Yes, it's true, we are still working through the many challenges that the crash has brought to the homestead. We are learning much through these months of interaction with the mortgage company, the insurance company, General Contractors, the abatement company, the tree service, storage facilities, the rental company, the hotel, private RV sellers or dealers, and a real estate company that require as much dedication as a full time office manager. Not to mention, life's agendas throughout these processes: finishing our school testing (which happened to be during a heavy sickness we got in the hotel), Tech finishing his driver education and then researching care and purchase of his first vehicle. All of this accompanied our diligent pursuit of quality homes for our livestock, sifting through of our 10 years of accumulation and deciding what to keep, give or toss; and above all, the many interactions with neighbors, friends and family members who had their own tidbits of advice, methods of support and ways/times of contacting.
After months of daily dealing with so many business personnel completely unconcerned with your family & home situation and crazy upheaval to your 'regular lifestyle'; it can be so frustrating that you may be tempted to walk away from it all and leave it to anyone else to figure out - 'Throwing in the towel', as they say. Many tears may be shed, many times on your knees, many times of confusion...but having the Lord on your side is how you overcome these temptations and the only way we'd every want to go through life's trials.
After months of daily dealing with so many business personnel completely unconcerned with your family & home situation and crazy upheaval to your 'regular lifestyle'; it can be so frustrating that you may be tempted to walk away from it all and leave it to anyone else to figure out - 'Throwing in the towel', as they say. Many tears may be shed, many times on your knees, many times of confusion...but having the Lord on your side is how you overcome these temptations and the only way we'd every want to go through life's trials.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Of course, we were assured from the beginning by our insurance company that all efforts would be made to keep us from living differently - HA! So many of the before mentioned folks tell you that the insurance will take care of all your payments and you'll have nothing to worry about. Not so. This is why so many families opt to work with a Public Adjuster (we did speak with one and were told all we were already doing was what we'd need to pay him to do) and/or a team of attorneys.
(Thank you Lord for your direction and answering our prayers!)
The process is L.E.N.G.T.H.Y, requires nearly daily calls and regular submissions to any of the entities that have become a part of the accident and they will fight tooth and nail to hold on to every penny that you've paid for years to have available. For example, it took over a month to finally receive the funds for the tree service company whose job was completed the day the tree fell. The owner, of said company, was also required to complete three different documents, to prove he is a 'real business' licensed with the IRS, to confirm the receipt we had already submitted, and a document confirming he would not put a lien against the property as a part of this process. This isn't abnormal, but a completely new process we learned through trial and error - and the bank's errors- that delayed things further. Although the funds were released from the insurance company, Mom needed to submit written requests and all of the documentation and clarify amongst the insurance paperwork, and the business paperwork, which applied and how it should be dispersed - then wait for approval.... As well as all of the submitted request for the funds our insurance company paid, which have to be signed and over-nighted (EXPENSIVE) or two-day'd (STILL EXPENSIVE) to the mortgage company. (No, our insurance company will not reimburse our postage.) Once they receive it, they actually take 3 full business days to 'receive' it and then they 'review it', which can take up to 5 additional business days.
(Thank you Lord for your direction and answering our prayers!)
The process is L.E.N.G.T.H.Y, requires nearly daily calls and regular submissions to any of the entities that have become a part of the accident and they will fight tooth and nail to hold on to every penny that you've paid for years to have available. For example, it took over a month to finally receive the funds for the tree service company whose job was completed the day the tree fell. The owner, of said company, was also required to complete three different documents, to prove he is a 'real business' licensed with the IRS, to confirm the receipt we had already submitted, and a document confirming he would not put a lien against the property as a part of this process. This isn't abnormal, but a completely new process we learned through trial and error - and the bank's errors- that delayed things further. Although the funds were released from the insurance company, Mom needed to submit written requests and all of the documentation and clarify amongst the insurance paperwork, and the business paperwork, which applied and how it should be dispersed - then wait for approval.... As well as all of the submitted request for the funds our insurance company paid, which have to be signed and over-nighted (EXPENSIVE) or two-day'd (STILL EXPENSIVE) to the mortgage company. (No, our insurance company will not reimburse our postage.) Once they receive it, they actually take 3 full business days to 'receive' it and then they 'review it', which can take up to 5 additional business days.
