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LITTLE TOWN
I grew up in a small town in the heart of the Texas hill country. And by small, I mean population: 3,500. Llano, Texas. I’m amazed if you’ve heard of it – especially if you’re not from Texas. Unless, of course, you’re a barbeque connoisseur, and have tasted the goodness of Llano’s own Cooper’s Barbeque. Or if you’re a deer hunter, you might have visited my little town, known by many as the Deer Capitol of Texas. But, if you’re neither of those things, you’ve probably never heard of Llano.
Although it’s small, this town really is a gem. I’m so thankful to have spent so many years growing up with small town life. Everyone knows each other. Everyone is friendly. You can’t go anywhere without seeing someone you know. A quaint little place, really. At the local pizza joint, they’ve memorized the favorite pizza of many of their customers. They know if you drink your tea sweetened or unsweetened (a southern thing!) Football season marks the beginning of THE social season… and during this time, Sonic becomes the coolest post-football game hangout. If you have a birthday, it’s often announced on the town marquee on the courthouse square. I could go on, but I think I’ve made it clear that Llano holds a sweet little spot in my heart. And though that is true, after 18 years in my little town, I was ready to experience a new place.
Almost three years ago, I moved to Austin, Texas, and although it’s not the biggest city by any means, it was plenty big for this small town girl. This transition was such a great time in my life — extremely challenging, but so great. I left all the things I had known for all my life, and arrived in a completely new atmosphere. I was uncomfortable, uneasy, and lonely for the majority of my first few months away from home. Nothing was familiar, and my family and friends were no longer by my side to hug me through this transition! I began to realize that the time had come to really make my life my own. It was time for me to be who I was meant to be. It wasn’t easy, but then the best things in life never are, right? I had to be proactive in every area of my life. I had to choose to go to church, choose to go to class, choose to enter potentially awkward situations in order to meet new people… and let me tell you, there were plenty of those situations! God was incredibly faithful. He became my friends and my family. He became so real to me, and I really began enjoying him in a way I hadn’t before. It has turned into such a sweet time in my life!
I love being in the city. I believe it has “rounded me out,” and made me better. It has also grown in me a greater appreciation for the little town I’ve always called home. It’s nice to close my eyes and remember watching a sunset by the river, or the times spent riding around town with windows down in a car full of friends. Such good memories. And the beauty is that these memories are my roots. I love looking out and seeing the city lights of downtown Austin, but there is nothing like seeing a sky full of stars on the darkest night in Llano. It’s why going home is such a treat. Every time all those familiar things just wrap me up like a nice winter blanket and I know I’m home.