Where I come from

"Where are you from?" That is a question that is almost always asked when you meet someone new. You are also expected to tell where you are from on any kind of autobiography that you give to others. People want to know. Where you come from can say a lot about what kind of person you are.

In our small group we have been talking about how it is important to realize how our past effects us now and how it will effect our future. So, I have been reflecting on the many places I am from lately. I am proud of all the places I have come from and each place has played a huge role in who I am today. 

I am from Rockford, Alabama ... 

I don't really remember much about living there, but I remember the people. I remember the sweet faces of older men and women who loved on and spoiled me and my sisters. I remember the sweet nursery lady who watched us while my parents were at church. I am pretty sure I remember that she took us to the train tracks to play. I remember chocolate and lemon meringue pie. I remember being scared of dogs. Some of my favorite home videos are at the Rockford house. I remember my Kindergarten. I remember my principal pushing me on the swings. I remember the basement of my house even though mom says we never played there, I remember it. I remember Easter egg hunts with my cousins. I remember Rockford. 

I am from Auburn, Alabama ... 

Auburn will always have a very, very special place in my heart. Maybe it's because I love the Auburn Tigers, college football, and tailgating. Maybe it's because the Bodines who are so much a part of my family live there. Maybe it's because I had my first best friend there. Maybe it's because it's where I asked Jesus in my heart and got baptized. Maybe it's because it's where I fell in love with my 1st grade teacher and decided I wanted to be a teacher. Maybe it's because I got a baby brother while I lived there. Maybe it's because of Parkway Baptist Church and the wonderful youth pastor who impacted my life in more ways than he is probably aware. Maybe it's because it's where me and mom became friends. Maybe it's because it's where I saw that God is still in control even when bad things happen. Maybe it's because that's where I saw my dad's passion for the un-churched. Maybe it's because of the hole in our backyard where my sisters and I played non stop. Maybe it's  because of all the times I remember our house being of full of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and good food. Maybe it's because of Chick-fil-a and Cracker Barrel. Whatever the reason, Auburn is special to me. A lot of my life happened there, and I will always remember Auburn. And I will always say War Eagle! 

I am from Orting, Washington ... 

Moving from Auburn to Orting was hard and good. And even though Orting is the kind of town you hope to leave once you can, I am still proud to be from there. RiverChase will always be a part of who I am. Going through what we did with RiverChase will always impact how I view church and others {in a good way}. My youth pastors/leaders while we there meant so much to me {and still do} and they were exactly who I needed beside me as I journeyed through high school. Not only did RiverChase impact me while I was there, but Orting is where I experienced my teenage years. I made new friends {one in particular who is my bestest friend to this day and always will be}. I went to my first dance. I learned how to drive. I had my first boyfriend. I went to the mall and the movies. I had my first job. I went to high school football games. Thanks to a certain PE teacher in 8th grade, I gave PE a chance {which Erik is thankful for ;)}. I met Ms. Davis who gave me a reason to try in math class. Orting is where I longed to come home to after I left for college. Orting is where I learned more about Jesus. I re-committed my life to Jesus while in Orting. While in Orting, I began to see that being a Christian isn't just about going to church - I wanted to live out my faith. I started to have a passion for the world. All in all, I would say that Orting is the place I grew up. I grew up in more ways than one. Most importantly, I grew up spiritually. Life happened while I was there (great and not so great), and I learned more about Jesus through it. Orting is dear to me, and always will be. I remember Orting. 

{... So many more things happened while I lived in Orting, I just don't really have the time to talk about them all, but one that is worth mentioning is the memory of sharing my room with my wonderful aunt. That was a good time}

I am from Salem, Oregon ... 

Even though I only lived in Salem for the 4 years I was in college it is a place that I would say had a huge impact on my life. I met Erik. I made amazing life long friends who love me for me. I dated Erik. I met Erik's family. I fell in love. I learned about how to be a great teacher. I learned about theology. I continued to learn what it meant to be a Christian on my own.  I met amazing older women who poured into my life. I pulled all-nighters. I got engaged. I think the main thing I will remember about Salem and Corban is that I had fun. Life was so good in Salem (not that is wasn't in other places). I remember an amazing boyfriend, wonderful friends, and an amazing school whose professors taught me about the Bible and taught me about being the best teacher possible. I remember Salem. 

I am from Pacific Beach, Washington ... 

Well kinda :). Even though I have never lived in PB, I consider it one of my homes because of who lives there. Erik's house will always be one of my favorite places. I'm in love with the way I feel when I am sitting in their living room on the most comfy couch ever, listening to boys talk and play, and smelling whatever Karleen has cooking in the kitchen. I have always felt at home when I am in PB, and it is all because of the Fry's - they make me feel at home. I can't wait to bring our kids to PB one day. Pacific Beach is a special place that I will always love and be thankful for. 

I am from Rapid City, South Dakota ... 

Even though Erik and I only lived here for one year, Rapid is where I consider myself "from" currently and a place that no matter where my parents are, will always be very near and dear to my heart. I got married in Rapid. We moved into our first apartment together. I had my first real, full time teaching job. I served in my dad's church as a grown up. I made even more wonderful new friends that I will have forever. I saw Mt. Rushmore and Wall Drug. I found my new favorite restaurant. I drove in the snow. I fell in love with the Black Hills. I met Buddy. Rapid City is where I look forward to going home to this summer. I look forward to lake days, Armadillo's ice cream, driving in the car with the windows down, and more importantly, spending time with the people who are there. I will always remember Rapid City. 

And now, I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia! A place that has in the past year and a half changed me for the better. Erik and I have made amazing friends, grown closer as a couple, learned how to be better teachers, traveled the world, and had the opportunity to serve and love on the people God has placed in our life here. No matter where God takes us next, I will always remember Jakarta. 

Phew! That was longer and more "wordy" than I was expecting, but fun to write and reflect. If you stuck with me this long, thank you. 

All in all, I am from love. I am from a loving family who made every place home to me. And now, I am with a husband who makes every place home to me. Every place I have lived has made me who I am today, and I am so blessed. God is so good <3