The Transplant

On 1/1/11, I was struggling.  Feelings of hopelessness, seeing no end to my trials, only more problems in the future were in my sights.  I was outside watering a hibiscus I had transplanted.  It was once strong, vibrant, well rooted, grounded and established.  It had adapted to where it was originally planted and was "comfortable" blooming and growing where it was at.

But I had a "better" spot for it.  So I moved it into a sparse hedge where it could be of more use and could help the entire hedge in the long run.  I dug it out, hacking away at it's roots, because I know things grow so easily here in the Costa Rican climate.  Then I placed it in it's new home and soaked it with water.

I was very satisfied to see my new vivacious transplant.  It already made the hedge look better and I could picture how it would help support the thickness and lusciousness of the entire hedge in the future.  For the hedge I placed it in was uncared for.  But now, I would see to it that the entire hedge was protected from leaf cutter ants, fertilized, trimmed and watered.

Three days went by and the leaves on my transplant were wilting.  Two weeks have passed and now the leaves have yellowed wilted and are begun to drop off.

As I stared at the plant, it's as if God said, "Kristi, this is what happens to transplants...it's normal.  I have transplanted you, and although I'm a more careful and gentler gardner than you, I still have allowed your roots that had spread out into South Orange County to be severed."

"All the paths you were so familiar with and many of the comforts that you enjoyed are no more.  Things are definitely different!  And yes, I even showered you with water after replanting you (rained for 6 weeks) but you will still wilt and faint and struggle to reroot yourself.  But I've placed you right where I want you."

"You are in the hedge of my protection and provision.  I see how you fit and will grow together and the whole hedge will become stronger and more beautiful together.  You are part of my purpose, plan and design.  Don't think for a minute that I don't have my eye on My landscape!  And by the way, I know every root that was cut and every leaf that you've lost and will continue to lose.  Until slowly, over time and with the right care you will reestablish, reroot, re-bud and re-blossom.