Invasion

As I wrote last time, I am in a place of incredible beauty with the best friends God could give. But life is definitely not without its invaders. In this case, they come in the form of microscopic larvae called chiggers. Now, growing up in a camping family, I cannot believe they are new to me, but they are. So when these strange, red, itchy bumps started appearing soon after I arrived, I was perplexed. Because of the wealth of knowledge that comes from two nurses (one in training) and several more health "experts," the problem was quickly diagnosed and clear fingernail polish applied so that these mites could die in my skin and not bore out only to bite me again and disappear once more into my flesh.

After who knows how long spent tossing and turning in the middle of the night, I left my newfound bed on the couch (in case the culprits were possibly imbedded in our bed and not in the beach grasses and sand like we suspected), and came up to google these horrible, disgusting parasites. After several searches on "educated websites," (I am an educated girl, after all!) I discovered that while they are disgusting indeed, they are not nesting in my skin. The damage has already been done, and now I just need to live with the consequences of the many bites on unsavory underwear and bra lines, not to mention a variety of other places throughout my body. I do think a trip into town for some antihistemine would be a good choice (as making healthy choices is a important goal among these women I am with) as well as talking to a pharmacist since websites are SO reliable. That will need to wait, though, since it is only now 6:53 a.m. and no sane person is at work this early.

The one thing I do know is that these chiggers will not get in the way of this week in any real sense. This cannot be accomplished by disgusting bugs that choose to infest my body. For I am kid-free and am finally receiving the conversation I have been longing for. While my children's night-time updates I would not trade for the world, neither would I miss any chance to savor the friendships of a lifetime--even with invaders.

Girlfriends

Who would have knew after an excruciating roommate change my senior year of college that my life would be so enriched beyond measure!

I am writing this much-needed blog from the office of a Glen Arbor home after two days with the most precious friends a girl could have. This is our fifth mostly-annual girls trip, and I would do almost anything to be here. First of all, it is gorgeous. My one friends' aunt and uncle have a BEAUTIFUL home on the lake and graciously let us stay here. Because of the six bedrooms, four bathrooms, and "Better Homes and Gardens" kitchen (not to mention the beach and lake thing), it makes it a perfect location for fabulous cooking and conversation...not to mention rest. It is our second year here with three previous years spent in Florida, and every year we all do what it takes to arrive....in all our weariness and joy, for a week of restoration and renewal.

Last year when I was joyfully sharing the day's events with Karl (We have a tradition of sitting around the table after a fabulous dinner (last night, for instance, was meat and veggie kabobs, artichokes, water, and wine), taking turns to highlight the last year and share hopes for the year to come. Then, each woman shares some kind of encouragement for the woman with the spotlight, it varies year by year based on the "selected question." There is much laughter, and many tears) his true feelings emerged about how this would not, in fact, be a vacation for him. I wasn't even hurt. I mean, really...if he doesn't know that laughing and crying, hugging and eating is more therapeutic than the newest Tiger Woods PS2 game and Little Debbie's, then I will not try to convince him.

The point is, I know that this week brings life to my weary soul. I will always treasure what this week brings to my life. And while this year was bittersweet due to our precious Libby's absense (as is usually the case with one person, different each year), the joy of hearing her voice on the phone last night al l the way from India, helped to complete the circle. Thank you, my beautiful girlfriends, for all that you add to my life. I don't know how my life could be so full without each of you in it....