Taylor Perkins with Craveables - Deeper | Thomas Road Women's Life - Episode 5

Hello everyone, I am Hello everyone, I am Mackenzie, and Mackenzie, and Mackenzie, and I am Sue. I am Sue. I am Sue. Welcome back to the Deeper Podcast Welcome back to the Deeper Podcast Welcome back to the Deeper Podcast ! ! ! Wow, this semester is almost over Wow, this semester is almost over Wow, this semester is almost over . Time really passed by quickly . Time really passed by quickly . Time really passed by quickly . I ca . I ca . I ca n't believe it. I could n't believe it. I could n't broadcast yesterday because of the Refuel Conference. yes n't broadcast yesterday because of the Refuel Conference. yes . I have something I would like to share with . I have something I would like to share with . I have something I would like to share with those participating in the study of the Book of Job those participating in the study of the Book of Job those participating in the study of the Book of Job . There is . There is . There is only one week left now only one week left now only one week left now . It's going to . It's going to . It's going to be a really exciting week. It is be a really exciting week. It is the time to bring the Book of Job to a grand finale the time to bring the Book of Job to a grand finale the time to bring the Book of Job to a grand finale . It is finally time for the message we have been so eager to hear . It is finally time for the message we have been so eager to hear . And Jamie is going to And Jamie is going to tell you a secret. tell you a secret. This is exactly what we will study in January. oh! Then you definitely have to come, right? If you are wondering what we will study in January, please be sure to come to Bible study you are wondering what we will study in January, please be sure to come to Bible study . yes that's . yes that's . yes that's right. I'm right. I'm right. I'm looking forward to it too. looking forward to it too. looking forward to it too. And did I mention that we are the Thomas Road And did I mention that we are the Thomas Road And did I mention that we are the Thomas Road Baptist Church Women's Ministry Team Baptist Church Women's Ministry Team Baptist Church Women's Ministry Team ? yes that's ? yes that's ? yes that's right. Yes, we are right. Yes, we are very happy to have our guest, Mr. Su, here with us today. We have very happy to have our guest, Mr. Su, here with us today. We have invited a new person. I’m going to try something a little invited a new person. I’m going to try something a little invited a new person. I’m going to try something a little different different different .

. . Yes, it's Yes, it's Yes, it's fun, right? Today's guest fun, right? Today's guest fun, right? Today's guest runs a business in Lynchburg runs a business in Lynchburg , and some of you may already know them, while others may not , and some of you may already know them, while others may not , and some of you may already know them, while others may not . . . Today's guest is Today's guest is Taylor Perkins, the founder of Cravables Taylor Perkins, the founder of Cravables Taylor Perkins, the founder of Cravables . Hello, . Hello, . Hello, Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor. Hello, Hello, Hello, thank you for the invitation. We are thank you for the invitation. We are thank you for the invitation. We are very very very happy to have you with us. I think happy to have you with us. I think happy to have you with us. I think our listeners and female our listeners and female our listeners and female listeners will like Cray Bubble listeners will like Cray Bubble listeners will like Cray Bubble . . For those who are not yet aware, I will explain in detail what a Cray Bubble For those who are not yet aware, I will explain in detail what a Cray Bubble For those who are not yet aware, I will explain in detail what a Cray Bubble is, what kind of place it is, and so on is, what kind of place it is, and so on is, what kind of place it is, and so on . . If I were to give you a little hint, what do you think they are trying to If I were to give you a little hint, what do you think they are trying to say? You will soon find out, so please say? You will soon find out, so please say? You will soon find out, so please keep watching keep watching keep watching . Mr. Taylor, first, I would like to ask you to briefly . Mr. Taylor, first, I would like to ask you to briefly . Mr. Taylor, first, I would like to ask you to briefly introduce yourself introduce yourself introduce yourself . Could you tell me where you are from, . Could you tell me where you are from, . Could you tell me where you are from, where you grew up, where you grew up, where you grew up, and how you came to come to Lynchburg and how you came to come to Lynchburg ? ? Yes, I was Yes, I was Yes, I was born and raised in Lynchburg. born and raised in Lynchburg. born and raised in Lynchburg. I graduated from Brookville High School. Brookville I graduated from Brookville High School. Brookville I graduated from Brookville High School. Brookville High School is High School is High School is really cool! really cool! really cool! And for a while, I went to Virginia Tech and And for a while, I went to Virginia Tech and And for a while, I went to Virginia Tech and studied human development studied human development studied human development . Back then, I said I would never return to Lynchburg and . Back then, I said I would never return to Lynchburg and leave forever, but eventually, I came back. Lynchburg is a eventually, I came back. Lynchburg is a place with a power to attract people.

place with a power to attract people. It is a really good place. It It is a really good place. It It is a really good place. It has everything, and above all, it is the has everything, and above all, it is the perfect place to settle down and start a family. perfect place to settle down and start a family. I met my husband here, and now I I met my husband here, and now I live in Appermatocks, just outside Lynchburg live in Appermatocks, just outside Lynchburg . My husband is Jake, and I . My husband is Jake, and I . My husband is Jake, and I have a four-year-old son named Bo. have a four-year-old son named Bo. have a four-year-old son named Bo. Ah, Ah, Ah, that's cute. How did that's cute. How did that's cute. How did you meet? you meet? you meet? You mentioned meeting in Lynchburg; was that during high school You mentioned meeting in Lynchburg; was that during high school You mentioned meeting in Lynchburg; was that during high school ? ? ? No, No, No, we met through mutual friends after graduating from college. Well, we met through mutual friends after graduating from college. Well, we met through mutual friends after graduating from college. Well, a baseball team colleague and my a baseball team colleague and my a baseball team colleague and my high school friend got married high school friend got married , and thanks to them, we met , and thanks to them, we met , and thanks to them, we met . . . Ah, I see. That's cool. That's Ah, I see. That's cool. That's Ah, I see. That's cool. That's really nice. really nice. really nice. How long have you been married? I just built the How long have you been married? I just built the How long have you been married? I just built the 5th anniversary 5th anniversary . . . Congratulations. That's really Congratulations. That's really Congratulations. That's really good. yes. good. yes. good. yes. Ah, I see. Then, could you tell me Ah, I see. Then, could you tell me Ah, I see. Then, could you tell me a little about how you came to know the Lord a little about how you came to know the Lord a little about how you came to know the Lord ? ? ? Yes, I Yes, I Yes, I grew up in a Methodist church and was active in Sunday school and youth group grew up in a Methodist church and was active in Sunday school and youth group grew up in a Methodist church and was active in Sunday school and youth group activities. I was also activities. I was also passionate about sports, and since I went to church every weekend, I gradually became unable to go to church as often since I went to church every weekend, I gradually became unable to go to church as often . . . Then, um, when I was 12, I Then, um, when I was 12, I accepted Jesus at church. I've gone off on a accepted Jesus at church. I've gone off on a tangent a bit, but one of my most memorable moments at Cray Bubbles was on the stage of the church where I accepted the Lord when I was 12 years old on the stage of the church where I accepted the Lord when I was 12 years old . It was a really great experience . It was a really great experience . It was a really great experience . yes. That's . yes. That's . yes. That's really cool. I definitely need to hear that really cool. I definitely need to hear that when we talk more about the Cray Bubble when we talk more about the Cray Bubble . By the way, I'm . By the way, I'm not sure if I remember correctly, but you not sure if I remember correctly, but you said you were originally a special education teacher, right? Yes, said you were originally a special education teacher, right? Yes, then did you subtly mention something like that in this region as well then did you subtly mention something like that in this region as well

