As I sit down to reflect on a year of transformation, a year of beginning to find myself through courage in pursuit of purpose, it is deeply emotional. Getting here required me to dig deeper into myself than I ever have. One year later, still digging…
Where to start to talk about this year long experience? As some of you know my background is not in food service, the decision to get into this line of business was driven by my desire to find a business that meet two criteria: Close to home, and in a capacity of service. These among others were what guided our decision to open Kaiteur Coffeehouse in February 2007.
I know at the time that many of my friends must have thought that I was crazy for even thinking about leaving a great job to open a Coffeehouse. I have often thought to myself about the many friendships and experiences we would have missed had I not decided to take the leap from paid employment. I wonder how many more we miss because of a fear of failure.
I have been reflecting on the early conversations that I had with many of you and they have served as a great reminder of how far not just the business but our friendships have come. I could populate this entire post with the names of all of you guys complete with the stories of your lives that we have shared. One thing that you have all been unanimous in is your desire to see us succeed and that is both humbling and a great encouragement in the tough times that we have had and certainly will face in year two of business.
We have shared stories and confessions of times when we were at our best and worst and through that honesty I have grown and I’m sure you have too. Many of our guests are older than I am, and some much older and one of the great joys of mine this past year has been sitting and talking with them and in so doing gaining a view into a world that I will never be able to visit. They are called the greatest generation for a reason.
I have never worked anywhere and have scarcely visited any place where there was such a palpable sense of love. However; I can’t say strongly enough that it’s not created entirely by us behind the counter but requires you. It’s your love and genuine concern that makes the difference.
We have had spontaneous “pay it forwards” occur on many occasions this past year. In fact, one of our excellent guests has prepaid for the 1st 25 guests on the day of our Anniversary celebration next Wednesday February 13 saying only that he wanted to be obedient to the Spirit lead decision. These things may seem unusually, and they are, but these are some of the things that have become common here.
Through it all my faith has been a sustaining force with me. It has given me a reason to hope in spite of the circumstances.
I'm asked often if I am the owner of Kaiteur Coffeehouse and have often reluctantly replied, yes. However, the more I think about that seemingly simple question it occurs to me that this is not correct, I may turn on the lights in the morning and turn them off at night (15 hrs or so later), but this business survives and thrives as long as you guys continue to find something of value here. Once it enriches your lives by giving you something to look forward to on your way to work or in the evening to unwind with before going home. You are the passionate advocates for us with your family, friends and co-workers. For all these reasons you are the real owners of this coffeehouse and we won’t lose sight of that in this new year or at anytime in our long future together.
Finally, I want to let you guys know that I open a present every time I see a new post from one of you describing your experience with us, and although I don’t always reply, know that I store your words of encouragement away for the challenging days that come.
From all of us past and present who serve you from the other side of the counter, thank you for making year one of this independent, locally owned Coffeehouse that is passionate about service a success!
Moose
Recent Comments