When we moved here- I was filled with excitement. I was so happy to be all backed together as a family. My hubby was out here for a few months without us, but we decided to take a loss on our life and home back in Idaho to just be all together here in Dickinson. After all- it was just a house... A home my hubby built with his own hands and belongs that we had gathered over years- but just stuff.
We had blessings with company housing and later a better job that has opened up an opportunity for hubby to start his own business out here. My business has grown beautifully and I have been able to meet some amazing friends and clients in the year we have been here.
We had to move out of our company housing due to the job change and we were blessed to have found a house that would fit our whole family. The landlord was great (in the beginning) and had come to the agreement that since he had evicted his last tenants, that we would take care of all the cleaning and repairs in exchange for the deposit. After thanksgiving, a LONG time friend of hubby's, Trent, had joined us for dinner. He was sharing with us how his work was going and that he was waiting for his apartment to be finished and waiting for more work to start up again for him. So here was a friend of our- a friend that was family to us- a friend that has been a part of our lives- and we did what we do for our friends and extend our home to him. We never asked for money from him nor did we ever accept money- it was just not something we would do.
The landlord had met Trent- welcomed him, was nice to him and asked if there was anything we needed, to let him know.
a while later....
the dude went coo-coo!! Showing up at our door yelling and screaming- yelling obscene words with the kids sitting right there. We refused to answer the door and asked him to leave. When he decided to get louder, we called the cops. We later received a hand typed eviction letter on our door.
Since we have Legal Shield, we called up our lawyer, explained the situation and got legal advice. We followed all the legal steps we needed.
After our lawyer sent a letter to the landlord that in fact the hand typed letter was not in fact a legal eviction letter and we had legal representation, we would still be legally able to reside at that address. Well as you have guessed we soon after that did receive a court order eviction letter. Still not the correct letter, but good enough for good 'ol North Dakota. We had a court date set and off to court we went.
I was proud of hubby. For standing his ground. For doing the right thing and not letting this guy bully us into paying an extra $1000 a month for us to continue to live there. Remember we have been paying $3000 a month and had only 2 months left in our lease. We did all the research we were advised to do and had copies of the lease.
We get to the court room and I instinctively wanted to yell " OBJECTION" and " YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH" but the looks hubby was giving me was telling me I better not utter a word. What a kill joy huh lol
Long story short- the landlord oozed lies out of his mouth- making me want to just cry. I couldn't believe he was sitting there in front of the judge and just bleeding bullshit lies. If I had a dart gun- I would have tranquilized him for sure.
In the end the judge ruled on his opinion on what "subletting" means. We were just flabbergasted that a judge would rule on his opinion. Whatever happened to the ... i dunno.. the LAW. He then hit his little hammer thingy and ruled that we had 5 days to vacate the home.
I walked out flustered but feeling such peace about it. I wanted to squeeze lemon juice in the landlord eyes, but I had such a great calmly feeling from God. I know he has a plan and I felt safe. Hubby looked so sad and just angry- and for good reason. He was doing the right thing and we just got suckered punched.
We went home and tried to make a game plan. I called the only person I knew that could possibly direct me in the right direction. Housing here in ND is so ridiculous. Sweet Ms Amber was able to spread the word and this amazing man had answered us with such grace. We were in need of a home with 4 or more rooms, someone that would hear our story, listen and acknowledge that we were not trying to take advantage of anyone, but really just living in what we believe in Gods giving way.
Mr D was the one that was the one that had answered our prayers- heard our story and listened to our hearts... and offered a home that he had available to rent. I wish I was able to fully express my gratitude and the love that I have for such an amazing person who accepted us. On friday, Mr D called us for the walk thru and he graciously handed us over the keys. I could have seriously cried at that moment :)
This house is so cute and comfortable. I am so happy to call it home :) From the outside I was a little worried that it would not quite fit us good but inside its more than perfect.
God, thank you so much for the many blessings- this was a hard journey but we knew you had a plan
and its perfect- just like always!
Amber- thank you for being a friend and listening to me. Thank you for reaching out to your friends and co-workers.
Mr D- Thank you SO very much. We will be forever grateful for your blessing and gracious heart!
Charley- I am so proud of you! Thank you for sticking up for our family and never letting the evil get into your heart. You are a great man, husband, provider and father! I love you!
To my friends - thank you for your support and prayers!
now.. who wants to come over for some coffee :)
