Wow, this is a post I never thought I would be writing. Advantages to living in a small town? You mean those exist? Yes, after 10 years living in 2 different Iowa small towns, I believe they do. Growing up in Michigan, I never really had an idea of what I would do with my future. Sit at the beach, maybe? Live with my parents? Surely I would never want to move out, thought 10-year-old me. And then when I was 13 we picked up and packed up and shipped ourselves, horses and all, to a small town in Iowa. My siblings and I moved sight-unseen, zero friends in-tow, and we would be switching from homeschooling to "real" school.

{What? You were homeschooled?! Yes, yes we were. I'm hesitant to mention this because of all the negative stereotypes that surround the idea, but my mom did an above-average job with us. I was nearly straight-A all through high school and college, and I had/have friends. And now I'm married and live a fairly normal life. Crazy.}

Oh boy, now what? I had to switch everything about my life. My worldview, my knowledge on how to get home, new friends, a new school, the idea of having homework...it was all a bit overwhelming for 8th-grader me. But I persevered. And I thought out a new plan for my life. I would move away.

I would grow up, go to college, get a good degree, and leave. I would move to New York, London, Ireland, or somewhere like that. I would wear pencil skirts and button-up blouses and eat salad and drink Starbucks. Every. Day.

Have you ever heard that God laughs when we make plans? Ya, looking back I think I remember hearing Him chuckle. Or that life happens while we're busy making plans? Poof! I was 13 yesterday, and now I'm 23 and married with a degree and a real adult job. And bills. And a dog that I don't always agree with.

And I love it. I had plans to leave, plans to run away from the small town I thought I was trapped in, and leave behind the family that I don't know what I would do without. And while there is still a piece of my heart that will forever long for crowded streets, hot dog stands, tall buildings and overpriced donuts, I've come to see the beauty in a small town life.

I feel safe. I run at night. I sometimes leave the keys in my car at work. I don't carry pepper spray. And I've never felt like I was in danger. Paul often leaves for his work, and while I don't sleep as well without him next to me, it's not because I don't feel safe. These are good people that I share this dirt with.

People are genuine. If someone has a problem with you, chances are they'll tell you. And on the other side of that, people will wear their heart on their sleeve and let you know what you mean to them, or if they appreciate you. And there's something to be said for that.

People are generous. Oh my, mention to one person that you're not feeling well, and you'll have 10 frozen meals on your doorstep the next morning. Not even kidding. Small-town people look out for each other and have such huge hearts, I can't even keep up.

Everyone knows everything. I mean everything. We have people ask us how we like the new grass we planted last week. Wait, we didn't tell anyone about that? Oh right, we live in a small town. It can be a great thing, tho. It goes hand-in-hand with people being generous-they'll find out something is wrong and they'll call or email or write or bring you food, and you can be certain they will always be praying for you. I've definitely learned how to not be such a private person. Partly against my will, but I'm better for it.

There's nothing to do. This may seem like a weird one, and it's inconvenient when you're dating, but it's true! It forces you to be creative, to sit down and talk, and to really get to know people during the 45 minute drive it takes to get anywhere. I have some very dear friends that I gleaned out of sheer boredom.

Now, with all this being said, I am by no means saying big town living isn't great.

But there's something about small towns. About people gathering around you when there's a struggle in your life, and celebrating you when there's a victory. About getting to know your neighbor because they play outside with their children and there are no fences. And about seeing the beauty God created, not necessarily at first glance of nature, but with a deeper look into the communities and the people who make them what they are.