? ? Yes, coincidentally Yes, coincidentally Yes, coincidentally at Jefferson Forest High School. at Jefferson Forest High School. It's Handley High School's rival school. It was really fascinating at first It's Handley High School's rival school. It was really fascinating at first . I was originally used to shouting 'Go Bees,' but . I was originally used to shouting 'Go Bees,' but now I had to change it to 'Go Cavs now I had to change it to 'Go Cavs .' Yes, I taught in the .' Yes, I taught in the .' Yes, I taught in the special education classroom at Jefferson Forest High School special education classroom at Jefferson Forest High School special education classroom at Jefferson Forest High School for seven years for seven years for seven years . . . Wow, I see. So, what motivated you to want to pursue special education Wow, I see. So, what motivated you to want to pursue special education ? Actually, when I was attending Virginia Tech, I had to do Actually, when I was attending Virginia Tech, I had to do field research field research field research , and I had to , and I had to , and I had to choose one from several options. I did choose one from several options. I did choose one from several options. I did n't really like any of them, but then n't really like any of them, but then n't really like any of them, but then Special Olympics swimming Special Olympics swimming Special Olympics swimming came out. I've been swimming since I was little came out. I've been swimming since I was little came out. I've been swimming since I was little . So I thought, ' . So I thought, ' Ah, this looks easy.' Ah, this looks easy.' Ah, this looks easy.' I thought, 'I need to go swimming.' I didn't really care about the Special I thought, 'I need to go swimming.' I didn't really care about the Special I thought, 'I need to go swimming.' I didn't really care about the Special Olympics part Olympics part . When I first started swimming, I thought, 'I can swim, this will be really easy,' but I knew absolutely nothing about the Special Olympics knew absolutely nothing about the Special Olympics . So I almost gave up . So I almost gave up . So I almost gave up . I . I . I took on the role of swimming coach, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do, so I wondered took on the role of swimming coach, but I didn't really know what I was supposed to do, so I wondered how I could possibly coach how I could possibly coach . But I . But I . But I met some really amazing players there met some really amazing players there met some really amazing players there . They . They . They instilled in me a completely new perspective on life instilled in me a completely new perspective on life instilled in me a completely new perspective on life . Especially when you're a college student, you get . Especially when you're a college student, you get . Especially when you're a college student, you get incredibly worried about even the smallest things, you know incredibly worried about even the smallest things, you know incredibly worried about even the smallest things, you know . However, every time I returned from swimming practice, I . However, every time I returned from swimming practice, I gained a completely different perspective.

gained a completely different perspective. So I realized that I wanted to work with people like this So I realized that I wanted to work with people like this So I realized that I wanted to work with people like this , be a part of their lives , be a part of their lives , be a part of their lives , and be a part of my own life as well , and be a part of my own life as well , and be a part of my own life as well . . . So, So, So, how old were the players you coached? It how old were the players you coached? It how old were the players you coached? It was really diverse. I was there was really diverse. I was there from age 10 to 55 from age 10 to 55 . . . Wow, really? yes Wow, really? yes Wow, really? yes . The age range was really . The age range was really . The age range was really wide. wide. wide. And is this preparation for the Special Olympics And is this preparation for the Special Olympics And is this preparation for the Special Olympics , or , or is it training to participate in the Special Olympics? Are you talking about the Special Olympics program held in Blacksburg? It Are you talking about the Special Olympics program held in Blacksburg? It seems like each city has its own zone, yes seems like each city has its own zone, yes , so we could come to practice and , so we could come to practice and , so we could come to practice and have swimming competitions, and have swimming competitions, and have swimming competitions, and practicing once a week was practicing once a week was practicing once a week was enough. enough. enough. Some children did not participate in the competition, but Some children did not participate in the competition, but Some children did not participate in the competition, but some children did some children did go on to the Special Olympics state competition. go on to the Special Olympics state competition. and. So, and. So, how did you become a special education teacher in Special Olympics swimming how did you become a special education teacher in Special Olympics swimming ? ? After graduating from Virginia Tech, I After graduating from Virginia Tech, I returned to Lynchburg and started returned to Lynchburg and started working at a school for autistic children with severe behavioral problems working at a school for autistic children with severe behavioral problems . I was a behavioral . I was a behavioral . I was a behavioral therapist and, in fact, a teacher, and I was completely hooked on the work therapist and, in fact, a teacher, and I was completely hooked on the work . So I decided to get a . So I decided to get a Master's degree in Special Education online from Liberty University Master's degree in Special Education online from Liberty University Master's degree in Special Education online from Liberty University . yes. I . yes. I . yes. I registered for my first class, and a registered for my first class, and a homeroom teacher position homeroom teacher position opened up at Jefferson Forest High School. Wow, so I thought, 'Okay, I opened up at Jefferson Forest High School. Wow, so I thought, 'Okay, I opened up at Jefferson Forest High School. Wow, so I thought, 'Okay, I should apply right away.'

should apply right away.' I believed that what is meant to be will surely come to pass, and the Lord I believed that what is meant to be will surely come to pass, and the Lord guided me to make it so. guided me to make it so. guided me to make it so. I actually I actually I actually took my first class there and taught, and I took my first class there and taught, and I took my first class there and taught, and I also completed my master's degree there also completed my master's degree there also completed my master's degree there . And while . And while . And while continuing my education online, I continuing my education online, I also obtained an adaptive training course certification from Radford Online also obtained an adaptive training course certification from Radford Online . Yes, . Yes, . Yes, what does that mean? Could you what does that mean? Could you what does that mean? Could you explain it to me? Well, explain it to me? Well, special education refers to special education refers to students who are educated alongside regular classes, but there are also students who are educated alongside regular classes, but there are also students with learning disabilities or those who need additional help in regular classes . Autism students are a special class . Autism students are a special class . Autism students are a special class for students who need more support for students who need more support for students who need more support . These students . These students take classes in the classroom with other peers who have disabilities. take classes in the classroom with other peers who have disabilities. Places such as physical education and the cafeteria Places such as physical education and the cafeteria may be used together with regular classrooms, but may be used together with regular classrooms, but may be used together with regular classrooms, but core subjects and life skills are core subjects and life skills are learned in special education classes learned in special education classes learned in special education classes . That is the . That is the . That is the field I taught. field I taught. field I taught. and. yes and. yes and. yes . Then, how long have you been . Then, how long have you been . Then, how long have you been doing that job? doing that job? doing that job? You said 7 years, right? Yes, it You said 7 years, right? Yes, it You said 7 years, right? Yes, it is 7 years. Did is 7 years. Did you do this at Jefferson Forest University (JF)? Honestly, you do this at Jefferson Forest University (JF)? Honestly, I wanted to stay there forever I wanted to stay there forever I wanted to stay there forever . I really liked it . I really liked it . I really liked it . It was the job I had always dreamed of, but . It was the job I had always dreamed of, but . It was the job I had always dreamed of, but the Lord the Lord entrusted a different task to my heart. My entrusted a different task to my heart. My entrusted a different task to my heart. My students students students come around the age of 14 after graduating from middle school, and if they come around the age of 14 after graduating from middle school, and if they receive special education, they can receive services until the age of 22 receive special education, they can receive services until the age of 22 receive special education, they can receive services until the age of 22 . So, as you can . So, as you can . So, as you can imagine, you become imagine, you become imagine, you become really close with your teachers after just one year really close with your teachers after just one year really close with your teachers after just one year . I taught students for 4, 5 . I taught students for 4, 5 . I taught students for 4, 5 , 6, and 7 years.

, 6, and 7 years. , 6, and 7 years. So we became really, really close So we became really, really close So we became really, really close . Watching the students grow and . Watching the students grow and . Watching the students grow and work hard work hard , Cray Bubbles , Cray Bubbles , Cray Bubbles began. began. began. Everything started from there Everything started from there Everything started from there . Before we talk about Cray Bubbles in . Before we talk about Cray Bubbles in . Before we talk about Cray Bubbles in earnest earnest , what does it mean that you can receive the service until the age of 22 , what does it mean that you can receive the service until the age of 22 , what does it mean that you can receive the service until the age of 22 ? ? It means that while attending school, you can receive guidance from teachers and access various services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Students usually graduate at 18 It means that while attending school, you can receive guidance from teachers and access various services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Students usually graduate at 18 , so does this mean these students , so does this mean these students , so does this mean these students can attend school until they are 22 can attend school until they are 22 can attend school until they are 22 ? Yes, ? Yes, ? Yes, then, just as you said, that became the reason you then, just as you said, that became the reason you then, just as you said, that became the reason you started Cray Beer Bles started Cray Beer Bles started Cray Beer Bles . First, . First, could you tell me what the Craiber Bles are, how it started, and the story of how the Lord touched your heart, just as you mentioned? Although it is a could you tell me what the Craiber Bles are, how it started, and the story of how the Lord touched your heart, just as you mentioned? Although it is a business, the Creavier Bles is a business, the Creavier Bles is a business, the Creavier Bles is a non-profit organization and non-profit organization and aims to provide jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. I am doing this work through ice cream shops and ice cream trucks . . . Oh, that sounds fun. Oh, that sounds fun. Oh, that sounds fun. Yes, we really like it too. Well Yes, we really like it too. Well , as I mentioned, , as I mentioned, , as I mentioned, when students joined as new recruits, they worked when students joined as new recruits, they worked when students joined as new recruits, they worked really hard to master the skills really hard to master the skills really hard to master the skills . I . I . I taught academics, and I also taught things called daily living skills taught academics, and I also taught things called daily living skills . For example, things like hygiene or cooking . For example, things like hygiene or cooking . It is about learning the . It is about learning the . It is about learning the things needed at home or in the community things needed at home or in the community things needed at home or in the community . And when I turned 22 and . And when I turned 22 and approached graduation, I had to have difficult conversations with my parents . By the time the students were about to graduate , we talked about what realistic goals they had , we talked about what realistic goals they had , we talked about what realistic goals they had . This . This

