Resilience

We are our own agents

They had learned that they were solely responsible for their support and that they should find a way to live off their special abilities and talents, but this time doing something different. In reality, they did not know what that something was, but they were sure that the time would come to do things never thought of.

As time passed, everything became more difficult, getting food was a challenge when the lean season was strongest. But they still had some savings to buy them. That was a concern, but as time passed the situation changed drastically, there was food everywhere, all the shelves were full. However, now the problem was the money to buy it, without work it was impossible.

He and his wife firmly believed in the blessings they could receive if they put in the effort, although they weren’t sure where to start. All the ideas ended up discouraging them more, because economic circumstances were a barrier. It seems that it was time to start your own business, something that in Venezuela is a great challenge.

They were willing to put forth effort, but not before putting their trust in God and asking for guidance to receive inspiration. The two thought they could start a business selling drinking water, in a city that lacked this precious liquid. It seemed like a great idea but the first challenge was getting the water. It was a need that even they suffered.

Digging the hole of faith

After thinking about various alternatives, they decided to open a deep well in the backyard of their house. For many it was crazy, because they lacked the professional tools to dig, but with a shovel and an iron bar they began their work day and night.

They had to dig more than 8 meters to get the water, but this was not certain, because an adequate study was not done to diagnose the exact point. They were definitely steps of faith that allowed them to continue advancing in that work. Days and even months passed before they could get water, a very deep and very dry hole was what they saw day after day. But at last the long-awaited moment arrived, the Gonzales brothers got the first signs of damp earth, it was a sign that the water was near.

A few days later they could see how the water gushed from the well, it was something incredible after so many hard work. Now the challenge was to do the studies to evaluate the quality of the water and to be able to manage the permits. But the hardest part was over.

With great sacrifice they were able to acquire the equipment to purify the water and be able to sell it. The González brothers felt more sure of themselves, their strength to continue after that experience was unquestionable. They were clearly grateful for the blessing that Heavenly Father had given them to have their own business and start generating income to support themselves.

The most surprising thing is that they were an example for many members of the church who decided to open their own wells to mitigate the problem of water scarcity and with Brother González’s experience it was easier.

It had been worth all those days of sacrifice in such a deep hole, but the most important thing was that they were willing to change their perspective on life and be resilient in the face of so many sudden changes. Now I don’t know it was about maintaining their lifestyle, but about surviving in a country where there is no security of anything.

The life of the González family seemed to take a different course than the one they had faced with the loss of their formal job. Now they had a small business that was growing and bearing fruit.

Undoubtedly, now they trusted more in their divine potential and their abilities to face the situations that they had to live in the country. With that vision they understood that being resilient was not more than facing a calamity, but rather the ability to adapt to adversity and in the midst of it, find a path that would allow them to grow temporally and spiritually.

The resilience test

Now they could walk with firm steps without fear of facing failure and with the conviction of passing the tests. Now the Gonzáles brothers are going through a new experience that has made them change their discouraging thoughts.

To my surprise, the Gonzáles brothers dug another well and this time they got water in less time, which allowed them to offer to increase their income and expand their business.

Seeing the effort of this brother and thinking that he spent whole days in a hole looking for sustenance for his family is proof of his resilience. Beyond the situation they were going through, there were feelings of joy and it was all due to their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Personally, I believe that those of us who live in this country want to progress hand in hand with our Heavenly Father. Although we see suffering and grief in ourselves and others every day, we know that we are not alone.

Venezuelans are resilient, brave, risky, bold, happy, strong, helpful, willing to give what little we have to help others. We are sure that God has placed his hand so that we can continue to endure trials with strength.

As well as the Gonzales family, there are many stories that are worth telling, that motivate us to move forward firmly in Christ. Although we continue to be victims of adverse situations and we do not know how long it will last, we are sure that there is a way to have hope, to trust and to understand that only God shapes us.

Reyna Luces

Mrs Luces is available for freelance writing about all things Venezuelan and can be contacted at reynaluces1986@gmail.com