country. No mountains, but lots of lakes and outdoorsy things to do. It is also central to lots of other states and areas to go explore.

It is a pretty well-run state. The people are friendly. There are elements of anti-Mormonism, but only because there are so many Evangelicals there. At least there were when I served my mission there in the 90s.

I don't know what things are like in Fort Wayne, but there were some strong wards with youth around Indianapolis and South Bend.

My sister and her husband raised their kids in a similar situation in Ohio. It has been good for them in general. Once their kids got older, the dating scene for YSA seemed to be sparse, so most of their kids went to BYUI or UVU for college. Ironically, they then returned to Ohio, where they met their spouses. To be honest, I think that everywhere is challenging to raise kids these days. The difference I found in growing up in Utah is that there were just as many kids getting into trouble as outside of Utah, but they were also members of the Church.

I don't live in Utah and most of the friends of my 17 year-old daughter aren't members, but they have good values. I think it is more important to find friends with similar values and morals than it is whether they are members of the Church or not. How much church youth interaction is your son getting during the pandemic now anyway? All that being said, I think that it is most important that you and your family feel good about the decision, but you probably already know that (smile).