does not mean that people with intellectual disabilities cannot go to college or vocational school. However, the students I worked with in the classroom were not like that students I worked with in the classroom were not like that students I worked with in the classroom were not like that . They . They . They always needed someone's help in their living environment always needed someone's help in their living environment always needed someone's help in their living environment . . . So their main goal was So their main goal was So their main goal was something meaningful and purposeful something meaningful and purposeful something meaningful and purposeful . They decided to focus on work that, . They decided to focus on work that, . They decided to focus on work that, even if not a regular job, would allow them to look forward to the future, even if not a regular job, would allow them to look forward to the future, even if not a regular job, would allow them to look forward to the future, regain their dignity, and regain their dignity, and regain their dignity, and find a purpose in life again find a purpose in life again . However, there was no educational environment suitable for my students no educational environment suitable for my students no educational environment suitable for my students . There was no place to help them . There was no place to help them . There was no place to help them learn skills and use them independently learn skills and use them independently , and there was no one around to help them when unfamiliar situations arose or unfamiliar situations arose or unfamiliar situations arose or difficulties occurred in the community or at work difficulties occurred in the community or at work difficulties occurred in the community or at work . . So we thought we could do nothing So we thought we could do nothing , and then , and then , and then the Lord gave me the inspiration in my heart that 'we the Lord gave me the inspiration in my heart that 'we must solve this problem must solve this problem must solve this problem .' So, .' So, .' So, our two special education teachers, our two special education teachers, our two special education teachers, Jeanie Weaver (our president) and Jeanie Weaver (our president) and Jeanie Weaver (our president) and Jefferson Forest Jefferson Forest Jefferson Forest High School, were still teaching High School, were still teaching High School, were still teaching , so we remained at the school.

, so we remained at the school. , so we remained at the school. So, we put our heads together, So, we put our heads together, So, we put our heads together, formed a small board of directors in 2023, and formed a small board of directors in 2023, and formed a small board of directors in 2023, and made this decision. "Let's not only made this decision. "Let's not only employ our students and those with special educational needs employ our students and those with special educational needs , but also continue to , but also continue to , but also continue to teach them, develop their abilities teach them, develop their abilities teach them, develop their abilities , and, above all, , and, above all, , and, above all, communicate with the community to communicate with the community to create something that allows them to showcase their talents." create something that allows them to showcase their talents." That's a really great idea. And it has to be something the That's a really great idea. And it has to be something the That's a really great idea. And it has to be something the local community needs, right local community needs, right local community needs, right ? Hmm, ? Hmm, ? Hmm, nothing comes to mind right now, but nothing comes to mind right now, but nothing comes to mind right now, but Cray Bubbles Cray Bubbles Cray Bubbles is a snack that everyone likes. yes that's is a snack that everyone likes. yes that's is a snack that everyone likes. yes that's right. yes yes. right. yes yes. right. yes yes. So, what made you decide to open an ice cream shop So, what made you decide to open an ice cream shop ? I know there are similar places elsewhere; a coffee shop called BT & Boss that I follow on Instagram coffee shop called BT & Boss that I follow on Instagram also operates in a similar way also operates in a similar way also operates in a similar way . What led you to open an ice cream shop . What led you to open an ice cream shop ? ? Our high school had a coffee shop where students Our high school had a coffee shop where students Our high school had a coffee shop where students could practice vocational skills could practice vocational skills could practice vocational skills . However, the . However, the . However, the students didn't drink coffee students didn't drink coffee students didn't drink coffee , so they were , so they were , so they were n't very interested because of the caffeine n't very interested because of the caffeine . Furthermore, pouring hot coffee . Furthermore, pouring hot coffee . Furthermore, pouring hot coffee and handling the machine were and handling the machine were not tasks the students liked either. So, ' What do students really like?'

What do students really like?' What do students really like?' I thought about it. Whenever there was something to celebrate, they would throw an I thought about it. Whenever there was something to celebrate, they would throw an I thought about it. Whenever there was something to celebrate, they would throw an ice cream party ice cream party ice cream party . And when I . And when I thought about spending time with my family, I realized I really love going to the beach and thought about spending time with my family, I realized I really love going to the beach and eating ice cream eating ice cream eating ice cream . You . You . You don't even need to handle hot machinery. don't even need to handle hot machinery. don't even need to handle hot machinery. At the time, I asked the students, ' At the time, I asked the students, ' At the time, I asked the students, ' What is your favorite ice cream?' If you What is your favorite ice cream?' If you What is your favorite ice cream?' If you ask, they will list out the toppings and ask, they will list out the toppings and ask, they will list out the toppings and types one after another types one after another types one after another . So we . So we thought we should try doing something that students really like and can touch and participate in with their own hands thought we should try doing something that students really like and can touch and participate in with their own hands . So we . So we . So we chose ice cream and chose ice cream and named the company 'Craveables'. If named the company 'Craveables'. If you look at the logo, you will see 'ABLE' in you look at the logo, you will see 'ABLE' in you look at the logo, you will see 'ABLE' in capital letters, which capital letters, which signifies people who have only one disability but possess exceptional abilities signifies people who have only one disability but possess exceptional abilities . So we . So we call them 'competent employees'. I like ice cream and I like sweets, I like ice cream and I like sweets, I like ice cream and I like sweets, but what is more important than anything is that I yearn for a but what is more important than anything is that I yearn for a community that supports these people community that supports these people . And we . And we want to provide meaningful employment opportunities to students and employees. That is a great vision. However, I do n't think you ever mentioned having experience in retail or the food service industry.

n't think you ever mentioned having experience in retail or the food service industry. What kind of experience was it What kind of experience was it What kind of experience was it ? Or have you had such an experience ? Or have you had such an experience ? Hmm, ? Hmm, ? Hmm, not exactly. I not exactly. I not exactly. I worked as a lifeguard when I was young worked as a lifeguard when I was young worked as a lifeguard when I was young , and after that, I was a teacher , and after that, I was a teacher , and after that, I was a teacher . And . And . And as I mentioned, since I also participated in the Special Olympics, I as I mentioned, since I also participated in the Special Olympics, I have some experience with non-profit organizations, but I did not have any paperwork at all. I have not have any paperwork at all. I have even less business experience. Well, so even less business experience. Well, so even less business experience. Well, so this was something that would never have happened if I thought about it for too long this was something that would never have happened if I thought about it for too long . However, the Lord touched . However, the Lord touched my heart again, and my heart again, and my heart again, and I said, 'I understand.' If I said, 'I understand.' If I said, 'I understand.' If the Lord guides me, I will the Lord guides me, I will the Lord guides me, I will follow. He follow. He follow. He said that. And the Lord is said that. And the Lord is said that. And the Lord is still guiding me still guiding me still guiding me . Of course, there is still much to learn . Of course, there is still much to learn . Of course, there is still much to learn , and there are many things I need to entrust to the Lord so that He may , and there are many things I need to entrust to the Lord so that He may , and there are many things I need to entrust to the Lord so that He may continue to guide me to where I need to be continue to guide me to where I need to be . However, I had faith and conviction that such a thing would not have happened unless the Lord had placed this opportunity before me and allowed me to give it . I always say, "The . I always say, "The worst thing is that they do worst thing is that they do worst thing is that they do n't have a chance, and giving them a chance only to n't have a chance, and giving them a chance only to n't have a chance, and giving them a chance only to take it away again." He take it away again." He take it away again." He says. So I thought that 'Brave says. So I thought that 'Brave says. So I thought that 'Brave Girls' absolutely had to succeed Girls' absolutely had to succeed Girls' absolutely had to succeed . There are . There are . There are no other options. There really is no other options. There really is no other options. There really is n't. yes n't. yes n't. yes . So, was it 221st when you first started . So, was it 221st when you first started . So, was it 221st when you first started ?

