Transitioning back to life in the USA

Hey everybody!

So as most of you know I got back into ATL Monday morning at 9:50 AM. The plane ride back was bitter sweet since we were leaving a place we had all loved. And we basically lost a night in the process because of time changes. We left San Jose at 2 AM and got to Fort Lauderdale at 7 AM. Then he had to go through customs, security, and baggage check again and then catch an 8 AM flight to ATL. Mom and Dad met me at the airport which was so sweet, and we headed back to Auburn to get some clothes and stuff to come back to Guntersville (after stopping to get a large sweet tea of course!) I got to go back to Auburn and see my precious roommate Brittany which was so much fun since she studied abroad in the Spring, so we haven't really gotten to see each other since the Fall... So I took a fast shower with hot water and high water pressure (amazing) and we went to eat lunch at Amsterdam's. 

Then it was time to pack back up and head home to Guntersville after a another sad goodbye with the roomie (never fear though we will be reunited for good in two weeks! yay!) It is so good to be back at home for a chance to really relax, reflect, and reunite with all of my high school friends and family! 

The first night by brother Will and his wife Sam came over with their newest "child" Todd, or better known as a puppy Dotson. We got to catch up and hang out while watching none other then the Bachelorette... And an even better surprise came that night when I got a phone call from Mr. Jack. For those who don't really know, Jack has been at LDAC since June 25, and I haven't seen him since May 9th (which is too long in my opinion) And I haven't talked to him since June 19th because they don't get to have their cell phones, and I was in the jungle with no internet to skype him, etc. Anywho, so the first night back I got a phone which couldn't have made me happier! 

I'm pretty sure I could create a whole separate blog for how blessed I am to have him in my life, but I'll save that for a late date and time haha. He said that training is going well and that he has been blessed to have a great Christian squad that encourages each other through friendship, prayer, and bible studies. He is getting home on Saturday night at midnight so feel free to send some prayers up for him and his last few days there.

After my phone call I was too excited to sleep so I decided to do one of my favorite things, take a bubble bath. I stayed in for so long that Dad thought the sprinklers were on or we had a leak; he even got out of bed to check on what it was, whoops... After a long, hot bath I was ready to sleep for as long as the flood Noah went through... but all that really ended up happening was sleeping eleven hours, which is just as good I guess. And then to keep the laziness going I stayed in bed all day, or until 5:30 PM when I had to take a shower for my friends coming over for dinner. What did I do all day you might ask? Nothing. Nothing, and it was wonderful. Being the natural intervert  that I am, and not being alone in over two months, I was in need of some pure quiet time to relax and reflect. 

And what's better to do after relaxing then getting to catch up with three beautiful and amazing friends from high school, Hillary Beard, Amanda Mason, and Lindsey Gillen! Dad cooked some much needed red iron, or better known as the best steak ever, and mom made her famous salad, pretty much the best meal ever for being back at home. So the rest of the night was spent catching up and telling stories until after midnight which made me so happy! I loved Costa Rica so much, but God has blessed me with such amazing friendships here too that I was ready to get back to! 

So today is Wednesday and I have a story to wrap up for ya'll, the rash story... Yes, I know you have all been waiting on the edge of your seats for this cliff hanger ending. I had a Dermatologist  appointment at 1:30 and the good news is that I am pretty much okay. He gave me some more cream and other fun things that should take everything away for good. The main thing he said that will heal it is time. Scarring is a possibility, but hopefully it will go away on its own. If not, I'll always have a reminder about my time in Costa Rica I suppose... So in honor of the end of the rash story I figured I would now share some pictures of how much better it now looks.

So this is the only one that is really still around... and supposedly  it was caused by limes and heat, go figure. This is the link to what I could find about it online. Only I could get this random rash in Costa Rica.

http://www.floridaskincenter.com/ic-phytophotodermatitis.asp

So this was on my calf from a combo of rain boots, paint, paint thinner,  and rash ... currently it is almost all better just a ring of darker skin.

So this was round two rash on my arms mixed with an sweet watch tan line... luckily it is almost gone too except for on my elbows.
And then there were three more rashes that I didn't even bother photographing because who really wants to look at a bunch of pictures of random rashes anyway...

Say what you will about it all, I was calling myself the modern day Job in the mist of it all. It's funny though that it all started after a devotional I did on the fruits of the spirit. In the devotional we talked about what we felt strong or weak in... I made the choice to pray for more joy and faithfulness. And now, I'm a firm believer in God's humor.  I also believe that when you pray for something like joy He is going to give you a chance to choose joy in a situation that isn't joyful. See example A above for my situation to find joy in. It was a process, one that I struggled with many days.Why me? Why now? Why so itchy? Why so many? I had to battle through lots of questions like that and end up finally giving it to God no matter what the outcome. 

So yep. That's the end of that story... now I'm just hanging out in Guntersville till August 4th. So feel free to come visit me or skype, call, text me. I'd love to catch up with everyone!