The Interesting Story of Finding Our “Garden”

Even before meeting Vinny, the dream to buy land was in my heart.  So many things were leading towards the desire to exchange the fleeting, and unpredictable illusion of fiat money, for something that had a more enduring purpose.  Not necessarily something to live on.  But at least a backup.  Something with soil, for growing.  And water, for drinking.  And needless to say, with low taxes, too. :-/

Several times I came close to purchasing something, but then was too afraid to commit. Fast forward until now, however, with new life changes and a fuller perspective into the dream with Vinny, and this summer the search resumed.

Enjoying the Ride

Bless Vinny.  He really put a lot of effort into finding a property.  In fact, I snapped a picture of his notebook one day, before we headed out for yet another drive. :-)

 

Now I sincerely believe that the process of making a dream come true is as important as achieving the dream.  You have to either believe in the process, or enjoy the process.  For us, we enjoyed going for rides, and so it was only natural to look at properties.  I knew most the time they probably weren’t going to be the “one,” and so did Vinny, but the more we went out to look, the more determined we became, and the more clear our vision became of what we were looking for.

A Bumpy Bunny Trail

Of the over 100 or so “wrong” properties we looked at, there was one that stood out.  It was a 10 acre plot with a small solar cabin that we called, “Tiny House on the Prairie.”   We even had a wonderful dinner with the owners, and they said they would sell it to us for only $35K (they were asking $49K).  We verbally agreed to buy it, and shook hands on it.

Over that weekend, however, I was sleeplessly tormented by the decision. I didn’t know why exactly.  When I woke, I felt fine.  It was so weird!  Finally one night I asked Dad to specifically intervene into the situation.  And He did!  Literally the next day the owners called and backed out of the deal with no explanation or apology.  While we were thankful for His obvious help, we were a bit discouraged about resuming our search.  Fall was coming, and we were running out of time.

Then a strange thing happened. A week or so later, the owners called to say they were putting it back on the market!  So we met them – again, and shook hands to buy it – again.  But that night – again – before signing the contract, I couldn’t sleep.  “Oh Lord,” I prayed (yes, again), “This property is so affordable and “sensible,” but something is not feeling right.  We are going to sign the contract tomorrow, and I need either peace, or another intervention from you!”

Now I kid you not with what happened next. :-)  6:30 that morning I get up early to take a walk, before going to sign the contract, and my phone starts buzzing with texts.  It was the owners, last minute, asking for more money!

Vinny and I agreed to drop these unpredictable people like a hot potato.

More Than You Can Ask or Think

Now the story gets even better.  We were so astonished at this second door slam, clearly due to Dad’s help again, that we were not discouraged, but hopeful. :-)  Within minutes we were back on the computer looking again, and suddenly there was a 7 acre property newly listed that very hour!  And although we were looking in a range of many counties containing literally hundreds of towns and cities, this new property was in the exact same, teeny-tiny town (population only 1,600 people) as the property we just lost. (Sweet justice, could it be?…)

Immediately we took the trip to go see it, and as we drove down the long driveway lined with fruiting apple and cherry trees, my heart leaped with joy.  Vinny immediately noticed the cleared area with a southern exposure, and together we walked to the edge of a pond where dozens of frogs squeaked and jumped in. It was literally love at first sight!

The owner also “happened” to be on the property, and we were the first people to see it.  A few hours later we bought it.  For even less money than the other property.

And I have slept peacefully every night since. :-)

 

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