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The Maple House

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Hey everyone! For those who have been keeping track of our Clues, thank you so much for all the support! If you are seeing this for the first time, our warmest welcome!

So this is it, we bought a historic home in downtown Middlebury and are looking to turn it into an INN. It has been an exasperating journey getting to this point... most days feeling like there is no way we could ever get this place. However, sometimes, all you need in life is a whisper.  From the moment we walked into this place, it was as if God was whispering the possibilities to us room by room. This has been our "fire" to pursue this and has led to the opening of doors only the Lord could have orchestrated. Let us be ABSOLUTELY clear, this will not be solely a business venture, instead, it will serve as a place where kindness, peace, joy, and love reside for everyone who enters it's doors.

Our vision is for every square inch of this place to be infused with purpose. From the colors on the wall, the meaningful artwork displayed throughout (photography, meaningful words, sculpture, paintings...etc.), the different textures, even the scents in the air..... we want it all to embrace our guests. 

The first "door" was to purchase this place, the second door is to prepare these spaces inside to mirror the purpose. Here is where we could use all the help we can possibly receive.  As one who absolutely has a hard time asking for help/money... this door is the most challenging. 

Before we share what is needed, it's important for you to know that we have, on MANY occasions, lived off the kindness of others. We have been, like I'm sure many of you have, living on $14 dollars in our checking account, no savings, and two beautiful kids that you would give your life for, but are worried about being able to give them the world when you can't even afford to make a grocery run.

If you know the Gonzalez family, you know that we mostly do stay-cations, 2/3rds of our furnishing have been gifted to us, we slept on my high school full size mattress for the first 12 years of our marriage, we will wear out our shoes and clothing until the point of no return. We are not spenders, in fact,  Lori and I splurged for the first time on our anniversary and got a nice hotel room in downtown Chicago this past June... we have been married for 15 years now.  We only stayed one night. Time has been much more valuable to us than anything.

From family lending us money so lovingly and freely, to complete strangers leaving anonymous envelopes in our mailbox with cash.... we have been recipients of kindness throughout our marriage and it has so very deeply changed our hearts. So please DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED to donate... It will get done regardless, because we believe the Lord is already ahead of us.

Okay, so our goal of 20k sounds ridiculous... but this is a dream, and so "Go BIG or Go Home" seems fitting... so don't let that throw you. If you happen to donate $1 dollar, it would be as appreciated as much as a $50 or $200. We are committed to working towards our goal no matter what, but we would love to share the journey with you and let you see how your investment is impacting the physical and the spiritual. Friends and Family, if you are prompted, here are what the funds will go towards:

*Furnishings: We are looking to furnish this bad boy. There are 10 rooms total, 5 bedrooms and the rest are common rooms. 
*Logo creation and advertising
*Toiletries: apparently BYOTP is frowned upon in the industry.
*Renovations: The house is in decent shape, but there are some updates and safety improvements to make sure we are up to date with codes and such.

***Pay it Forward: There are many people that need to find rest in their hearts and minds, even for a night or two. We would like to provide complimentary stays for whoever God lays on our hearts, your investment will help provide the opportunity for us to do that.  

Here are a few Incentives!!!

EVERYONE who donates will be entered into a drawing for a free night's stay once The Maple House opens it's doors. 

-For donations of $100- $199, you will be entered to win an additional entry into the drawing along with the first (so, 2 total entry tickets). 

-We would like to offer a free nights stay for donations at or above $200. That would help cover the costs of the night being rented out, plus provide funding for the start up costs.  

-If you choose to give anonymously, may the Lord bless you beyond a free nights stay and may you find joy and peace in the depths of your heart.  Thank you in advance!

-If you provide $1000 or more.... I will legally claim you as family :) Hope you like Puerto Rican food!!!Should I say more? 



Above all else, pray for our family. Having two full time jobs, this will be a tricky prep session. We need to make sure we are balancing work, home, and preparation in a healthy way. If financially you are not able to invest, it's all good. Really, God has a plan and will see it through. 

We also hope and pray this place can be a space for you to come and enjoy at some point. Middlebury and Shipshewana are great places to visit! We would love to see all of you and serve you to the best of our ability! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, prayerfully consider becoming a part of The Maple House. Love you.

Sincerely,
The Gonzalez family.

">Link to official FB LIVE video announcement 

If you are interested in some of the details listed in our business plan here is some more information about The Maple House.


Expected Official opening Date: April 1st 2019
Renovations/Website/Logo creation: ASAP
Max capacity: 8 guests in main house (additional 2 in Guest cottage)
Expected nightly rate: TBD





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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $20 
    • 5 yrs
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Fundraising team: Gonzalez Fam (2)

Alex Gonzalez
Organizer
Raised $3,805 from 7 donations
Middlebury, IN
Lori Gonzalez
Team member
This team raised $3,865 from 13 other donations.

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