The Tree

I have a special relationship with Costa Rica. Part of me can't imagine living anywhere else. How could I ever give up living in a place where cowboys ride their horses through town and clouds float right through my house creating the most enchanting atmosphere I have ever witnessed? Why would I ever leave the fresh air and mellow lifestyle? On the other hand, life has been more complicated here in so many ways that at times I feel panicked by the thought of staying permanently. A perfect example of the paradox of this place happened out at our cabin.

When we first built I stood out on the deck and delightfully looked out at our fairly mature flowering tree. The pale pink blossoms looked like cotton candy, and I imagined watching the girls grow up along side that beautiful tree. It made me feel good that it was there.

Then one day our care taker, Don Orfilio, called to ask us if we had cut down that tree. My heart sank. It turns out that two boys came in and cut it down with good intentions of contributing it to the future construction of a green house at their school. I don't have any particular relationship with God, but that day, I was sure I had been sent a message, "Go girl, this place is no place for you."

The odd twist is that the boys were not able to actually carry the tree out on their bike, and so when Miguel expressed how @%^$&* upset I was, Orfilio decided to plant it again. I'm not talking about a seed, or a new tree from the nursery, he simply stuck the cut tree into a hole in the ground, right next to the cut stump. Guess what? It's growing. It may take years for it to be as tall and beautiful as it was, but it is the same tree, and the fact that it is sprouting leaves after being hacked down and left on the ground affirms my high esteem for this enchanting spot on Earth.

So, I carry on here absorbing all of the wonder of these tropical mountains, and hoping that the struggles and disappointments we have had and will encounter along the way are building some remarkable character that I will be glad about one day.