Relax . . . You're In Kansas Now

Prior to our move we had major issues with our moving van.  I prepared a quote that Budget provided several weeks prior to our move as Jeff's company needed an estimate.  When we received the go-ahead and I went to make the reservation the price had significantly increased.  We made the reservation anyway and decided we would just cover the difference.  Then three days before our move Budget called to tell us they had cancelled our reservation as they didn't have a moving van for us.  The chastised Jeff for not reading the fine print when we made the reservation.  Silly us, we assumed they would have a truck for us when all we were actually doing was locking in the amount they would charge us IF they could find a truck for us.  Lesson learned:  never use Budget again. 

Our other option was U-Haul.  Jeff explained the situation to the kind reservation agent and we were able to make the reservation on short notice.  Jeff confirmed with them that they would indeed guarantee a truck for us.  Everything was in order.  We even received two confirmation emails and it provided all the necessary details.  All details were correct.  When U-Haul didn't call to confirm the reservation on Sunday evening, I encouraged Jeff to call them instead.  He did.  The agent stated we were all set to pick up our truck in Des Moines, not Spirit Lake.  Our confirmation emails had said pick-up in Spirit Lake and this is what Jeff had confirmed with the agent.  Des Moines was nearly a four hour drive one-way and too far for us to consider driving to.  I tried not to panic inside, but it was very disconcerting to learn of this the morning before our move.  Jeff was able to contact the local company in Spirit Lake and thank the Lord, they had received a cancellation the day before and had a 26' truck sitting in their lot.  God came through for us in nick of time. 

After unloading the U-Haul in Beloit, we cut it a little close when it came to returning the truck.  Our deadline was about 9:49 AM.  I had looked up the location on Google Maps and told Jeff where I thought the U-Haul drop-off was.  It appeared to be about five blocks from where we moved to.  Jeff got in the truck and I was behind him in the Tahoe with Abby.  We took off and drove the direction I thought was correct.  Soon the road ended.  We turned around and headed the opposite direction.  When that appeared to be residential and a dead-end I pulled the Tahoe over and made a call to U-Haul.  I explained we were unable to find the drop-off location and asked for the local number.    Unfortunately Jeff didn't have his phone with him.  When I pulled over he continued driving.  By the time I ended my phone call and had dialed the local number I had completely lost him.  He was wandering around Beloit somewhere in a 26' U-Haul truck. 

With about two minutes till our deadline I called the local U-Haul number.  I explained to the man that we were trying to return our U-Haul truck and that I had lost my husband in the midst of losing our way and that I was concerned we would be late.  I asked if there was any way he could waive the late fee since we had gotten lost.  I think I probably gulped all these words out in one breath as I was slightly stressed and I absolutely hate wasting money.  The kind local on the other line said, "Don't worry ma'am.  You're in God's country now.  I don't care if you return your truck tomorrow at noon.  I won't charge you any extra."  Whew.  What a relief.  And a reminder that I need to slow down just a bit now that I'm here in Kansas.  What's the rush?  

Kicking on Closed Doors

Several days ago we made the decision to move to a small town in north central Kansas.  For those of you who don't know our story, we returned to Northwest Iowa after Jeff lost his job in Wisconsin.  Iowa was a temporary stay and we knew we would eventually relocate again once we were back on our feet financially.  That was two and a half years ago.   

I had hoped to return to Wisconsin, but that wasn't an option for Jeff.  We had no idea where we should begin searching for jobs, but decided shorter winters would be nice.  Jeff must have fishing and hunting opportunities nearby.  I wanted a good church that we could be involved in as a family (as I'm still a member at my home church in Wisconsin).  Living closer to a few shopping options would be nice.  No, I'm not an extravagant spender, but enjoy shopping for bargains at stores like Target, Walgreens and Kohls. 

Throughout the last two and a half years we made numerous trips to search for jobs and housing:  Florida, NW Arkansas, Western Colorado and Southern Missouri.  We searched online for jobs and housing in many other locations.  Upon becoming a full-time mom I really tried to assist Jeff in his job search and scoured the web for jobs he might qualify for.  I submitted resumes and emails on his behalf.  He was never even called for an interview once.  It has been a frustrating journey.  We kicked and kicked on so many doors and they just weren't opening. 

Our last resort was for Jeff to request a transfer to another location.  The problem is that his company only had welding jobs available in Kansas.   This is not the most scenic state.  Just over a month ago we visited our soon-to-be-home in Kansas.  I thought it was too remote.  So did Jeff.  He was supposed to calling the human resource manager and tell him "no," but he felt he shouldn't and asked if the company would consider paying all of our moving expenses.  We prayed that if God would have us move there they would be willing to cover this added expense.  In the meantime we discussed the pros and cons to making the move and were very undecided.  It didn't seem as if God was clearly telling us to stay or go.   We waited nearly two weeks for an answer.  Imagine my surprise when the email arrived announcing they would cover all expenses.  After added discussion and prayer Jeff reluctantly accepted the job offer.  Since then we've really felt peace and some growing excitement about the move.  We had to take that initial step before God confirmed His will in our minds. 

This new location doesn't have the shopping amenities I had really wanted.  We may have to drive quite a distance to locate a good church, but apparently God wants us there for some reason.   His ways aren't our ways.  I'm anxious to see what He has planned for us.