A small — not particularly well-painted — porcelain figurine found in the bottom of a $1 box bought at an auction in East Central Illinois.

A happy faced reminder — faithfully holding vigil on my kitchen window sill — that a small investment can make a difference in ways I could never imagined.

The symbol of what it means to set your intention on a goal and go with all your might until you get there.

Where I was?

In a job, in a town, in a state, in a life that felt like a long way from home.

Where I am?

In a job, in a town, in a state that is home.