I'm a born and raised Missourian. There's a big chunk of my heart that will always be in Missouri. My parents and sister are there, and I still have many friends there. The past six years I've been living in west Texas. I've heard lots of people say things like "I can't believe you live there." "There are no trees" "Don't you feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere?"
I can't lie and say there wasn't an adjustment period, but I can honestly say, the people here are like none I've ever known. They opened their arms to me and made me their family, immediately. Most people tend to be a little skeptical about newcomers, especially in a small town like this one. Many generations of these families were raised here. They have known each other their whole lives. When I came here, I expected some hesitation on their part. It just plain didn't happen.
Lawrence and I have struggled some with finances since we've lived here. Some of it stemmed from having a house for sale for more than a year, and having to pay two payments during that time. People here have constantly flooded us with food from their gardens and fields, brought us clothes for Samuel (hand-me-downs that I have absolutely loved), provided extra work for Lawrence on their farms, and numerous other loving acts, some of them provided anonymously.
I'm not saying there aren't people like that everywhere in this country, but the people here are a special breed, and I thank God for the gift of their friendships. If I had to leave everything I've ever known and move 1,000 miles away, I'm sure glad God led us here.
