Living in the South

Seven years ago we ventured out on a journey that completely changed our lives. We had no idea what that was going to look like. We felt a bit like Abraham when God told him to leave his family and go to a place he did not know. Abraham moved in faith at the voice of God not knowing where he would even end up.

We moved from the cold winters of South Dakota to the hot climate of Kentucky. Althought Mt. Rushmore is amazing I found it paled in comparison to the rich heritage of Kentucky. Where family roots go way deep...something I didn't experience in a town with a large air base and families moving in and out all the time.

Kentucky represents everything about the South your hear about. Front porch gatherings, warm atmospheres, apples, horses and beautiful landscapes.

We live in the Appalachian Mountain range and it is absolutely stunning in the warmth of summer. We moved to Kentucky to help a new church plant. While here my faith has grown and the family connections are heart warming. We live out our faith in a community of believers going in the same direction. I left the fast paced world and entered in a place of solitude and reflection.

Friendly faces and southern hospilality mark this place. We moved to an area not always welcoming to outsiders but never have we felt that we were not accepted in this community. Warm smiles and greetings of "sweetie and honey" were all we heard.

It is a special place to live even in the midst of all the negative we hear about Eastern Kentucky. God has given me a heart for the people of this region and it is a special place in the heart of God.

Thank you Kentucky for welcoming this couple who were so different from the culture here. Thanks for making this place so special to live. It has shaved some rough edges off in my life and gave me a grateful heart for family, friends, and faith.