Friday, July 30, 2010

Small-town Appeal

Jill's Journal: Every day in Chincoteague has been filled with magic. Seriously, we have loved absolutely everything about it. The realists in us know every place can’t be like this, but the optimists in us hope they’re all so perfect.

Erika still wants to live on Assateague with the wild ponies as neighbors, but Madelyn votes for Chincoteague. She has told us time and time again this week that she wants to keep traveling because she likes it, but when we’re all done and ready to settle down, this is where she wants to stop.

I’ve had the same thought – I love it here. It has so many of the things we’re looking for in a future home, particularly small-town charm and warm people who take fierce pride in their town. I’ve told Rob about five times this week that if Chincoteague was on the West Coast my search might be over! But, alas, as much as I love the East, I feel a greater pull these days to be closer to the west side of the country and family.

We would be content to visit here over and over again. Chincoteague seems to have that pull. Every single non-local person we’ve met here is a regular, both the people here for the pony swim and those who have arrived since then. Each one has asked, “Is this your first time?” Then they give a knowing smile and tell us it won’t be our last.

3 comments:

Katie Lady said...

We were hoping for that kind of small town upbringing for our boys, too... Maybe you could find a little home and call it your "vacation spot?" It's been amazing to read about your adventure there. Glad you are enjoying all of God's beauty and blessings!

Julie said...

I loved reading you posts on Chincoteague. It was like reliving a part of my childhood. I even showed them to my sister and we both agreed, we have got to get back there some day!

Laurie said...

I absolutely 100% feel the same waybabout Chincoteague