Satan tempts us to bring out the worst in us, but God tests us to bring out the best in us. Cooper Abrams
Part of our challenge is due to what began as a part of Agenda 21 that has blossomed into Eminent Domain and full blown acquisition of all waterways in the US...Why? We'll leave that to you to consider... but one questions, if the individual counties own the area along waterways, who controls it?
As homes have a significant value, especially if they are on or near water, one regulatory way of minimizing acquisition costs is to reclassify the areas as 'flood zones' - and within that varying degrees of potential flooding- (even in our case when the flood waters have never come close to our property) to drop the value and make it easier to acquire it all at a significantly reduced rate. Further red tape must be worked through if anyone in this new flood zone would like to add to, repair or enhance their current home. If damage to a home exceeds 50% of it's value (as in our case), all of the work - whether rebuild or replace- will need to meet the new, more rigid, regulations. There are new Base Flood Elevation levels that are now being assessed by a higher water level determined in 1988 (with a greater location variable - NAVD88) rather than the previous standard established in 1929. This requires a survey to be done and in our county, a list of 20 some specifics to be addressed within it. Once the survey is done, the county will require hundreds of dollars in 'Review' fees and Inspection fees that will be required on top of the county's permit and inspection fees. We've not been able to get a permit for demolition, although we were told by one county agent that it would be approved, then when we applied, we were denied.
As homes have a significant value, especially if they are on or near water, one regulatory way of minimizing acquisition costs is to reclassify the areas as 'flood zones' - and within that varying degrees of potential flooding- (even in our case when the flood waters have never come close to our property) to drop the value and make it easier to acquire it all at a significantly reduced rate. Further red tape must be worked through if anyone in this new flood zone would like to add to, repair or enhance their current home. If damage to a home exceeds 50% of it's value (as in our case), all of the work - whether rebuild or replace- will need to meet the new, more rigid, regulations. There are new Base Flood Elevation levels that are now being assessed by a higher water level determined in 1988 (with a greater location variable - NAVD88) rather than the previous standard established in 1929. This requires a survey to be done and in our county, a list of 20 some specifics to be addressed within it. Once the survey is done, the county will require hundreds of dollars in 'Review' fees and Inspection fees that will be required on top of the county's permit and inspection fees. We've not been able to get a permit for demolition, although we were told by one county agent that it would be approved, then when we applied, we were denied.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7
This little peek into our lives will serve as a reminder to us as we look back later to see how the Lord has brought us through each stage and a fair warning to others considering water front or even 'water near' properties in Washington state... Additionally, a creek on the property becomes a later potential for 'wash flooding' in the event of a major disaster, a 100 year (we've gone through two with no river water even crossing our road) or now even 500 year flood; and a great host to county planted salmon whether or not they may have been a natural part of the Eco-system previously. Understand in a world that worships the creature rather than the Creator, fish habitat is more valuable than humans. These are just some of things we are seeing, going through and can personally attest to.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25
Ultimately, we are learning our greatest 'insurance' is the Lord. As you too come to Him with each hardship you encounter He'll certainly make a way. We know, in our circumstance things would not have come together without His blessing of miracles along the way. In some circumstances, what normally took those 5-7 days to 'clear' through the bank, would suddenly be approved over night! Sometimes, someone would share their horror stories about dealing with county officials and we'd have a wonderful experience. Miraculously, we were able to purchase a nearly new replacement home (that had been so well cared for) whose price dropped to just what our insurance would approve! It's newer, it's higher quality, it's better designed and frankly fulfills all the needs we dreamed we may be able to experience sometime in the future. A miracle I had claimed to my Grandmother just over a year ago, while discussing potentials for a family move, came true - "if the Lord wants to, he could give us a brand new home!" Never in our wildest considerations would we have thought things would work in the way they have. As we look back and remember our prayers, we gratefully acknowledge the way things are happening is bringing about much spiritual growth, greater learning and yes, as is always His design, for all glory to go to the ONE who makes the way - the Lord Jesus Christ!
We wholeheartedly encourage you to look up and listen to this powerful song:
We wholeheartedly encourage you to look up and listen to this powerful song:
In Christ alone, my hope is found...
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.