My friend Heather says she likes it whenever people ask me the question: where are you from? Well, that's really a hard question to answer. Home is in multiple locations for me. I was born in Columbus, OH, and then my family and I moved to Greenfield, IN when I was three, which is where I grew up. However, this past summer, my family moved back to Columbus, OH and live in a house actually not too far from the one I spent my first three years in. All moves were made because of my Dad's jobs, and all were essentially good moves. I describe my family as coming full circle. Oh yeah, and I go to school at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI. Crazy right? I know, I know. It's quite a confusing concoction, sometimes even for me. I get numbers and addresses mixed up frequently. Before, when people asked me where I'm from, I exhaustively would tell the story, but now if someone asks, I reply with, "I'm from the Midwest." Has it gotten me some strange looks? Yes. However, it's true. I have roots in all three places and a different kind of attachment to each. An extra element thrown into the mix is that I have two other places I consider my home even though I have never lived there for an extended period of time. I love the Carolinas, more specifically Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It's beautiful, and I am always so attached that I'll admit-I pout a little when my family and I drive off the island to head back North. I love the South. I wanted to go to college in the South, but it wasn't in God's plans for me. In addition, you'll hear me talk quite a bit about Italy, always passionately and fervently. I took my first trip abroad to Italy the summer after my freshman year in high school. When I stepped off the plane, I don't know how to explain it. I've been back once since and this summer will make two. I truly believe God has instilled this passion for Italy, its people and culture for a reason, and I can see myself calling that home one day as well. Home is where the heart is, and I agree, but my heart rests in several places.
