Geography 101: Let's Talk About the Places You Love

I grew up in a very rural environment. The closest Wal Mart was 40 miles away. Our town had three cafes but no fast food restaurants. The truth is, I didn't even live in a town. I lived on a farm 8 miles out of town (1700 people). Our county was the poorest in the state with a total population of around 12,000.

Entertainment didn't come through a tv or "monitor" in our Pentecostal home. As kids we played wiffle ball, nickel hockey on the table, and velcro darts in the hall. The church kids got together for swimming, basketball, football and of course - the Pentecostal favorite - softball.

Our area was wooded and filled with many clear running streams. The big river that ran through the community was called "The Canoe Capital of the World". It was a hunter's paradise. A fisherman's paradise. A nature lover's paradise.

When I grew up, I moved to the city for several years. I couldn't handle it. I eventually moved away from it.

Where did you grow up? What was it like? What are your favorite memories from your hometown?