Mountain Lane Homesteaders

The job and how it happened.

I had last stopped writing at the part of our story where the kids and I took off in search of ice cream while my husband completed the rest of the interview.  We all enjoyed that treat and then went back to our hotel to wait for Sam to get back.  We had started that interview at about 4pm, the kids and I left at around 5:30pm, and we waited for Sam until 9pm.  Boy was my mind ever spinning while I waited and wondered what was happening!  When he finally did arrive (the bank president drove him to the hotel) we were starving and he was filled with hope.

After a modest meal out, Sam and I spent long into that night talking about what the reponsibilities and benefits of this job would be.  While we were still excited about the possibilities we were concerned at the issue of salary.  Turns out, Sanders county is the poorest county in Montana.  Therefore, the salary would reflect that.  Same job description in Missoula might be $10,000 a year higher in pay.  Same job in a BIG city would be much higher in pay.  We began to wonder if we could even meet all of our expenses.  All the other benefits were great and the days off were amazing but we went to sleep without that sure sense of what we should do if given an offer.

When morning came we had to check out of our hotel and get started on our journey home.  Remember, one night was all our $600 trip money would allow.  When the phone rang and the bank president (Mike) wanted to stop over and talk with us before we left I went into a state of panic.  Surely this meant they were NOT offering a position since if they were going to it could have been done over the phone.  He was coming to meet us to say "Hey, nice to meet you but I'm here to let you down easy."  I told Sam that when he arrived I wanted to just stay in the van and not be present for the bad news.  It wasn't until I realized that we might lose it that my mind became clear to the knowing that this really WAS what I had been wanting.

Minutes later we were all checked out and in the van when Mike drove in.  Sam got out to meet him.  They spoke for about 20 seconds and Sam came to the window and said "Can you come over here for a minute?" Not what I wanted to do!

As we stood there side by side we experienced one of those life changing moments.  Mike told us that they would like to offer us the job.  But that they didn't feel we had seen enough of the area so they had booked a room for us at Quinn's Hot Springs Resort so that we could have another day here and all go swimming that night in the hot springs pools.  Jaw drop, silly grins.  "We would also like to advance you $3000 of your first years salary to get you some money right away.  In addition we will pay for ALL of your moving expenses including the moving truck, gas, lodging, and food along the way."  Were we interested? 

At that moment, all doubt about should we or shouldn't we was immediately gone.  We stood there looking at each other with smiles a mile wide nodding our heads and shaking hands.  We had been bold enough to ask for the cash advance but had assumed that it was what we would use for moving expenses.  The offer of the advance PLUS all expenses paid was "abundantly more than we could possibly ask or imagine".  God was indeed blessing this move.

We spent that day looking about our new town with the knowledge that we were once again employed, heading into a terrific adventure, and had plenty of gas money for the trip back to Iowa. 

That night we celebrated! Dinner for 5 of us at the resort restaurant, a swim in the hot springs,  and the best nights sleep Sam and I had had in a very long time! 

great story

12:17 PM, Wednesday, July 19, 2006 .. Posted by deedee06

Sanders Co. is the poorest county in Montana? I figured it would be somewhere in the far eastern part of the state, where it takes 10 acres to support one cow! Our situations were similar. When David was downsized from a managerial position at Cenex, we wondered about the lower wage and less health insurance. The Lord has provided and we continue to learn to live frugally, so it has worked out. I always joke that one interview question should be," Does you wife like to iron?" It seems like I always have at least one piece of ironing to do. Farm visit days are nice because he wears colored jeans, so I just have a shirt to do after that day. Really, I enjoy seeing him looking so nice, especially with a tie on that I don't mind the ironing too much! Looking forward to more installations of your story................Denise

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12:24 PM, Wednesday, July 19, 2006 .. Posted by southernbelle

What a wonderful story and such a happy ending for you and your family! How exciting!

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1:30 PM, Wednesday, July 19, 2006 .. Posted by morningsunshine

yeah! i love this story. did they help you find a home too? or at least point you in the right direction? what a great small town!

Can't wait for the next chapter!

8:52 AM, Thursday, July 20, 2006 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Oh, I am so enjoying your story! God is sooooo good! Your story is just what I need to hear right now. I love how you are giving it to us in "installments". I can't wait to hear what happened next!!!! AAAAHHHH- the suspense of it all!!! LOL
In Christ- Amy W

Enjoying your story

10:33 AM, Tuesday, July 25, 2006 .. Posted by Anonymous

We lived north of you last summer in Eureka, Lincoln County. We loved living there. So beautiful and peaceful, fresh air, abundant wildlife. In one post you mentioned the smell of sun on the pine needles. I smiled as it took me back to that smell that I enjoyed so much.
We are back in our original home state of Georgia, but I am still dreaming of being back in my new home state of Montana!!
I love reading your posts about your new life there. Makes me feel a little closer! Looking forward to reading more!

God bless you,
Wendi