technically i've always lived midwest although like argue that home state michigan north however moved true midwest place local meteorologist refers east-central illinois exact doesn't more cornfield than this halfway normal actually where friend dorie lives assuming start house drive west about miles into cornfields couple grain elevators small racetrack place called restaurant that's exit farmer city keep driving another miles you'll normal illinois that ever have particular reason there which point these stories really being halfway normal somewhere vicinity i've discovered just about right place least it's place where found myself balance true love it's place where life become entwined with lives people many experiences backgrounds where took first afro-caribbean dance class where girls experienced their first passover hanukah celebrations just stone's throw away from grain elevator this in-between place where i've become family with husband's ex-wife partner where i've learned spot crumbs grace everyday moments it's place where i've found christian community that thrives around dining room table well around communion table sunday mornings each life this small midwestern town presents most surprising combination exactly what might expect expect about someone striving live christian life middle america other words have stories tell 