My duties primarily involved taking time sheets that came in from (I believe) 25 attorneys, entering the data in a computer program, then periodically printing bills to be mailed out to clients. The going rate at that time for their attorneys was around $95 per hour, and every little thing done by the attorney or his staff was billed in increments of 6 minutes, or one-tenth of an hour.
Needless to say, the actual work was quite tedious. But I didn't mind it. I could type very fast, and, once the data was entered (or reports run), my shift was over. This would often put me home around 4 or 5 in the morning. The only highlight in my brief career there was when I was attacked at 3 AM by a deranged cockroach (another story).
Our church life now centered on Lois's parents' church, a Bible chapel, that followed the traditions of the Plymouth Brethren. While this particular "assembly" objects to the PB reference, I stand by my assessment, having researched it. The church had no pastor, but they did have a "full time worker." Their leadership consisted of elders and deacons. Their 11:00 service was called family Bible hour. The real service was at 9:30 and was called the Lord's Table. For one hour men would take turns standing and expounding on the death of Jesus Christ. Sprinkled throughout this activity was hymn singing with no accompaniment. Women were not allowed to speak and were encouraged to wear head coverings. At the end of this "meeting" communion was passed through the gathering, followed by offering baskets.
I managed to find part-time work as a paid music director for a Methodist church. I didn't get much negative feedback from the in-laws because I was supporting my family, and my wife and children were attending the "meetings" while I went to work at the other church.
I did attend some evening meetings at the chapel, where I met a rather interesting man named Roger, who came to show 16mm films centered on the gospel. He managed his own business with the help of his wife and children. The business consisted of receiving and shipping these Christian movies throughout the state of Florida. It also included mending the film, advertising and presenting some films at local churches.
Following a brief interview with him, I was invited to come and work for him part time. The work was interesting, and I enjoyed being with his family. However, all of this took me away from my family, which, upon looking back, I regret. Logging the many hours would oftentimes not leave me in a very receptive mood at home. But I was doing the Lord's work. Or so I thought.
Lois and I also started working with a youth group from the chapel. And we planted a garden (small). And we welcomed the arrival of our third (and final) beautiful baby girl. Life was good.
And then things changed.
