Finding Community and Faith: My Journey in Tennessee

In June 2011, my life took a new turn when my family moved to Tennessee, marking the beginning of an unexpected chapter in a retirement neighborhood. As a teenager, I remember feeling out of place amidst the quiet, slower pace of life, surrounded by elderly neighbors. My initial thoughts were tinged with the typical teenage skepticism – I expected to encounter a mix of kindness and perhaps some unfriendliness, much like what I had experienced in Wisconsin. But Tennessee was about to surprise me.

To my amazement, our elderly neighbors turned out to be the kindest, most wonderful people I've ever had the fortune to live near. Their warmth and geniality were a refreshing change from my previous experiences. However, the absence of kids my age left a void, making it challenging to find peers with whom I could connect.

Our family embarked on a quest to find a church home, a place where we could feel spiritually connected and part of a community. This search led us to Central Church, where I was introduced to the world of 'Sr. High' Sunday School. Despite my love for church and worship, I initially resisted this new environment, carrying an attitude of reluctance and skepticism.

I recall meeting John Andrews, a staff member at the church, with an uncharacteristic attitude of disgust. Shy and nervous, I chose a seat at the back, isolating myself, convinced that I didn't need anyone, and wary of judgment and betrayal similar to what I'd experienced in Wisconsin. I had built a defensive wall around myself, giving people just one chance to prove themselves.

But as I started attending the Sunday and Wednesday night services, something within me began to change. The worship, the excitement, and the teachings gradually softened my hardened exterior. I began to open up, allowing myself to make friends at church and school, realizing that not everyone was like the people I'd encountered in Wisconsin.

Central Church became a place of growth and spiritual nourishment for me. The teachings resonated deeply, touching my soul and illuminating my path. My teenage arrogance still surfaced from time to time, but the friends I made and the lessons I learned at church helped me navigate these moments. I learned the importance of giving people more than just one chance, and how to be a better follower of Christ.

Living in Tennessee has been a transformative experience. It's taught me to love, to worship, and to follow the path God has set for me. It's where I found a community that embraced me, a place where I could grow in my faith. This journey has been about more than just a change of location; it's been about finding my place in the world and understanding who I am.

I'm Dalton Drayer-Eldridge, a student at CHS, a believer, and a follower of Christ. This is who I am and who I've become. My story is one of finding community, faith, and myself in the heart of Tennessee.


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