Our experience in Kansas has been brief so far, but it turned out to be much more meaningful than we ever expected. While traveling from Nebraska to Oklahoma, we chose to spend the night in Colby for a very personal reason—it’s where Tracey spent part of his childhood. What began as a simple overnight stop became a journey back in time as he showed me the house where he grew up, the school he attended, and even the little corner store where he and his sister would walk to buy candy.
One of the highlights of our visit was reconnecting with family friends who graciously showed us part of their farming operation. Coming from a different part of the country, I was amazed by the endless fields and the sheer scale of agriculture in western Kansas. I had never seen corn grow so tall, and it seemed like every direction offered another view of cornfields, cattle, and wide-open spaces. There was something peaceful and beautiful about the landscape that made a lasting impression on me.
Although we’ve only scratched the surface of what Kansas has to offer, our short visit gave us a deeper appreciation for the state’s agricultural roots, friendly people, and small-town charm. Kansas holds a special place in our hearts because of the memories it stirred for Tracey, and it’s a state we look forward to exploring much more thoroughly in the future.