space at a newly-renovated and now a lot bigger grocery shop in the city. the daughter of the owner happens to be my friend so it was easier for me to get the spot. it was a great challenge for me to start from scratch, with getting licenses and business registrations to looking for a farm where i should get my goods. i contacted friends from other key cities in mindanao if they could refer a layer farm and also got to interview a relative who sells the same in the local market. without much on my plate, i decided to proceed with the plan. but i think it's really God's provision and faithfulness that i was able to sustain what i had started. months after my initial operation, He introduced me to one dealer in the city who referred me to a good farm and partnered with me in the regular purchase of eggs to davao.
still a lot more challenges, so much more to learn, and getting all the dynamics of it, but i know im on the right track. i felt that i should celebrate this milestone because it is what i have been praying for in years. indeed, good things come to those who patiently wait.
2. had the very first bank loan
i told you i did mature things last year. well, this was actually in connection with number 1. because logistics and transportation is very important in any business endeavor. and so, husband and i made the decision to just loan from the bank the vehicle that we will be using for the business. signing those long and thick documents gave me the feeling that i was a legit businessperson. hahaha as if the tables were turned, when before i used to process applications of clients and let them sign papers, this time i was on the client side.
3. big investment crashed
october of 2013 when we found out the investment we engaged into crashed. it was unthinkable to happen, yet it did. we were at our lowest. it was so painful because it was the probably the biggest chunk of our savings placed in there, and in an instant everything was wiped out. i shall not go into detail about this, talking about it here took a lot of courage for me.
but one thing, i thank God that this happened early on with our lives, we still have the strength and the youth to regain whatever was lost from us. lessons had to be learned the hard way, sometimes.
4. acquired a big property
this for me is a bold move for us. despite the loss when the investment did not succeed and financial condition was poor, we still proceeded to enter into this transaction. as they say, only the one who quits lose. this entailed a lot of sleepless nights if we actually can still afford to have it despite the loss. this is where our discipline and determination came in, because in our minds we cannot allow another opportunity to slip off on us just because the unfortunate thing happened.
so much for 2013, i see a beam of light shining its way for our family this new year. this will be a different year for us. i promise myself to make it fruitful and fun for us. it takes a lot of budgetting, sacrifice and realigning of priorities to make it happen. and i am claiming it to be our banner year. cheers to the bright 2014!!!!
