The Question We Keep Answering: Why Missouri?
- McKinley Squire
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
As most of you know, we officially made the big move to Missouri!
For months, and even years, as we made preparations, we were constantly met with the same questions from close friends, family, and even strangers: "Why Missouri? Are you going for work? Do you have family there? You must be crazy Chiefs fans!"
The answer to all of those questions is a simple "No."
So naturally, the question is asked again, with greater confusion: "So why Missouri??"
We want to finally answer that question here.
A Call from Left Field
The decision to move our family to Missouri definitely came from left field. The reasons are both deeply personal to McKinley and I, as well as extremely spiritual.
The idea was first impressed upon my mind years ago while I was attending church.
It was a random Sunday. As we were preparing to leave, Lincoln randomly got sick and Elijah was quite upset as a result. McKinley suggested I go to church alone and she stay home with the boys. I rather eagerly agreed! Attending church without needing to wrestle kids, balance snacks and quiet entertainment, and still trying to listen seemed like a great, and rare, opportunity.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that we, as His children, can receive revelation or guidance for our lives, from Him.
While sitting alone and reverently in the meeting, an overwhelming feeling entered my soul. A voice whispered to me, clear and distinct:
“Travis. Move your family to Missouri.”
The feelings and thoughts I had were not my own, but I knew they were real.
As I pondered what this might mean, my confirmation came almost immediately. An individual with a terminal illness was called upon to share her thoughts and testimony that week. While I knew who she was and of her condition, I had never seen her attend church before, nor have I seen her attend since. Yet, she shared that morning her powerful testimony of coming to the knowledge of the restored gospel while living in Missouri and proceeded to share her faith-building experience there. For me, it was not a coincidence.
When Two Become One
After church, I hesitantly shared what I had experienced with McKinley. Thoughts of doubt filled my head: What if she thinks I'm crazy? What if she doesn't feel the same? What if she flat-out refuses the idea of moving across the country?!
Much to my relief, with tears swelling in her eyes, she shared that she knew it was revelation. I could see instantly that the Lord had been preparing her heart for this moment just as He had prepared mine.
It was clear to both of us that this is what God needed from us. What was not clear, however, was why.
The Gardener's Pruning
As time has progressed and preparations have been made, those reasons have been, and continue to be, revealed to us.
These reasons are deeply personal and consist of providing an environment where we will have to rely on each other and our Savior like never before.
This major change will:
Demand a focus on each other and our family that we have never experienced.
Bring trials and experiences that will try our faith like nothing before.
We feel that we have been, and will continue to be, "cut back" like a currant bush (see video below) by a Gardener. He is one who knows what we can become and has the love enough to ask us to move away from friends, family, a beautiful home, a great job, and so much more. This move is to an environment where we can truly grow into what He wants us to be.
We are Excited for This Journey!
We may not have had a work transfer, family nearby, or a team to root for (yet!), but we came because we were called. We are excited to see what God has in store for us and our family here in Missouri.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued love and support!
Sincerely,
Travis
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