Nathan Kilgore

A Day Off…

Posted on 27. Apr, 2010 by Nathan Kilgore in The Day to Day

I didn’t get laid off the other day.  It was pretty intense (and incredibly wrong) how the staff of the Census reduced the work force.  There, in a giant room in the middle of this sea of 500 or so people, two men paced the floor with a list in their hand.  One by one they went up to people and tapped them on their shoulder, asked them to get their things and leave.  The room, usually filled with chatter, stood silent.  Shifting eyes followed the two men.  I felt like I was in a huge game of “Duck, Duck, Goose.”  Only nobody wanted to be “it” in this game.  Many (if not all) of the people in the room weren’t working for the Census because they wanted to…they were doing it because they had to.  For several people, it was a last ditch effort to catch up on their rent or mortgage.  Others were there because they had run out of unemployment and were still not able to find a job.  (I can relate to these people now – having a Master’s degree and after applying for dozens and dozens of jobs, I know it’s tough out there…I’m out there).

The next lay-off is in early June.  So, for now, I’ve got work for another month or two.  $14/hr. isn’t paying the bills, but it’s keeping the creditors off our backs.  God has been good, as always, and He continues to be faithful.

I didn’t go into work today.  I don’t feel one bit guilty either – today is Maria’s birthday.  I’ve been spending the day playing with her – hopefully Katie is feeling a bit of a break from her normal routine.  Kate’s really pregnant and uncomfortable.  She’s ready to have this kid, and so am I – we’re both very excited.  This Thursday night I’m going to attempt to have a Bible Study here at my house.  I’m inviting the people that I’ve been meeting at work.  I’m praying that this will be a good experience as I dip my toes back into the sea of ministry.

Tonight Katie and I are going up to my folks house – we’re going to have a birthday party for Maria.  I’ll be sure to take some pics/video and get it on the blog tomorrow.  Tomorrow I’m not scheduled to work – I’ve got to get this book finished and to the publisher this week.  Those who have pre-ordered the book have been so patient – this publishing process takes much longer than I had anticipated.  I finally got the copyright license back from the U.S. government, and the editor submitted her final copy to me a few days ago.  We’re close…very close.