My Town {Wherever God Plants Us We Bloom}

Since we got a new address in May, and the name of our town changed, I’ve been in some kind of “What, Really?!!!” shock. Because in 1994 we moved our little family to Amery, WI, and that is where our kids grew up. So for 19 years, Amery has been “our town”.


Though we are five minutes closer to our new town, our life is still in Amery. Our church, friends, coffee dates, banks, etc.


After growing up on a diary farm in a small rural suburb of St. Paul, MN, we made our first home a bit closer to the city. Then after having baby #1, Dear D told me he wanted to live on a farm. (WHAT?!?!!!!!!)


I loved my growing up years, but was also D.O.N.E. with farming-OFFICIALLY when we got married. Or so I thought. Since I went from a full time hairstyling career to stay-at-home mom, all we could afford on one income in the metro -if we wanted acreage- was a shack.


So we crossed the river to WI, and as far as I was concerned, we lived in TimBukTu . (I only knew that to be a place far-far away, and remote.) So all these years there has been a deep inner sense that “I don’t belong here.”


But it has faded. Now that we have lived so much life in Amery, I think of it as home. And it was a great place to raise our family.


With a population of 3000 or so, an hour from any ‘real’ shopping, I mean, like a mall and a Target, it is the largest of the small towns encircling it.


Amery has the area hospital and the largest schools. (classes around 100 I think).


Surrounded by rural farmland, picturesque drives year round, several lakes that bring in Twin Cities “weekenders”, restaurants, hair salons, flower shop, two grocery stores, Alco-think: inferior Walmart (I just learned this morning it is the only Alco in WI-a new claim to fame. lol) , True Value hardware, and three or more banks. The only thing we really lack is the Mall and Target. πŸ™‚


Also Amery hosts at least half a dozen Lutheran churches, UCC, Catholic, E Free, C & MA (mine), New Life AND a Bible Camp on the large lake. With the Apple River running through and all the tree-covered, yet untamed land, we have several parks with cross-country ski trails, a bike trail on a former railroad track, an ATV trail and tennis courts. The only thing missing is… oops, already said that. πŸ™‚


I may like to shop . . .


Besides all that I mentioned, it is the people in our little town that have made it such a rich experience for our family. Between doing life with our church family, sitting with parents at football games and concerts, and having the gift shop on our farm for 8+ years, our lives have been rich with precious friendships.


It’s true, God knows what is best and plants us where He wants us. Acts 17:26


From the farm we lived on for 12 years: Spring and Winter


The Apple river runs through from North to South of Amery:

A photo collection from in and around my town: (I love pulling over to capture beauty and combining it with my love for)

Now it’s your turn! I want to know about your town!


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