? ? Yes, but you Yes, but you Yes, but you are at the Candle Station right now, aren't you? yes. are at the Candle Station right now, aren't you? yes. are at the Candle Station right now, aren't you? yes. So, we actually So, we actually So, we actually conducted fundraising activities for one year. We conducted fundraising activities for one year. We conducted fundraising activities for one year. We formed a small board of directors, and formed a small board of directors, and formed a small board of directors, and they said that we needed to raise $100,000 to ensure the community they said that we needed to raise $100,000 to ensure the community truly supported this project truly supported this project . It wasn't just that it was a good . It wasn't just that it was a good idea; it was that I did idea; it was that I did n't want to create a situation where we would barely manage to cover a month's operating costs after opening n't want to create a situation where we would barely manage to cover a month's operating costs after opening . . . Yes, that is correct. So, did they have to set Yes, that is correct. So, did they have to set Yes, that is correct. So, did they have to set those conditions to become a non-profit organization those conditions to become a non-profit organization those conditions to become a non-profit organization ? Who ? Who ? Who set such a condition? It set such a condition? It set such a condition? It was the moving photo. was the moving photo. was the moving photo. So, we So, we assembled a small board of directors that included several with business experience, and assembled a small board of directors that included several with business experience, and they emphasized that we needed to secure sufficient funds to operate for at least a few months they emphasized that we needed to secure sufficient funds to operate for at least a few months . The point was that we shouldn't end up in a situation where we just hold onto hope and barely manage to get through . The point was that we shouldn't end up in a situation where we just hold onto hope and barely manage to get through each week each week . I had to . I had to believe in and rely on God once again. Since believe in and rely on God once again. Since believe in and rely on God once again. Since we were nobody at the time we were nobody at the time we were nobody at the time , I tried to explain , I tried to explain , I tried to explain my vision during business meetings with large corporations and make them understand my vision during business meetings with large corporations and make them understand what this business would what this business would what this business would look like and why it was necessary look like and why it was necessary look like and why it was necessary . Well, . Well, . Well, so there were some rejections, but the so there were some rejections, but the ratio of those who accepted was just right. And as I ratio of those who accepted was just right. And as I mentioned earlier, mentioned earlier, mentioned earlier, there was a kind of turning point in our church, and there was a kind of turning point in our church, and there was a kind of turning point in our church, and it was truly like God's grace it was truly like God's grace it was truly like God's grace . It’s an expression I like; it was like a . It’s an expression I like; it was like a . It’s an expression I like; it was like a wink from God wink from God .

. . Like a wink from God. I really like it Like a wink from God. I really like it . . . Yes, um, as I mentioned, we had to Yes, um, as I mentioned, we had to Yes, um, as I mentioned, we had to raise $100,000 raise $100,000 . No one except the board of directors . No one except the board of directors knew how much more money needed to be raised. However, we held a women's gathering at our church, and we held a women's gathering at our church, and we held a women's gathering at our church, and we always select a specific group to always select a specific group to always select a specific group to focus on. So focus on. So focus on. So our group was selected, and we our group was selected, and we got the opportunity to go on stage and talk about our vision got the opportunity to go on stage and talk about our vision . All . All . All the students and now the staff were the students and now the staff were the students and now the staff were sitting in front of us, and we sitting in front of us, and we sitting in front of us, and we needed to raise $16,000, but we raised exactly $1 needed to raise $16,000, but we raised exactly $1 . I really ca . I really ca . I really ca n't believe it. We raised $16,000 that night n't believe it. We raised $16,000 that night n't believe it. We raised $16,000 that night . Yes, it is truly . Yes, it is truly . Yes, it is truly amazing. amazing. amazing. And that was the first time in my life I had given a And that was the first time in my life I had given a And that was the first time in my life I had given a speech in front of people speech in front of people . It was . It was . It was just like a divine revelation. yes yes just like a divine revelation. yes yes just like a divine revelation. yes yes . Well, that was the first time I had ever given a speech in front of people . Well, that was the first time I had ever given a speech in front of people . It is common to learn public speaking in your first year of college, isn't it? common to learn public speaking in your first year of college, isn't it? I put it off until my fourth year I put it off until my fourth year I put it off until my fourth year . But 'This is . But 'This is . But 'This is n't for me.' I thought, ' n't for me.' I thought, ' n't for me.' I thought, ' This is for my students and future employees.' This is for my students and future employees.' So when I went up on stage, So when I went up on stage, that stage was the very place where I that stage was the very place where I that stage was the very place where I welcomed Jesus into my life when I was 12 years old welcomed Jesus into my life when I was 12 years old welcomed Jesus into my life when I was 12 years old . And I . And I think there were about 300 to 400 people.

think there were about 300 to 400 people. But But But the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, ah, that's really wonderful. You were ah, that's really wonderful. You were ah, that's really wonderful. You were with the Lord during all those moments with the Lord during all those moments with the Lord during all those moments . That's . That's . That's really amazing. Please continue speaking really amazing. Please continue speaking really amazing. Please continue speaking . I was also going to tell you about the . I was also going to tell you about the . I was also going to tell you about the Lakeside Drive location Lakeside Drive location . yes . yes . yes. . yes. . yes. We raised enough funds and We raised enough funds and opened a store on Lakeside Drive in February 2024 . And it was really good. Since it is a . And it was really good. Since it is a new business, we didn't want to sign a five-year new business, we didn't want to sign a five-year new business, we didn't want to sign a five-year long-term contract long-term contract long-term contract . There were too many contract terms . There were too many contract terms . There were too many contract terms . This building was very . This building was very . This building was very old but privately owned old but privately owned old but privately owned , and he said, "Okay, a one-year , and he said, "Okay, a one-year , and he said, "Okay, a one-year contract is fine." He contract is fine." He contract is fine." He said that. So we tweaked and said that. So we tweaked and said that. So we tweaked and modified it a bit, and it modified it a bit, and it modified it a bit, and it fit us perfectly. As I fit us perfectly. As I fit us perfectly. As I mentioned before, the building is old, so it was mentioned before, the building is old, so it was mentioned before, the building is old, so it was very difficult to get in and out very difficult to get in and out very difficult to get in and out . I thought the heavy traffic would be . I thought the heavy traffic would be . I thought the heavy traffic would be good for business good for business good for business , but it wasn't. It was a , but it wasn't. It was a , but it wasn't. It was a learning process while running the business. learning process while running the business. learning process while running the business. People didn't want to stop their cars and go in and out in that traffic jam People didn't want to stop their cars and go in and out in that traffic jam .

After learning a lot of what we needed over the course of two years, we signed a lease for a small shop on the corner near the Ironclad store, CC's Pizza, at Candler Station Shopping Center . It's . It's really pretty, and really pretty, and really pretty, and there's an outdoor terrace. Well, there's an outdoor terrace. Well, there's an outdoor terrace. Well, since it was a completely blank slate, I was able to decorate the space while considering the needs of not only the customers but also the since it was a completely blank slate, I was able to decorate the space while considering the needs of not only the customers but also the since it was a completely blank slate, I was able to decorate the space while considering the needs of not only the customers but also the employees employees . . There are restrooms for the disabled, and workspaces are also available where employees There are restrooms for the disabled, and workspaces are also available where employees There are restrooms for the disabled, and workspaces are also available where employees can take sensory breaks when needed can take sensory breaks when needed can take sensory breaks when needed . . . There are no stairs, either. In the old building, I had to There are no stairs, either. In the old building, I had to go down a stone-strewn staircase just to the trash can go down a stone-strewn staircase just to the trash can . It might sound a bit funny, but I . It might sound a bit funny, but I really enjoy going to throw out the trash. Because you just have to open the door and really enjoy going to throw out the trash. Because you just have to open the door and throw it in the trash can throw it in the trash can throw it in the trash can . It's much more . It's much more . It's much more comfortable. I really like it. It's comfortable. I really like it. It's comfortable. I really like it. It's so good. so good. so good. So, what kind of work do non-disabled employees So, what kind of work do non-disabled employees So, what kind of work do non-disabled employees do? I do? I mentioned earlier that there are non-disabled staff and support staff. yes mentioned earlier that there are non-disabled staff and support staff. yes . . . What kind of work do they do? What kind of work do they do? When our staff members, especially those who know nothing about our organization, come in, some simply go about their When our staff members, especially those who know nothing about our organization, come in, some simply go about their busy day and busy day and buy ice cream to leave, but you can also see them taking a step back and thinking, "This is a little different from the way I'm used to." When can also see them taking a step back and thinking, "This is a little different from the way I'm used to." When you first arrive, you may see staff members handling various tasks such as cashiering, food you first arrive, you may see staff members handling various tasks such as cashiering, food you first arrive, you may see staff members handling various tasks such as cashiering, food preparation, cleaning, and table setting preparation, cleaning, and table setting .

