Home

Recently I have been reminded of home. Now usually I consider myself sort of homeless. I claim Seattle as my home base, but honestly, I have rarely returned since my departure in 2004, and my connections in the area are limited. Late 2005 I moved to Elk Grove, CA. I was not excited about the move as I had spent the year previous trying to make friends and connections in Stockton CA. None the less, I moved and started my sophomore year of high school. Elk Grove was a nice community and I remember feeling safe and welcome there. Although many people were kind to me upon my arrival, nothing was more exciting and kind than when I was invited to ride in the Muncy astro van from seminary to school. Stephanie Muncy's astro van holds countless memories of talks, last minute homework assignments, and laughs shared between the few girls that rode in it every day. I made some of my best friends in that van.
Elk Grove quickly turned into my home as my doors started opening up to the wonderful youth in the community. Chelsea Tall and I drank bookoos and snuck into a hotel swimming pool. Muncy, Dubray, Corndog, and countless others danced all over town with me on the hilarious humps and indulations spread out through town. Jordan Tall talked to me on my sidewalk till four in the morning almost every night one summer, and Mehul ditched school dances with me to sit at Starbucks and talk. My 3 years in Elk Grove  were full of countless TP runs, late night hangouts, breakfasts, kisses, and memories exchanged between the numerous people that opened their arms and hearts to me.
Today, my desire to return to CA to visit or even live there is extremely small. Elk Grove has become a thing of the past for me. Most of the people I was closest to have left and rarely return home. But even though my love for Elk Grove is hanging on by a thread, Elk Grove and the people I met there hold a piece of my heart. I wouldn't trade anything for my memories in the astro van, or breakfast with Dubie, or making lots and lots of Mac N Cheese at Corndogs house.
 When it comes down to it, I have started to spread little pieces of me all over the world. My adventurous side is in Peru, my caring side is in Mexico, my desire for family is spread throughout Utah and France, My roots are in Seattle, my outgoing side is in Elk Grove, and my heart is with me, being shared with whoever I may meet.
Although I don't quite know if I consider Seattle, Elk Grove, or Utah home, one thing is for sure. Each place has helped create who I am and who I will become. To my future homes and friends, I look forward to meeting you.