Endings....

As most of you know, today was our last day here at Smith Fork Ranch. We were terminated this a.m., as nicely as possible, although it came after a very vindictive and antagonistic meeting Jeff had last week with the owner. Hired as Ranch Manager (as well as Horse Operations Director, Facilities Manager, Ranch Foreman etc) the owner had indicated directly to us, during the interview process, that there were some very severe issues with those areas and he needed someone w/ the knowledge to make changes. He also, at that time, hired back a previous Dining Manager as the new General Manager. The two Managers (Jeff & Courtney) were to work in tandem to make necessary changes to the ranch & improve overall ranch performance. We arrived in November, Courtney started in January. The owner was gone for all of mid Dec thru March 30, with the exception of several weeks in late Jan / early Feb. During that time, Jeff & Courtney worked together to hire staff, implement proposed changes and make plans for summer. Upon his return 10 days ago, the owner called a meeting with the whole staff as a "brainstorming" meeting for the summer. At that meeting, it quickly became clear that he didn't really mean "brainstorming", he meant "listen to my ideas and say they're great". Any attempt on Jeff's & my part to suggest anything was quickly met with derision, impatience or hostility. A few days later, another meeting was called to discuss projects. At that meeting, Jeff was blamed for everything the owner didn't like, even if he hadn't been involved. He was told: - "Why didn't you move ahead on this? (Jeff - "B/c I was waiting for your approval") - "Why did you move ahead on this? (Jeff - "B/c a decision needed made and you weren't responding") - "Why isn't this project done?" (Jeff - "b/c it can't be done until the snow is gone and it just went off this week) and so on... At the end of that meeting, after everyone else had left, the owner really jumped all over Jeff for the people he hired (even though they were ALL far more qualified Courtney, or himself (the owner), even though he was told to do the hiring etc. Jeff HAD discussed every single hire, repeatedly with Courtney but she told the owner that he had done it all w/out consulting her. And, she also told him that Jeff was intimidating and a liar and didn't communicate with her, and that he had "an agenda" and always had to have his own way. Now, anyone who knows Jeff knows the falsehood of all of that. The owner was unhappy w/ me as well b/c I wasn't quiet enough (probably true), and said that I also wanted to control everyone. (Not true, but I know I can come off as bossy). So, this a.m., we had another meeting with the owner at which time we came to an agreement on severance. We have 2 weeks to move out. We are not heart-broken as we weren't sure how we would be able to stay on knowing the GM was not trustworthy, and that lies were being told about us.We are trusting that God has a new plan in place for us, and that we were here for a purpose also. We hope to find ranch work, but obviously will need to be open to all options. As of right now, unless a job offer comes by mid-next week, we'll probably head back to Big Sky. I think that's the update for now. Not sure what we're doing about mail yet but will keep you all posted. Thank-you everyone for your prayers, advice and support. We'll be seeing some of you soon!