. We teach the skills necessary for these tasks We teach the skills necessary for these tasks We teach the skills necessary for these tasks , but we also provide training in , but we also provide training in , but we also provide training in various skills tailored to each specific role various skills tailored to each specific role various skills tailored to each specific role . It is about teaching the . It is about teaching the . It is about teaching the necessary skills according to the individual needs of each employee necessary skills according to the individual needs of each employee necessary skills according to the individual needs of each employee . For . For example, it teaches example, it teaches how to make eye contact and greet customers, how to how to make eye contact and greet customers, how to how to make eye contact and greet customers, how to take orders and calculate change take orders and calculate change take orders and calculate change , how to , how to , how to listen carefully to and repeatedly listen carefully to and repeatedly listen carefully to and repeatedly follow multi-step instructions, and how to manage and replenish inventory follow multi-step instructions, and how to manage and replenish inventory follow multi-step instructions, and how to manage and replenish inventory . . . Of course, we Of course, we Of course, we do a lot of cleaning, such as mopping and wiping down tables. do a lot of cleaning, such as mopping and wiping down tables. do a lot of cleaning, such as mopping and wiping down tables. And did we talk about restocking as well And did we talk about restocking as well And did we talk about restocking as well ? yes that's ? yes that's ? yes that's right. We right. We right. We always have to keep the stock up always have to keep the stock up always have to keep the stock up . . . Restocking, please. yes that's Restocking, please. yes that's Restocking, please. yes that's right. Stock replenishment. And right. Stock replenishment. And one of the things our staff likes the most is writing inspiring positive phrases on the cups . . Yes, that's really cool. It Yes, that's really cool. It encourages them to look forward with a positive mindset encourages them to look forward with a positive mindset . In particular, employees . In particular, employees . In particular, employees face many difficulties, but we face many difficulties, but we work together to overcome them.

work together to overcome them. So, if you look at the cup, you will see phrases written on it like 'You can do So, if you look at the cup, you will see phrases written on it like 'You can do So, if you look at the cup, you will see phrases written on it like 'You can do it,' 'Keep trying,' or ' it,' 'Keep trying,' or ' You are the best You are the best You are the best .' We .' We .' We also operate an ice cream truck also operate an ice cream truck also operate an ice cream truck , and for big events, we , and for big events, we prepare ice cream at the store prepare ice cream at the store prepare ice cream at the store . The staff . The staff . The staff helps with such preparations. helps with such preparations. There are really a wide variety of tasks like this; some There are really a wide variety of tasks like this; some employees handle multiple tasks employees handle multiple tasks employees handle multiple tasks simultaneously, while others simultaneously, while others dedicate themselves to just one task for several months. Yes , that's , that's , that's really cool. You really cool. You really cool. You mentioned before that you continue to operate without laying off employees even though business is slow during the winter mentioned before that you continue to operate without laying off employees even though business is slow during the winter . Could you explain that part in . Could you explain that part in more detail as well more detail as well more detail as well ? yes ? yes ? yes . We . We . We cover only half of our annual operating expenses ourselves cover only half of our annual operating expenses ourselves cover only half of our annual operating expenses ourselves . Half of that is . Half of that is covered by ice cream sales and food truck operations, and the other covered by ice cream sales and food truck operations, and the other half relies on fundraising activities or community half relies on fundraising activities or community half relies on fundraising activities or community donations donations donations . This is because, while we are a business . This is because, while we are a business . This is because, while we are a business , we prioritize our mission above all else , we prioritize our mission above all else , we prioritize our mission above all else . . . So, So, So, even if it is a financial burden, they sometimes make even if it is a financial burden, they sometimes make even if it is a financial burden, they sometimes make bold decisions, such as doubling the number of employees bold decisions, such as doubling the number of employees bold decisions, such as doubling the number of employees . We . We employ both skilled and support staff employ both skilled and support staff employ both skilled and support staff . Even when business is really bad, we . Even when business is really bad, we don't fire employees or send them home.

don't fire employees or send them home. Of course, our favorite Of course, our favorite Of course, our favorite thing to do is serve ice cream to customers, but thing to do is serve ice cream to customers, but because we view every opportunity as a learning experience, we do everything from inventory management and cleaning to event because we view every opportunity as a learning experience, we do everything from inventory management and cleaning to event preparation. We strive to preparation. We strive to find meaningful work for our employees and help them find meaningful work for our employees and help them feel a sense of fulfillment through it. Have you ever practiced calculating change, donating, or using the cash register practiced calculating change, donating, or using the cash register ? Yes, I ? Yes, I ? Yes, I always do it. I think always do it. I think always do it. I think that might be a bit difficult, but that might be a bit difficult, but that might be a bit difficult, but yes, I always practice. And the yes, I always practice. And the yes, I always practice. And the funny thing is, some people ask, " funny thing is, some people ask, " What is the biggest success story?" You know I ask that What is the biggest success story?" You know I ask that What is the biggest success story?" You know I ask that . Other . Other . Other organizations "raised $2 million and organizations "raised $2 million and organizations "raised $2 million and donated it somewhere." They often say that donated it somewhere." They often say that donated it somewhere." They often say that . Of course, it is a great . Of course, it is a great . Of course, it is a great achievement, but our success story is achievement, but our success story is very different. Customers might not be very different. Customers might not be very different. Customers might not be aware of this, but for example, an aware of this, but for example, an employee who used to be too embarrassed to even go near the cashier because they couldn't calculate change now employee who used to be too embarrassed to even go near the cashier because they couldn't calculate change now counts the change by themselves and even counts the change by themselves and even counts the change by themselves and even brings it to the side for me to check brings it to the side for me to check brings it to the side for me to check . I said, "Yes, you counted well . I said, "Yes, you counted well . I said, "Yes, you counted well ." If you say that, I ." If you say that, I think that kind of appearance is a really big success. That employee could work at Crave Ble for the rest of their life, or they could move to could work at Crave Ble for the rest of their life, or they could move to another job based on their change-calculating skills another job based on their change-calculating skills .

. . Yes, that's really cool. I think it's in a Yes, that's really cool. I think it's in a Yes, that's really cool. I think it's in a similar context to what you just said similar context to what you just said similar context to what you just said . What kind of . What kind of . What kind of work do managers do? What is your job title work do managers do? What is your job title work do managers do? What is your job title ? ? Our support team is diverse, ranging from people like me with experience working Our support team is diverse, ranging from people like me with experience working in special education or high schools, to in special education or high schools, to college students who are passionate about this work and want to build a career by supporting people . Therefore, the . Therefore, the . Therefore, the support method varies depending on the needs of the staff member in charge support method varies depending on the needs of the staff member in charge support method varies depending on the needs of the staff member in charge . The . The way help and support are provided can vary depending on the employee you work with. way help and support are provided can vary depending on the employee you work with. We always say, " We always say, " We always say, " Don't do the work for them, help them do it themselves Don't do the work for them, help them do it themselves ." The support method varies depending on the situation. For example, let varies depending on the situation. For example, let 's assume a customer comes in and is at the checkout counter. 's assume a customer comes in and is at the checkout counter. There is a staff member at the checkout counter, and a There is a staff member at the checkout counter, and a There is a staff member at the checkout counter, and a support team next to it. When support team next to it. When support team next to it. When an employee hears the word "milkshake," they an employee hears the word "milkshake," they say "milkshake," find the word on the computer, and touch it find the word on the computer, and touch it find the word on the computer, and touch it . Another employee might say, . Another employee might say, . Another employee might say, "Press the pink button," if you say "milkshake "Press the pink button," if you say "milkshake ." So, there are people who can't read but know colors, and there are others who get help by following along when I hold their hands and point to them. It's really amazing. I found that the ways the support team can help vary from employee to employee the ways the support team can help vary from employee to employee . That's a . That's a . That's a really wonderful thing. Getting to really wonderful thing. Getting to really wonderful thing. Getting to know the employees well is know the employees well is know the employees well is good, but to do that, you naturally have to good, but to do that, you naturally have to good, but to do that, you naturally have to invest a lot of time to invest a lot of time to identify their specific needs or areas where they need help identify their specific needs or areas where they need help .

