How I Know I'm in Iowa (and Missouri)

I visited Iowa last weekend*. It was so great--but of course it was, bc Iowa. I don't have any pictures because I lost my phone in the Chicago O'Hare Airport on my way there (plot twist! I got it back a few days later!), but it sure was one nostalgic walk through the Des Moines Airport both on my way in--going down the escalator where I caught my first glimpse of my mission president and his wife almost 3 years ago--and on my way out--going back up the escalator where I cried because I had just said goodbye to some of my favorite people in the world. Anyways, while I was there I came up with a list of ways I knew that I was in Iowa (and Missouri, because much of my time was there too!). I hope this doesn't offend anyone, because I loved it all like crazy ;)

• spotting a man in a cowboy hat just chillin on his porch
• drivers waving as you pass by
• seeing more cows and sheep than people
• cowboots at church (love it)
• "couple three"
• nighttime thunderstorm
• non-stop wind
• getting stuck behind a horse and buggy
• getting stuck behind a tractor
• going on a walk and not seeing anything but farmland
• a main topic of conversation being speculations about the upcoming weather
• spotting bald eagles and turkey vultures
• tons of Hawkeyes and Cyclones gear
• plenty of pit stops at the best gas stations ever
• the nicest, most wonderful people ever :)

Until next time!

*please don't be sad if I didn't get to see you! I was going for a sealing and didn't have the means or time (or energy, because I was super jet-lagged) to travel to other areas. but you know that I love you <3