Overhome... It's an expression only those who know, know. It's a feeling, a deep-rooted sense of place that goes beyond a zip code. To be from Hancock County is to always be from Overhome, no matter where you settle. You can leave, but a piece of your heart stays right here.

I've been asked countless times why I returned. The answer is always simple, yet it holds so much meaning for me: "To do for some of the children, what was done for me,” and "Though I left here, my heart never did.” It's a sentiment born from my own childhood here, a desire to give back to the community that shaped me.

This summer, that feeling of home became a beautiful reality at the Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church. It was a joy to serve alongside a wonderful team of people. The real reward, though, was watching the children. Seeing the pure joy on their faces—whether they were singing, playing games, eating, or just enjoying being kids together—was a powerful reminder of why I came back.

Returning to Hancock County has been a full-circle moment for me. It's about reconnecting with my roots and investing in the next generation. It’s about building a future on the foundation of love and community that was so generously given to me. And in the happy faces of those children, I found the true meaning of being home.