Incredible Impatiens

 I love to tell this story.  In 1984, I lived in Costa Rica.  My rented abode was half a little house, framed and sided with wooden planks on one side only--even the exterior walls.  It had two bedrooms and a large area that contained a small kitchen, and bathroom.  The toilet was in a closet, but the shower was not.  Ken, my roommate, and I made it work.

It was located in a contiguous neighborhood on the outskirts of San Jose called Curridabat.  From the main road to Cartegena, the exit to Curridabat climbed a steep hill to a city square with a cathedral.  Half way up that hill lined with little houses was a public bus garage.  And just beyond that a rather hidden driveway to the backside of a one-time shoe factory.  A 20 foot tall metal gate was only opened for truck traffic and to the side was a little metal door.  Open the door and to the right was the little house I lived in.  No one would ever know it was there, unless you knew it was there.

The other half of the house was rented by an old man who had lived there for decades.  He had a little dog named "Jogito," and a cat and he was a sweet person.  All around the house were trees he cultivated.  Papaya, Mango, Orange, Lemon, Lime, and herbs (Rosemary bushes!), and flowers.  Everywhere possibly Impatiens thrived.

Fast Forward.  I'm back in the states, it's 1985.  I'm living in central Kentucky in the same little town I went to college in.  I get a call that the Methodist Bishop of Costa Rica is moving to town to attend a local seminary in persuit of a Doctorate in Theology.  I'm asked to help them settle in.  The seminary secures a home for him and his family.  The local Methodist Lady's Society plants the front yard with gardens of flowers.  Impatiens are a new and more expensive offering at the time and learning they are native to Central America, they splurge and fill the beds with them.  

Upon arriving, the welcoming committee greets the Bishop and his family at their new home.  The Bishop's wife is enthralled by the house.  When asked to comment, she says, "Oh, everything is so beautiful!"  Then indicated the beds of expensive, exotic, Impatiens, she adds, "And once we get rid of all of these weeds, it will be perfect!"

Indeed.  Impatiens.  Weeds if you consider their veracity.  Impatiens are nothing short of amazing.  They will persevere every way, every time every chance they get.  You can damage them.  They will adapt!  They will sprout anew.  They will always survive.  Their seeds can also make it through sub-zero winters!

They are truly worthy of awe.