. . We are trying to get to know our employees well by scheduling them to We are trying to get to know our employees well by scheduling them to We are trying to get to know our employees well by scheduling them to work on the same day almost every day work on the same day almost every day . And in . And in cooperation with Liberty University, cooperation with Liberty University, cooperation with Liberty University, students from sister universities also come students from sister universities also come . So, . So, . So, as we meet new people, we as we meet new people, we as we meet new people, we also build friendships and relationships with one another. also build friendships and relationships with one another. also build friendships and relationships with one another. However, in most cases, we However, in most cases, we try to support our employees as best as possible by maintaining a stable and regular schedule. yes that's right. So, since we're on the topic of try to support our employees as best as possible by maintaining a stable and regular schedule. yes that's right. So, since we're on the topic of support support support , how can we, as a church, , how can we, as a church, better support people with disabilities better support people with disabilities ? To be honest ? To be honest ? To be honest , I have heard a lot of really good things about Thomas Rose Church's , I have heard a lot of really good things about Thomas Rose Church's , I have heard a lot of really good things about Thomas Rose Church's ministry for the disabled ministry for the disabled . It is truly amazing. . It is truly amazing. I do not know everything 100%, but from what I do not know everything 100%, but from what I do not know everything 100%, but from what I have heard, there are some of I have heard, there are some of I have heard, there are some of our staff members who our staff members who our staff members who participate in that ministry participate in that ministry participate in that ministry . So I hope other churches can take . So I hope other churches can take . So I hope other churches can take Thomas Rose Church as a Thomas Rose Church as a Thomas Rose Church as a model and follow the work you are doing model and follow the work you are doing . Above all, I think it is important that . Above all, I think it is important that everyone is given an opportunity everyone is given an opportunity . I believe it is important for like-minded people to form relationships with one another and build a community form relationships with one another and build a community . Not long . Not long ago, the disability ministry team from Thomas Rose Church ago, the disability ministry team from Thomas Rose Church came to our store and held a Bible study came to our store and held a Bible study . It was really good.

. It was really good. . It was really good. Children and parents Children and parents Children and parents came together, and it was truly touching to see the children, guardians, and came together, and it was truly touching to see the children, guardians, and came together, and it was truly touching to see the children, guardians, and parents talking to and relying on each other parents talking to and relying on each other . . Thomas Rose Church is Thomas Rose Church is Thomas Rose Church is doing truly wonderful work, and I doing truly wonderful work, and I hope other churches can follow their example and learn from them. I think Toy Hein, who runs I Kids, is doing exactly that kind of ministry. While emphasizing the importance of serving people with disabilities, she sometimes shed tears as she said, "It is important to give shed tears as she said, "It is important to give parents of children with disabilities the opportunity to attend worship services parents of children with disabilities the opportunity to attend worship services parents of children with disabilities the opportunity to attend worship services , go to church, and study the Bible , go to church, and study the Bible . It is about helping them know that their children are being well . It is about helping them know that their children are being well cared for cared for cared for , so that they can focus on their spiritual needs , so that they can focus on their spiritual needs , so that they can focus on their spiritual needs ." He ." He ." He says. In other words, it means that both says. In other words, it means that both says. In other words, it means that both needs must be met needs must be met needs must be met . . . I agree 100%. As I returned to teaching and grew I agree 100%. As I returned to teaching and grew I agree 100%. As I returned to teaching and grew closer to the students closer to the students closer to the students , I also , I also , I also became really close to the parents. The truth is, it became really close to the parents. The truth is, it became really close to the parents. The truth is, it all all all started when I was pregnant. While worrying about my started when I was pregnant. While worrying about my started when I was pregnant. While worrying about my child's future and various other things like an ordinary mother, I thought, child's future and various other things like an ordinary mother, I thought, child's future and various other things like an ordinary mother, I thought, "Wow, the "Wow, the worries of parents of children with disabilities are really worries of parents of children with disabilities are really immense." I had that thought.

immense." I had that thought. immense." I had that thought. They are not worried about which college the child They are not worried about which college the child They are not worried about which college the child will go to, but about whether they will be will go to, but about whether they will be will go to, but about whether they will be able to make friends and whether they will end up able to make friends and whether they will end up able to make friends and whether they will end up staying at home after graduation staying at home after graduation staying at home after graduation . . . One of the pieces of feedback received from parents is that One of the pieces of feedback received from parents is that , for example, they can see an employee , for example, they can see an employee with Down syndrome packing with Down syndrome packing with Down syndrome packing items at the checkout counter at a neighborhood supermarket items at the checkout counter at a neighborhood supermarket . Many people often say, "Ah, there are places in the world that employ people with disabilities." say, "Ah, there are places in the world that employ people with disabilities." It's really amazing. However, my It's really amazing. However, my It's really amazing. However, my parents worried a lot about 'what ifs' parents worried a lot about 'what ifs' parents worried a lot about 'what ifs' . I . I mean the worry about what to do if something happens and you encounter unfriendly people in the community, fail to receive help, or if your employer fails to properly provide what you need. So, mean the worry about what to do if something happens and you encounter unfriendly people in the community, fail to receive help, or if your employer fails to properly provide what you need. So, another important reason for creating the Cray Bubble is to ensure that not only another important reason for creating the Cray Bubble is to ensure that not only another important reason for creating the Cray Bubble is to ensure that not only people with disabilities people with disabilities people with disabilities but also their parents but also their parents can feel safe and at peace can feel safe and at peace . . It is to provide a safe environment. It is to provide a safe environment. And And And another reason we do not reduce working hours is that there are another reason we do not reduce working hours is that there are many cases where parents bring their children in person many cases where parents bring their children in person . And for some people, . And for some people, . And for some people, those few hours can be used to those few hours can be used to finish their to-do list, finish their to-do list, meet a loved one, relax meet a loved one, relax meet a loved one, relax , get a massage, or , get a massage, or , get a massage, or get a manicure get a manicure get a manicure . So, . So, . So, as you said, it as you said, it as you said, it really is twice as helpful to them really is twice as helpful to them really is twice as helpful to them . That's . That's . That's really cool. yes really cool. yes really cool. yes .

