A Place to Call Home

Those of you who grew up as "military brats", who served in the military, or who are/were married to a service member will be able to relate to this post!

Before returning to this area, I spent the majority of my adult life living in a military community. While this had a lot of wonderful aspects, it also presented challenges, and for me, the biggest challenge was the transient nature of the community. I would make a friend, and they would move away. It was very difficult to make and maintain connections, and It was hard to feel like I was "home" or that I had roots, given the lack of permanence and continuity. This affected my son as well, and it was hard for him to say goodbye to so many friends.

One thing that excited me so much about moving to Nixa was the chance to finally live in a place where people weren't moving away left and right, where my son and young daughter could make long-term friends (not to mention myself!), and where we could really feel a sense of belonging to a community.

As far as its sense of community, Nixa has exceeded my expectations! I have wonderful neighbors, and I have been continually impressed with the way Nixans are always willing to help their neighbors! Examples include Meal Trains and GoFundMe accounts set up for families experiencing a hardship, the amazing Nixa Share Facebook group that helped so many struggling people during the Christmas season and beyond, the 4Jake movement started by my friend Karen Perry to help struggling youth, people delivering donuts to the police department, and the list goes on and on. This is exactly the kind of community I wanted for my family, and I feel lucky to be a part of it. I do my best to be a good neighbor and a good Nixan and to help others whenever I can. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

If you love Nixa's sense of community and caring and want to support that and help it grow stronger, I hope that you will consider giving me your vote for Nixa City Council!