We have had so many people ask us how we are doing. It is wonderful to feel so much love and support. We are doing well. Trying to prepare for Ryan's graduation and our summer plans. Enjoying the fact that Mike has a new job.! Oh, but wait! There is this small matter of a PAYCHECK.
So, here's the story.
Mike is "made redundant" (term they use here-good grief!) on Jan. 20.
Bank is generously notified that Mike is no longer employed and will no longer be receiving compensation.
Mike rushes to withdraw savings we have stashed away to pay this year's rent (remember, rent paid by the year here, up front) , so we have something to live on-If in fact the rumors are true and our bank account may be frozen.
Meanwhile, Mike contacts everyone and anyone for job leads.
Ryan's tuition is due. As are two car payments. (Rent is not due. Good thing we pay by the year!?)
After 4 weeks of searching and great friends helping, Parsons, International offers Mike a job.
2 days later: Mike unable to get into our bank account to pay car payments-Account is NOW frozen(interesting concept...frozen AFTER employed). Sidenote: car loans are at the same bank. we left money in the bank to pay notes. we receive an interest fee charge for late payment????? they have the money. they control the account. Hmmm....
Mike is told bank account will be accessible again when he receives his first electronic paycheck. Parsons pays monthly and sometimes every 5 weeks. This is a 5 week cycle. (oh boy.)
Continue using cash withdrawn earlier. Ryan goes to China. Amazing experience. Envelope with cash gets skinnier. Family comes from Kansas. We all have a blast.
March 8: Hill pays Mike last payment. Unable to deposit it because account is frozen(another interesting concept, bank NOT wanting your money). Mike follows courier around the bank for hour and a half until it is deposited. (We can't touch it, but at least Mike is officially done with Hill at this point.) ( He puts it this way, "finally got their claws dug out of me.")
March 26: First PAYCHECK!!! But wait... can't deposit it. Bank will not take it unless it is electronic. Parsons does not issue the first paycheck electronically. Mike has a piece of paper with ink on it. Mike goes to bank for 5th time to unfreeze account. Has all the paperwork. The banker he usually works with is OUT that day. The lady he talks to says, But sir, your account is not frozen. Mike has visions of going postal. "Then why can't I access it online or withdraw money?" Blank stare. Further investigation reveals that Microsoft Explorer no longer works with NBAD..only Mozilla. Ok, thanks for the heads up. Also, only up to 30,000 dollars is frozen and Mike hates them. :) ( He just added that out loud to me. )
And there is the journey of the paycheck. No, it is not yet deposited as it is still PAPER but we are hopeful that this week we will have victory!!!
I know this was long and convoluted..but that's nothing to walking it out. :)
Here's to Jehovah Jireh. The God who provides.
We are truly thankful.
Lots of love,
The Hildebrands
