Where I'm From.

Over spring break, I went on a trip to Lac Courte Oreille Indian Reservation with Intervarsity, the Christian group on campus that I am passionate about.  Because the point of this trip was to love on a culture most of us were unfamiliar with, a week before we left, we were prompted to write poems about our own backgrounds, cultures, and the unique features of our stories.  We never did end up sharing them, unfortunately, but this is mine.  The process of writing this was a happy one, as I was flooded with memories of the people who mean the most to me and the times I've shared with them.  To say that I am grateful just does not suffice.  I would encourage you to also take some time to reflect on what characterized your past.

I am from a cul de sac biked around a million times,
from full flower beds and driveway cracks

I am from bunk beds and Yo-J,
from happy  summers and chasing the sun
 
Where family  means best friends
and Mom & Dad have the same Saturday morning spots
 
I am from imagining and creating,
with eyes that are wide and watching my father
 
I am from a man whose kind eyes showed me Jesus,
with strong hands that taught me His ways

From a hard-working woman with curly hair
who loves deep, wide, and selflessly
 
I am from a Jeep's left backseat,
the middle  and right belonging to my sisters-
always my sisters, never leaving my side
 
I am from Kathy's house after school,
I am from Supermarket Sweep and roundbrush singing,
From the "mushroom pool" and snow forts, safe car rides and family dinners
 
I am one of  forty kindergarteners
who became forty high school graduates
 
I am from selfishness, neediness, brokenness,
But I am from two patient and faithful parents
 
I am from a  world colored by the grace of knowing a beautiful Lord,
I am from the kindness of a Father who gave me these dear souls