. . So, So, So, how can we best support the mission and activities of Cray Beer Bles how can we best support the mission and activities of Cray Beer Bles how can we best support the mission and activities of Cray Beer Bles ? yes ? yes ? yes . First, try becoming a customer . First, try becoming a customer . Our staff . Our staff . Our staff really enjoys serving customers. The really enjoys serving customers. The really enjoys serving customers. The employees employees employees worked really hard to learn this skill, and they are still worked really hard to learn this skill, and they are still worked really hard to learn this skill, and they are still learning it. learning it. learning it. They want to show off their abilities They want to show off their abilities They want to show off their abilities . Thomas Road is . Thomas Road is right across the street, so it is right across the street, so it is right across the street, so it is very close. To be very close. To be very close. To be honest, honest, honest, when we signed the lease, the management team asked, when we signed the lease, the management team asked, "We understand that the previous store "We understand that the previous store "We understand that the previous store was open from 2 PM to 7 PM, but since was open from 2 PM to 7 PM, but since was open from 2 PM to 7 PM, but since Thomas Road is Thomas Road is Thomas Road is across the street and a across the street and a lot of people come after church on Sundays, lot of people come after church on Sundays, could you open at 12 PM?" I could you open at 12 PM?" I could you open at 12 PM?" I asked. So we said, "Yes, asked. So we said, "Yes, asked. So we said, "Yes, that's good." That's what I said. I'm really that's good." That's what I said. I'm really that's good." That's what I said. I'm really looking forward to it. Since many guests will be looking forward to it. Since many guests will be looking forward to it. Since many guests will be coming, we will deploy plenty of staff coming, we will deploy plenty of staff coming, we will deploy plenty of staff . Sunday is the . Sunday is the . Sunday is the quietest day, quietest day, quietest day, but that's okay. Since we are but that's okay. Since we are but that's okay. Since we are still a new store, people are in the still a new store, people are in the still a new store, people are in the process of getting to know us process of getting to know us process of getting to know us . Whether you are on a date, on a family . Whether you are on a date, on a family . Whether you are on a date, on a family outing, outing, outing, coming on a Sunday after church, or coming on a Sunday after church, or attending a Bible study or small group meeting, please feel attending a Bible study or small group meeting, please feel free to stop by anytime. We are free to stop by anytime. We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are open from Wednesday We are open from Wednesday to Sunday. We to Sunday. We to Sunday. We really love our work and are really love our work and are willing to open our doors to small groups in need of a space to study. And as I willing to open our doors to small groups in need of a space to study. And as I mentioned before, this mentioned before, this also provides jobs for our employees. also provides jobs for our employees. Yes, Yes, Yes, please become a customer. please become a customer. Yes, our truck even came to our house to Yes, our truck even came to our house to show us a movie once show us a movie once show us a movie once . It was really fun . It was really fun . It was really fun . I . I . I also enjoyed watching 'Parent Trap' also enjoyed watching 'Parent Trap' also enjoyed watching 'Parent Trap' . It was really good. You . It was really good. You . It was really good. You can also reserve our truck can also reserve our truck can also reserve our truck . Yes, we . Yes, we . Yes, we offer a variety of packages offer a variety of packages . You . You can find more details on the website. can find more details on the website. Please become a customer or book our truck to try our service. Please become a customer or book our truck to try our service. We are an organization that is easy to sponsor We are an organization that is easy to sponsor We are an organization that is easy to sponsor . Everyone . Everyone . Everyone has times when they want to eat ice cream, you know. has times when they want to eat ice cream, you know. has times when they want to eat ice cream, you know. So, listen to that desire So, listen to that desire So, listen to that desire . Don't say it's not possible . Don't say it's not possible . Don't say it's not possible . Um, and next time . Um, and next time . Um, and next time you go for dessert, please you go for dessert, please you go for dessert, please stop by our ice cream shop stop by our ice cream shop stop by our ice cream shop . It means more than just eating a cup of ice cream, doesn't it . It means more than just eating a cup of ice cream, doesn't it ? Because you are providing opportunities, ? Because you are providing opportunities, creating jobs, and helping our creating jobs, and helping our creating jobs, and helping our organization grow organization grow organization grow . Yes, that is . Yes, that is . Yes, that is correct. If there are any listeners correct. If there are any listeners correct. If there are any listeners or viewers with a or viewers with a or viewers with a disability, disability, disability, how can I contact them to how can I contact them to how can I contact them to verify the program eligibility requirements verify the program eligibility requirements verify the program eligibility requirements ?

? ? Yes, all information is available Yes, all information is available Yes, all information is available on our website craveables.org on our website craveables.org on our website craveables.org . I am both very happy . I am both very happy . I am both very happy and sad, but there are and sad, but there are and sad, but there are over 90 people on the waiting list over 90 people on the waiting list over 90 people on the waiting list . It's really . It's really . It's really amazing. I am amazing. I am truly grateful that so many people want to work at Craveables, but we are in a truly grateful that so many people want to work at Craveables, but we are in a situation where we need that much support. There is a situation where we need that much support. There is a desperate need for someone to teach these people by their side and guide them at work. We received funding to provide free workshops for those on the waiting list. received funding to provide free workshops for those on the waiting list. Well, we help improve social skills and Well, we help improve social skills and also provide training on workplace hygiene management and the application of workplace technology also provide training on workplace hygiene management and the application of workplace technology . We also assist with writing resumes and . We also assist with writing resumes and strive to help you find employment. We do not provide external job placement services, but we would appreciate it if you could prepare a resume not provide external job placement services, but we would appreciate it if you could prepare a resume . We aim to . We aim to . We aim to continue growing and continue growing and continue growing and shortening the waiting list shortening the waiting list shortening the waiting list . You can find all this information . You can find all this information on the 'Get Involved' tab at cravables.org. on the 'Get Involved' tab at cravables.org. Wow, that's really cool. Wow, that's really cool. Is it the same for support staff? yes Is it the same for support staff? yes . We tend to hire support staff more frequently . We tend to hire support staff more frequently . We tend to hire support staff more frequently . Job . Job . Job postings may be uploaded more frequently postings may be uploaded more frequently postings may be uploaded more frequently . You can select on the same tab whether you are . You can select on the same tab whether you are . You can select on the same tab whether you are looking for support staff looking for support staff looking for support staff or other opportunities or other opportunities or other opportunities .

. . Yes, that's really good. Yes, that's really good. Yes, that's really good. Thank you for sharing. We would appreciate your Thank you for sharing. We would appreciate your Thank you for sharing. We would appreciate your support. thank you support. thank you support. thank you . great. I . great. I . great. I have two more questions. have two more questions. have two more questions. Yes, I have one more, and Yes, I have one more, and Yes, I have one more, and Su has one more. Su has one more. Su has one more. I always have one more question I always have one more question I always have one more question . Yes, there are as many as . Yes, there are as many as . Yes, there are as many as 90 people on the waiting list, but you 90 people on the waiting list, but you mentioned that the Chairman is still giving a lecture at JF, right? Then there must mentioned that the Chairman is still giving a lecture at JF, right? Then there must already be quite a few students registered for the class, and it already be quite a few students registered for the class, and it seems like the number will increase in the future. There were seems like the number will increase in the future. There were about 80 people a month ago, but about 80 people a month ago, but about 80 people a month ago, but now there are 90, so that's now there are 90, so that's now there are 90, so that's really a lot. really a lot. really a lot. Do you have any expansion plans? Have you Do you have any expansion plans? Have you ever considered other locations? ever considered other locations? When we first opened, many When we first opened, many When we first opened, many people asked, "Are you going to turn this into a franchise people asked, "Are you going to turn this into a franchise people asked, "Are you going to turn this into a franchise ? ? ? I want to franchise it. I want to franchise it. I want to franchise it. I want to open multiple branches." That's what I said. I want to open multiple branches." That's what I said. I want to open multiple branches." That's what I said. So I said, "Okay, let's give it a So I said, "Okay, let's give it a So I said, "Okay, let's give it a try." He said. But I try." He said. But I suggested that we take a step back for a moment and consider that the first few years might not be exactly the same in the following year, or that it might not be. And suggested that we take a step back for a moment and consider that the first few years might not be exactly the same in the following year, or that it might not be. And so many things have changed. so many things have changed. so many things have changed. Well, but as I said before Well, but as I said before Well, but as I said before , our mission is our , our mission is our , our mission is our top priority and it is expensive, top priority and it is expensive, top priority and it is expensive, so we must do our best to ensure this store prospers so we must do our best to ensure this store prospers so we must do our best to ensure this store prospers and operates well and operates well and operates well . yes.

. yes. . yes. Well, so I hope we Well, so I hope we Well, so I hope we can maintain stable store operations can maintain stable store operations can maintain stable store operations . When I am not working at the store . When I am not working at the store . When I am not working at the store or running events, I have to or running events, I have to or running events, I have to communicate with the local community, communicate with the local community, communicate with the local community, hold fundraising events, and do hold fundraising events, and do hold fundraising events, and do various other things various other things various other things . It . It feels like I'm running two businesses. yes that's feels like I'm running two businesses. yes that's feels like I'm running two businesses. yes that's right. right. right. So, after running this store perfectly So, after running this store perfectly So, after running this store perfectly and and and making it thrive as you suggested, I would making it thrive as you suggested, I would like to open more Crave a Ball stores or introduce a similar business model. That would be cool like to open more Crave a Ball stores or introduce a similar business model. That would be cool . . . Yes, I Yes, I Yes, I think it will be really cool. yes that's think it will be really cool. yes that's think it will be really cool. yes that's right. This is the right. This is the right. This is the first time you've heard this here first time you've heard this here first time you've heard this here . Go to Crave a Ball and . Go to Crave a Ball and . Go to Crave a Ball and come as a guest. Yes, that is come as a guest. Yes, that is come as a guest. Yes, that is correct. Now, here correct. Now, here correct. Now, here are the last two questions. are the last two questions. are the last two questions. If you could have dinner and a long conversation with any biblical figure other than Jesus, If you could have dinner and a long conversation with any biblical figure other than Jesus, who would you choose, even though of course everyone would want to have dinner with Jesus who would you choose, even though of course everyone would want to have dinner with Jesus ? And ? And what is the reason? what is the reason? what is the reason? I want to choose Martha first I want to choose Martha first I want to choose Martha first . . . When Jesus came, Martha When Jesus came, Martha When Jesus came, Martha was a very active person. I am was a very active person. I am was a very active person. I am also a very busy also a very busy also a very busy person, just like Martha. person, just like Martha. person, just like Martha. But actually, if But actually, if But actually, if there is anything to learn from Martha, there is anything to learn from Martha, I think there is more to learn from her older sister Maria. Because I think there is more to learn from her older sister Maria. Because Mary knew how to calmly listen to Jesus' words and catch her Mary knew how to calmly listen to Jesus' words and catch her Mary knew how to calmly listen to Jesus' words and catch her breath for a moment breath for a moment breath for a moment . Hmm, . Hmm, I think there might be something to learn from the two sisters. How should I strike a balance? How can I should I strike a balance? How can I grow a business and fulfill all the roles of wife, mother, older grow a business and fulfill all the roles of wife, mother, older sister, friend, and daughter while being a busy person sister, friend, and daughter while being a busy person sister, friend, and daughter while being a busy person ?

