Where I'm From

I am from white sands of beaches made in dreamlands, from Jamba Juice mango smoothies and Almond Joys.
I am from that small house on the culdesac, where the neighborhood kids play late into the night. I am from the fragrant gardenia guiding moonlit paths into the night, a honeysuckle- that signifies the summer season, the with droplets of sweet nectar used in fairyland tea.

I'm from spring trips to the zoo and Fuhrman smiles, from Bolton and Pratt. I'm from last minute trips and late arrivals, from a family of grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles that don't quite fill that spot on the family tree.
I'm from Romans 8, a faith that cannot be shaken, freedom of the Spirit, and writing songs that have flowed into my heart.
I am from Sierra Leone, Germany, Ireland, England, and France,
From fried plantain on special occasions, shepherd's pie and good southern cooking,
From the Chaplain that won a medal after a heroic display, staying behind with the dying as the enemy came;
From the man who changed our name from Beedendeeden to Felhoelter by stealing Lord Felhoelter's name.
I am from scrapbooks full of pages of a wedding, the committment taken in a family of 20 years, black and white photos of dedicated young men and women who made a journey across the sea to start a loving family.