Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa.
Des Moines is the address found on my drivers license, which i know does not match my Minnesota license plates.
Des Moines pronounced "duh moin... Like coin" not dez moy-nez as I sometimes like to say jokingly, whose true meaning is still a mystery.
At the heart of Des Moines is Drake University, known for the Drake Relays, where I put countless hours into studying, stressing and attending classes to finally become the pharmacist I could only have dreamed about a couple years back.
Des Moines is where I bought my first home, Franny, and where I've learned the hard lessons of what it means to truly be a homeowner & landlord. Where I've learned to be a plumber, a handyman and other tricks of the trade.
Des Moines is a culturally diverse city where the ethnicities, sprititualities and languages of it's people collectively define the rich beauty of the city.
Des Moines is the place where I learned who I am and to be comfortable in my own skin- encouraged to be myself and blessed in the ways I am made perfectly to be me.
Des Moines is the place I call home, where I have a family, that may not be blood relative but they are the most loving, supportive family anyone could ever ask for.
Des Moines is where I grew to love to run, and learned to listen to my body's limits. Feeling healthy, whole and content.
Des Moines is the place where I really met Jesus and found a community of people that have lifted me up in prayer as I've traveled the peaks and valleys of life.
Des Moines is where I've learned to ask for help and given up my outrageous expectations of myself and began to truly "live" my life.
Des Moines is where I first learned about my heart for travel, for other nations and other people. It is where I've left to experience and become exposed to the beauty in the brokenness around the world.
Des Moines is where I've shared countless meals around numerous tables with people I love, who are near and dear to my heart. It is the place I've shared laughter and tears with these same people, sometime at the same time.
Des Moines is the place where part of my heart will always be. It is the place I will always call my home and carry with me, as part of this season of life, wherever my journey may take me next.
Des Moines is part of my story, part of who I am, and part who I wish to be.
