Suburban Girl in Small Town America

This is for all you suburban girls that have settled here in small town America, have faith. It may take you awhile to adjust, but there are treasurers to be found here in Ritzville.

Before my husband and I moved here, Ritzville was known to us as a good “freeway exit.” Who knew, but God, that someday we would call this our home!

My journey here has not been without its “moments” of transition. And at times I still yearn for the city streets. But I am learning to look beyond the limited size of Ritzville and into the hearts and lives of those living here.

I have a wonderful church family. I have a daughter, son-in-law, and four grandsons living here. I have befriended neighbors, store clerks and countless customers at Andy’s Produce. I have learned to know kids, and their families, through my involvement in Vacation Bible School (VBS), the grade school and our church’s Wednesday night programs.

My husband and I have also been involved in the Ritzville downtown Western Art Show: selling our sarsaparilla and holding Cowboy Church. The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair and Rodeo has been a favorite of our family, with most of our 16 grandchildren experiencing the “good ole days” of an old fashioned county fair. We have attended school plays, art auctions, craft bazaars, car shows, parades and the fireworks at Life Care.

Although slightly limited, there are restaurants, fast food and coffee shops to enjoy, as well as many types of stores and businesses to shop at. We have a wonderful park and pool, a golf course and bowling alley. Don’t forget the library, which can take you anywhere you want to be … in a book.

So you’re “new” to Ritzville, take heart. Ritzville was founded by “newcomers” who traveled here by wagon trains. “Newcomers” have been settling here ever since.

Our last names may not sound like half the population here, but our last names have a rich heritage in America also. Those who have their roots buried deep in the soil here have much to teach us “suburban girls” about the simpler life of a small town girl. We can learn and grow from each other, as we live together in this quiet little town.

So look around, take a walk and embrace the places and people of small town America … Ritzville.