Hard Times

Kris and I are asking for your prayers and support in our behalf. On Sunday, we were told that Kris was laid off on Friday (by someone at church!!- I'll tell you that story in a minute...) It's not because he wasn't doing a good job but because there is a shortage of development in our area (which is what Kris works with being a Civil Engineer in Training). So, he being the newest to the company, was let go. There were also 4 other people laid off too. It's just a hard time for a lot of people. So, much to our surprise, we now have no income, a house payment, and other bills. Basically everything is up in the air and the only way we are going to get through all of this is with your prayers and trust that the Lord will take care of us. It's all happening for a reason, we just don't know why. For some reason we're not supposed to be in Payson anymore. Kris is going to be doing some job searching and hopefully we can find something fast. Since Kris and my dad were hunting, I called my home teacher and he and a good friend came to give me a blessing. In the blessing he said that we would come to understand the true meaning of Zion and rely on the Saints. He also said that we would know very clearly the things that we would need to do. I felt such comfort as he blessed me.... but it's still a really hard thing! Please pray for us that we can be led to where the Lord wants us to go and that Kris can find a job s0 we can take care of our little family.

I don't think that Kaylee has ever seen my cry before but the tears just don't stop right now. She kept coming up to me and wiping my tears and giving me hugs and kisses. She knows that something is wrong, but isn't old enough to understand what. It was such a comfort to me but also a heartache since I don't know how we can give her what she needs right now. Both my parents and Kris' parents have assured us that we won't go hungry and are welcome in their homes. I am so grateful for families and the love and support that is there.

So, this is the worst way to find out that you were laid off from your job... On Sunday, after Stake Conference, a member of the ward came and asked my mom how Kris and I were doing. She said that we were fine and he was a little confused by that remark... He asked how we were since Kris lost his job on Friday. My mom was very surprised by his question and said that Kris was out of town hunting for the weekend and he left on Wednesday and we weren't aware of him losing his job. The brother (#1) was asking out of concern for our family but was surprised that we didn't know about it. My mom called me over and told me what the brother (#1) had said. In the meantime, the brother (#1) went and got another brother (#2), that had apparently told him (#1) about Kris being laid off. He (#2) just looked at me and really couldn't say anything. (My mom talked to him (#2) later and he said that he didn't know what had been said so he didn't want to say anything.) Apparently, when Tetra Tech lays someone off, they call the Civil Engineer from the Town (brother #2) so that he knows that people aren't with the company anymore. Then, Tetra Tech also emails the town employees that work hand in hand with the company to tell them the same information (brother #1). So, since they had been contacted, they just assumed that the employees that were laid off were contacted as well, which is how is should happen! But since Kris was out of town, he had no idea what was going on. So, I tried to compose myself but burst into tears. We went out to my car and I got out the phonebook. I called 3 people that Kris works with and couldn't get a hold of any of them. So, I called Kris but his phone went straight to voicemail. Where they are hunting (down by Safford) there isn't any signal. My mom called my dad and Kris was with him. Apparently they had gone into town the night before to stay with Grannie and Grandpa Curtis and then go to Stake Conference. I told Kris what I had been told and told him that he needed to call his boss and then call me back. He called his boss who said that the information was true but he wasn't sure how the information got out. Kris has to go and talk to him when he comes home on Tuesday. I think we will get severance pay for 2 weeks and then the paid time off that Kris has accumulated which should be about a week. So, 3 more weeks of pay and then what?? Hopefully, we can find a job and someone to rent our house before that. We could try to sell it but with the market being down right now, we couldn't get what we owe. I'm not even sure we can rent it to cover our mortgage, but I'll be happy if we can rent it for the majority of the payment. Only time will tell what will happen. I have been babysitting so I do have that income, but it's not much at all. Anyways, enough rambling. Please just prayer for us!! We appreciate every one's love and support.

Little did I know how directly Stake Conference and President Packer's talk applied to us. His very last comment was "...gather your families around you and prepare for the difficulties ahead..." or something to that affect. I just didn't expect it to be that soon! I know that we will get through this and be stronger because of our experience. I know Heavenly Father's hand is in it and He will protect us and keep us safe. As I have thought and reflected about things, the only thing that really matters right now is that we can provide food and shelter for Kaylee and that our little family is together. If we loose everything, it'll be okay... it's all just stuff that can be replaced. It's easier said than done, but it'll all work out. I know it will. It has to. Please pray for us. We love you all and wish you the best during this time of turmoil in the world we live in. Love the Pulsiphers