Southern Transplant

Three years ago I ripped out my deep Washington State roots and dug them into the dirty, muddy grounds of south Mississippi. Except I found it wasn’t dirty or muddy, but rather rich and nourishing. These past three years have challenged me and helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have ever imagined, in ways that probably wouldn’t have happened if I kept my feet planted. I have a deep respect for those who proudly call Hattiesburg, Mississippi their home. Here are some of the things I’ve experienced and learned:

1. The landscape is flatter than a Swedish pancake, but there is more to it than mud. In fact, there are so many trees that this region is called the “Pine Belt.”
2. Your should always assume that your side salad will include bacon bits.
3. You do not get invited to barbecues, you get invited to “cook outs.” Barbecue is a food group.
4. If someone is rude or mean, they are “ugly.” Some other common vernacular:
   • “Fixin” – Getting ready to leave or go do something.
   • “Bless your heart.” – Translates to, “I don’t actually want to bless you and I don’t actually feel bad for you. In fact, I think you’re being an idiot.”
   • “Might could” – I still haven’t figured this one out. Can you do it? Can you not do it? So vague!
5. Southern gentleman are a real thing. More doors have been held open for me than I can count and more than all my 23 years living in Washington combined.
6. Little girls come into view after you see their bow. Their bows are so big that I am seriously concerned about their underdeveloped neck muscles. The bigger the bow the closer to God?
7. Speaking of God, you are guaranteed to encounter Christianity daily. To name a few, verses on sticky notes and email signatures, crosses hanging from necks and rearview mirrors, and dedicated time for group prayer before business meetings.
8. Questions you will get asked upon meeting someone new: Where are you from? Where do you work? Where do you go to church? (Did I mention I am in the Bible belt?)
9. There is a 5K fundraiser for every cause imaginable.
10. I was happy to discover that Hattiesburg, MS has a large, supportive group of active individuals.
11. If you like to walk at warp speed, like me, you will have to slow your roll otherwise you will show up to your destination looking like to just ran a marathon through a rainstorm while holding your breath.
12. Fried food and butter is impossible to escape. Even when you think you are safe by ordering a side dish called “greens,” it comes soaked in butter with chopped up ham.
13. Alternatively, there is a growing culture of health conscious individuals who are demanding health forward options.
14. Tornadoes are the worst. I’m pretty sure my blood pressure is now permanently higher.
15. Tornadoes lead to a tenacious spirit. I have witnessed people pour their heart and soul into a cause they support. They are willing to self-sacrifice for the greater good.
16. The people of Hattiesburg, MS will welcome you into their lives like you are a long lost cousin.

This list could keep going, but I will stop here for now. When I initially told my friends and family that my husband and I were moving to Mississippi, I was met with looks that questioned my sanity. In reality, no matter where you live you can find things you love and loath. What matters is what you choose to focus on and the effort you put into cultivating your roots.