Yes I am, surprised you remember my call..... ermmm, surprised when you remember ANYTHING Guy...
Seriously, I know you live in the boonies and as I remember, you are one of a handful of hams in your county, however, an entry level 2m HT can usually be acquired for $100 or less.... just as your Papa Bear, K7KWH, has told you already.
Save your pennies and buy one guy...... for the moment, avoid temptation to spend your money on old Grundigs, candy bars and ice cream...... mow some lawns, wash some cars, get a part time job at a local diner or convenience corner mart and I bet you will be able to come up the the $100 +/- that you need to get your first HT.
Have you contacted your local / regional club yet, attended their meetings / asked if they have any loaner gear until you can save up your $100?
Guy, you're a good kid, but I am afraid that here, just as on the Island, you will find there MAY be a kindly old gentleman who just might 'give' you a rig, however, just as is there, don't hold your breath here. By now, you could have found an empty coffee can...... made a sign to hang around your neck that says "Will Work For HT!", and actually managed to panhandle enough pennies, nickels and dimes off of passers by on a street corner to have a radio by now. Get creative and get busy!
Stand up straight, pull up yer britches and straighten that hat, boy!