To Kansas City –

You’ve been my home longer than anywhere else outside of my childhood home. So much of who I am today is because of my community and life here. As I move into a new chapter and move to North Carolina, I want to share my deepest gratitude and love with you before I go.

From the moment when I first got here in 2014, I knew there were stories and memories I’d cherish that had yet to be created in this city. I didn’t know what they’d be, but I could feel it in my bones that it was special and my journey here was just beginning.

It all started at a conference when I was in college. Although I was just visiting for a few days, I could tell from landing at an airport surrounded by farmland and cows that this place was going to feel like home. And that first gut reaction was spot on – that conference changed my life and is ultimately what led me to this Midwestern chapter years later.

In a few weeks, I’m headed into my 12^th AFA Leaders Conference – what originally brought me here. That event, organization, and its community have become a larger part of my life than I could’ve ever dreamed. It gave me confidence, opportunities, friends, mentors, and a perspective that I’ll be forever thankful for. It continues to do that today, even as a professional. That event made me fall in love with this area, its deep connection and focus on agriculture, its quirks, and its people. I’ll never forget how captivated I was in 2014. I wanted to drink up every part of it, and that feeling still resides in my heart, even after living here for almost 6 years.

There are so many things I love about you, Kansas City. Your barbeque and beer. Your history. Your agriculture roots. Your kind people. Your community feel that rallies around causes and teams they love. Your proximity to my friends who I never could take a day trip to visit when I lived on the east coast. Your slower pace of life. Your centrality to so many things. The way you make a smaller city show up on a world stage in a big way.

But I think what I love most about you is who you’ve helped me become.

My time living here has been full of some of my highest highs and my lowest lows. I learned that my identity isn’t defined by my university or employer. I finally accepted that I need to take care of myself mentally and physically in a way that I deserved. I started to define what is actually important to me and not succumb to what others expect of me. I fell in love and had my heartbroken. I realized that people can only meet you where they are at. I accepted that burnout was something that I had to take responsibility for, so I changed my situation and habits to get out of it. I learned that real friends show up for you, especially when you’re at your worst. I learned to appreciate that people are different from me, and that’s what can make life and relationships really special. I realized that consistency is the key to building and maintaining deep adult relationships. I overcame depression and anxiety and feel like a new woman on the other side of it.  I hurt people without realizing it and had to own up to decisions that I wish I never made. I became great friends with people of all ages, which made my life so much better and more fulfilling. I took chances and jobs that I never thought I’d get to try at this age and am so glad I did, although I was always nervous. I finally let myself feel settled in a place after moving so often in a short time before coming here. I stepped outside of my comfort zone in many ways and feel stronger for it. I learned that how I’d been living my life wasn’t sustainable, and I had to change it. I became the version of me that a younger Elizabeth would be so proud of. One I never could’ve dreamed would’ve existed.

Part of the reason it is so difficult to say goodbye to you, Kansas City, is because it means I’m officially letting go of who I was before I got here. It means saying goodbye to parts of my life that were based on the season, accepting that some relationships aren’t meant to last, and admitting that everything as I know it will never be the same.

Instead of focusing on what I’m losing, I am trying to remember that I’m stepping into a new version of me – “Elizabeth 2.0” is what I’m calling it. My priorities are changing. How I want to show up is different. I’m addressing hurt and pain in my life in a new way. I’m finding ways to be more present and regulated. I deeply believe that the best is yet to come in a way I’ve never felt honestly before. So although I am heartbroken to leave my friends that feel like family, church, and favorite spots, I am thankful for everything you have given me, all that I’ve learned, and who I am today because of you and our time together.

In an interesting way, I always knew you would be a chapter in my life. As an east coast gal, I thought I’d be here for 2-5 years, but would always want to go back east. Although I wasn’t far off, I never expected to love the Midwest as much as I have. I remember thinking to myself multiple times over the years here that “Wow, this feels like an adult playground.” I meant it in the most endearing way. I was having an amazing time with friends while doing meaningful work, and it felt like every week was an adventure. Plus, being here in my twenties made it feel extra exciting. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was to live here and to be in this culture, and I still feel that way. I feel unbelievably lucky for all that this chapter has given me.

Kansas City, you are so incredibly special. You’re a gem hidden in the middle of the country that has a radiant culture with lovely people. Even though I like to root against your Chiefs and Royals, I will always be cheering for this place and its community. I am better because of you. Thank you for everything.

With love from the Maryland girl whose heart you’ve won over,
Elizabeth