All Dogs Go To Heaven

On Sunday, April 21, my family had to say goodbye to a long standing member of our family:

Emme, or adorable minature-toy poodle.

I have never actually had a pet for as long as we had Emme. She was the first dog who we raised from puppyhood. I remember a time when she was too small to even get out of the bathtub. And as it seems, a pet like that gets inside your heart and becomes more than just an animal.

From fancy tricks, to painted nails, long walks with mom, and bad hair cuts- Emme was one of the girls. My Dad has always said that he was the lone man in a house full of 5 girls: my mom, my sister, me, Emme, and Marble (our cat). She was very intelligent, always happy to see you, but notorious for being able to sniff out a tasty treat through purses, backpacks, and plastic bags. 

After a lot of thinking, reflecting, and more crying than I expected- I was left feeling more than just a little bit homesick. In the midst of this, I realized a few things. 

1. People in Costa Rica (and probably other Latin American countries for that matter), don't see pets the same way we (Americans) do. I felt like it would have been looked upon oddly to tell my co-workers that I was in such a strange funk because my dog had passed away. However, while they're keeping away fleas and tics, they're also keeping away a family friend who doesn't hold grudges or look at you funny if your hair is a mess. They're missing out on a friend who will give you sincere unconditional love. 

2. Sometimes I just want to freeze time and enjoy where I am a little longer. But no matter how hard you try, life keeps moving whether you like it our not. Emme was a part of my childhood. She was a part of my adolescence and young adulthood. That part of my life is over and I can't go back. And as much as I want to, things keep changing and life keeps moving.

There is only one constant and consistent that is worth holding onto with all your might.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." 

Hebrews 13: 8

When everything in your life is like sand slipping through your fingers-- hold fast to this truth.

“For I am the Lord, and I do not change." 

Malachi 3:6

(Alright, lets be honest...maybe she wasn't the best at playing with dogs who weren't her own size)

But she was still our Emme, our Ami Amour, our loving friend.

And lastly, just a little comic relief.

Grow Where You're Planted!

My dear friends, family, & anyone else who happens to be reading along--

Let me introduce you to Melissa. Melissa is one of my sorority littles, one of my bridesmaids in my wedding next January, and one of my best friends! She is a bundle of love, joy, and fun stories that she can't wait to share. Just when I was feeling like I would never see any of my Georgian friends ever again, Melissa arrived on my doorstep! Let me tell you about how she helped me explore more of the Rich Coast (That's Costa Rica in English for those of you who are slow on the uptake). 

When she arrived Friday afternoon, I couldn't believe my eyes! Melissa was here, in person, at my school. When she walked into my classroom, she instantly became a celebrity. The kids gave a few cute guesses about who she was (your sister? your cousin? oh I know! the sister of the boy you're going to marry?). Then, this dear lady helped me get through the worst part of the entire school week: Friday afternoon. 

Once we had pushed the last kiddo out the door, we headed on to San Jose to catch a bus to Ciudad Quesada and then another bus from there to La Fortuna. When we arrived at the bus stop, we were greeted by a taxi driver who told us that we would be too late to catch the connecting bus in Ciudad Quesada. I believe that this was probably a lie, but nonetheless we were happy for an excuse to get to our final destination faster. Melissa eloquently haggled the taxi price and then we were on our way!

When we got to La Fortuna, we directed our taxi driver to one of the nicest resorts in town:  

The Springs Resort and Spa

When we arrived, they greeted us by name, gave us a tour, and complimentary cocktails. We did the best that we could not to squeal until the door to our room closed behind us. We were in heaven! This was potentially the nicest place that either of us had ever stayed.

You may be wondering how we could possibly afford a room that cost $600 a night? Well, you may remember when I mentioned how I met the owner of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. As it turns out- he owns the The Springs Resort and Spa as well! So we were blessed with a complimentary night and day at the resort to enjoy the 20+ hot springs as well as all the resort accommodations. See for yourself!

 

After our luxurious nights' stay and day spent in the hot springs, we were exhausted. Who knew relaxing could be so tiresome? We spent one more night in La Fortuna at a hostel and even had the chance to check out the sketchy local discoteca! Sunday morning we took a bus to Ciudad Quesada and then a connector to San Jose. On our way from Ciudad Quesada to San Jose, we lucked out got the last two tickets! Or so we thought. Unfortunately, that meant sitting on the floor. But, we just laughed, worked our way back to the stair well, sat down, and enjoyed the ridiculous experience. 

It wasn't easy saying goodbye to Melissa the next day. I felt a pang of homesickness that I don't think I have ever felt before. But, as she often does, Melissa left me with one piece of valuable advice--

"Grow where you're planted"

God wants me to be effective where I am, with the people that I am surrounded by. No matter how I feel at one time or another, I am supposed to be here and I am growing.

"Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you." 

1 Corinthians 7:17