Legacy

On April 9th around 10:30a.m. my beautiful MiMi stepped into eternity. She lived an incredible life, touching many with her kind, hospitable nature. I was able to fly home for the Home-going Celebration as many of you know. It was indeed an incredible opportunity. The funeral was just a reminder to all of us of just how big and impact my grandmother had. There were somewhere around 500 people that came through those doors. I was so blessed to be a part of her family.

She was so beautiful.

The grandkids (Me, Michael, and Cassie) were blessed to be able to play a song in her honor. Michael and I played the acoustic guitar and Cassie played to piano. I felt so blessed to stand up their KNOWING where she was and seeing all those people out there that were impacted by her life. She has definitely left her mark. I hope I make her proud. I wanted to share the lyrics of the song we did.

I STILL MISS YOU

There she was, 5'3 a picture of my mother's mother
She showed me love, and all the ways of God
Her final days were spent in bed where she passed away
I won't forget her smiling face when she left us that night

But I still miss you
All the times we spent together
To hear you talk about the weather
I always prayed you'd get well soon
I wish my prayers came true
I know Jesus has the answer
And He's way bigger than the cancer in you
But I still miss you

If dreams came true, just one more chance to talk to you
And thank you for the time you spent teaching me the truth
A boy back then, I've grown up, now I'm a man
I can finally understand the things you said to me

But I still miss you
All the times we spent together
To hear you talk about the weather
I always prayed you'd get well soon
I wish my prayers came true
I know Jesus has the answer
And He's way bigger than the cancer in you
But I still miss you

I need some help to carry on
I need some strength to keep me strong... 

You were so loved Mimi. See you soon.

WORD OF THE DAY: Legado (Legacy)

Day 2 With The Madre

4:00 am came bright and early once again for us. We loaded a van with another family from my school (The Schnieders) and headed to the beach in Manuel Antonio. The trip was long and hot but well worth it! We arrived at our awesome hotel around 8:30am so we had the whole day to enjoy the beautiful beach.

We stopped at the Crocodile Bridge 

Looking kinda rough at 5am

This is our hotel room in MIMOS

It was beautiful and big....and it had a flatscreen!

This was ONE of our pools! This hotel was gorgeous!

Mom and I at Manuel Antonio Beach

The water was perfect! Mom kept saying it looked like someone poured blue gatorade in it! Way better than that nasty gulf she is used to!

So we were chilling in the hotel right, and all of a sudden mom starts screaming bloody murder, I thought surely we were being robbed but looked up to find this friendly little guy on our balcony! She just isn't used to em!

Yet!

We used our time wisely and played some cards at the restaurant waiting for our meal!

Mom's first Tico Meal! Arroz con camerones. (Rice and Shrimp...and other unmentionables!!)

She LOVED it!

We had an excellent time at the beach!

WORD OF THE DAY: Vale la pena

ACTUAL MEANING: worthwhile

HOW I SEE IT: it's going to be worth it

1st Day With My Mom in Costa Rica

The countdown was almost unbearable as I sat in my apartment....waiting...counting....waiting...counting. The morning started early for my mom and I. She was up around 3 a.m. and I woke up shortly after to make sure she was packed and ready to roll! I slept for a couple hours then called again before she boarded in Memphis. Then slept a couple more hours and called when she landed in Atlanta. Around 6:50 my maid came to clean the house before the big arrival. After she left I waited! Then Shannon and Ethan came and picked me up in their rental car and we took the "scenic" route....(not planned) and ended up in the barrios lost. My nerves were shot but I tried to remain calm. I just couldn't imagine my poor mom not knowing a lick of Spanish and never been out of the country having to wait on me. But thank the Lord we made it just in time. Ethan and I held signs that read "Katie's Mom" and when she rounded the corner and saw us she was jumping up and down! A huge time of excitement. We drove home and she was just amazed at all the scenery here. Mountains everywhere. Homegirl don't get out much!

In the car on the way to my apartment

SUPER EXCITED

She made to my place!

San Jose

We went downtown and she got to feed the pigeons!

Mom had her first CHURRO and decided to share with this beautiful lady!

First day was a blast. Stay tuned for day 2!