When Jason and Kristin moved into their “new” apartment last month, the very day they moved, their 25 year old refrigerator died when a hose broke and all the gas leaked out. It was heartbreaking for Kristin as the move was very stressful since the house had so many problems and issues but was the only place they could afford. Imagine life without your fridge, especially if you have a young child. I suppose we just take such an appliance for granted but it is an important one for just about everyone.
We were wondering if or how we should help them with this problem. We have been very careful to not try to solve their financial struggles. This a chance for them to pray and to see how God provides.
Since we went on vacation last week and were a long way away, we wondered what had become of this issue. Well, they ended up going to a local store (Elektra) and getting their first-ever brand new refrigerator. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any money at all to pay for it so they bought it on credit. For them this means instead of paying $4800 pesos (about $370 USD) cash, they are paying $100 pesos a week for 78 weeks. Can you imagine paying 163% the normal retail price for anything?
I feel badly for them but they are just happy to have a good working fridge and feel comfortable paying $100 pesos a week for it…in addition to the weekly amount they’re already paying for the very modest kitchen table and chairs and basic DVD player which after 1 month of use stopped working correctly!
They know they don’t want to live under debt and are trying to find ways to earn extra income to get out from under these things. Maybe I’ll write later about a project with which I’m helping Kristin so she can possibly earn some extra money that would help them with their income needs.
Until then…have you thanked God for your fridge today?
(no…I didn’t say “have you hugged your fridge today?” and if you really want to hug your fridge, then maybe you would be better off without it! ha-ha!)
Knowing Your ABCDs 