? ? Even so, how can we pause for a moment Even so, how can we pause for a moment to listen to the Lord's word and truly to listen to the Lord's word and truly give thanks for every moment? give thanks for every moment? give thanks for every moment? I think that is really important. I think that is really important. When I created this blog, I was a When I created this blog, I was a When I created this blog, I was a first-time mom, so I thought, "If I first-time mom, so I thought, "If I first-time mom, so I thought, "If I just get through this month, things will calm down a bit just get through this month, things will calm down a bit just get through this month, things will calm down a bit , and then I'll be able to enjoy myself at my leisure , and then I'll be able to enjoy myself at my leisure , and then I'll be able to enjoy myself at my leisure ." ." ." But before I knew it, four years had flown by But before I knew it, four years had flown by But before I knew it, four years had flown by . Yes, well, it's . Yes, well, it's like the story of Maria and Martha. like the story of Maria and Martha. like the story of Maria and Martha. Maria and Martha. That's good. Maria and Martha. That's good. Maria and Martha. That's good. Now, here is the next question. If Now, here is the next question. If Now, here is the next question. If we gave you a plane ticket to anywhere in the world we gave you a plane ticket to anywhere in the world , where would you want to go , where would you want to go ? And why do you want to go ? And why do you want to go ? And why do you want to go ? ? ? Where is a place you absolutely do not want to go? yes Where is a place you absolutely do not want to go? yes Where is a place you absolutely do not want to go? yes . I always answer that it is a warm place, a . I always answer that it is a warm place, a . I always answer that it is a warm place, a tropical region. tropical region. tropical region. Hmm, I think I would have to pick Greece anywhere in the world Hmm, I think I would have to pick Greece anywhere in the world Hmm, I think I would have to pick Greece anywhere in the world . . . Oh, that's right. You Oh, that's right. You Oh, that's right. You always see it in movies. It's always see it in movies. It's always see it in movies. It's really beautiful. But really beautiful. But really beautiful. But honestly, I don't honestly, I don't really like flying really like flying really like flying . I don't really like traveling either . I don't really like traveling either . I don't really like traveling either . I'm . I'm . I'm not exactly a homebody, but not exactly a homebody, but not exactly a homebody, but what if I were given a train ticket? what if I were given a train ticket? what if I were given a train ticket? Yes, that's good. So if it were right now, I would Yes, that's good. So if it were right now, I would Yes, that's good. So if it were right now, I would choose Aruba choose Aruba . I have to take a plane, but it doesn't . I have to take a plane, but it doesn't . I have to take a plane, but it doesn't take that long take that long take that long . My husband and I were . My husband and I were . My husband and I were planning to go to Aruba for our honeymoon planning to go to Aruba for our honeymoon planning to go to Aruba for our honeymoon . I was really looking forward to it.

. I was really looking forward to it. . I was really looking forward to it. However, it was canceled due to COVID However, it was canceled due to COVID However, it was canceled due to COVID . So I thought, 'Let's go on a honeymoon next year . So I thought, 'Let's go on a honeymoon next year . So I thought, 'Let's go on a honeymoon next year .' .' .' And now, we are still And now, we are still And now, we are still here. So I here. So I here. So I recommend Aruba. recommend Aruba. recommend Aruba. It's a beautiful tropical resort. I It's a beautiful tropical resort. I It's a beautiful tropical resort. I really like it. And the really like it. And the really like it. And the place I absolutely do not want to go is a place I absolutely do not want to go is a place I absolutely do not want to go is a cold place. yes cold place. yes cold place. yes . I . I . I really hate the cold. I really hate the cold. I really hate the cold. I really hate cold weather really hate cold weather really hate cold weather . . When people mention cold places while talking about a vacation, I think, " That isn't a vacation." It’s That isn't a vacation." It’s not a vacation at all. For example, not a vacation at all. For example, places like Antarctica are absolutely forbidden. Please places like Antarctica are absolutely forbidden. Please , don't send me away. The , don't send me away. The , don't send me away. The same goes for Alaska. I do same goes for Alaska. I do same goes for Alaska. I do n't want to go to Antarctica either. n't want to go to Antarctica either. n't want to go to Antarctica either. Someone said they wanted to visit Alaska Someone said they wanted to visit Alaska Someone said they wanted to visit Alaska . . . They said it was really beautiful, but I thought, 'Yeah, They said it was really beautiful, but I thought, 'Yeah, They said it was really beautiful, but I thought, 'Yeah, but you have to go at a specific time but you have to go at a specific time but you have to go at a specific time .' yes .' yes .' yes . I just really . I just really . I just really hate the cold. I feel the same way. I hate the cold. I feel the same way. I hate the cold. I feel the same way. I understand what you mean. Yes, thank you understand what you mean. Yes, thank you very much for joining us again and sharing your story very much for joining us again and sharing your story . . Would you please pray for us? Shall Would you please pray for us? Shall I pray for you, I pray for you, I pray for you, or would you please pray for me yourself or would you please pray for me yourself or would you please pray for me yourself ? ? ? If you wish, I will pray for you If you wish, I will pray for you If you wish, I will pray for you . thank you . thank you . thank you . . . Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me Heavenly Father, thank you for letting me know Taylor, know Taylor, hear about the Cray Beards, and see how much love she has in her ministry hear about the Cray Beards, and see how much love she has in her ministry hear about the Cray Beards, and see how much love she has in her ministry for people in need of special help for people in need of special help . Thank you for letting us know that Taylor . Thank you for letting us know that Taylor put that love into practice and that put that love into practice and that put that love into practice and that God helped her at every step God helped her at every step . Heavenly . Heavenly Father, please help us Father, please help us Father, please help us always think about how we can help with this ministry always think about how we can help with this ministry always think about how we can help with this ministry . Please bless this ministry, . Please bless this ministry, Taylor, and her Taylor, and her Taylor, and her family. Please

family. Please help them grow as a family and set their priorities well, just as they grow through ministry. Thank you to Taylor and her for allowing us this time Thank you to Taylor and her for allowing us this time . I . I pray for all of this in the name of Jesus. pray for all of this in the name of Jesus. pray for all of this in the name of Jesus. amen. amen. amen. amen. amen. thank you. And please make thank you. And please make sure to come eat ice cream sure to come eat ice cream . Yes, I will definitely go. yes . Yes, I will definitely go. yes . Yes, I will definitely go. yes . Everyone, thank you so much for watching and listening to this week's broadcast . Everyone, thank you so much for watching and listening to this week's broadcast . Hmm, . Hmm, something a bit different. something a bit different. something a bit different. Go get some ice cream. Go get some ice cream. Go to Craveables. It's really delicious. The Go to Craveables. It's really delicious. The location location is inside Candler Station. It's right next to CC's , in the corner. , in the corner. , in the corner. Candle Station is Candle Station is Candle Station is right across from Tom's Road right across from Tom's Road right across from Tom's Road . It's . It's . It's somewhere behind the Dollar Tree somewhere behind the Dollar Tree . that's . that's . that's right. So make sure you go. There's right. So make sure you go. There's right. So make sure you go. There's no reason not to go. no reason not to go. no reason not to go. We'll be watching. Well then, We'll be watching. Well then, We'll be watching. Well then, see you next week. that's see you next week. that's see you next week. that's right. right. right. I'm McKenzie, and I'm McKenzie, and I'm McKenzie, and I'm Sue. See you again next time I'm Sue. See you again next time .