Fresh Thanks

An orange tree in the yard is something beautiful to share. I often forget about the row of citrus trees that line the walkway to our backyard - orange, mandarin, grapefruit. They are hidden by a gate, and in the rainy months our muddy yard sees fewer visits from me and my watering can. In the coolness of these winter months, fresh fruit is often the farthest thing from my mind. Yet, behold! My yard contains sweet gifts: trees laden with ripe citrus.

I served some up for a guest yesterday.

Our citrus trees are one of the first things that caught my eye when we moved into our rental in Carmichael two years ago. They reminded me of our home in Haiti that was situated in a compound well-populated by tropical delights: soursop, breadfruit, limes, grapes, and coconuts. The bursts of flavor that accented our life in the Caribbean, matched with the bright colors that dotted the landscapes, clothing and art, are among the chief aspects I miss about life in Haiti.

When I encountered the fruit trees in our new home, it felt like receiving a warm smile and embrace from God. He was saying, "this is your home now." He had delivered us from the doorstep of one beloved dwelling to a new home where we could welcome and begin to raise our son.

All of this - from citrus!