Friendship

The other day I was planning a "lesson" or discussion about Friendship for my students.  I wanted to talk to them about something that is universal.  What is more universal than friendship??  This lead me to looking at the cheesy friendship quotes that I am sure we all secretly look at, and enjoy!  Admit it, you've done it too!  Then today I searched for a blog I had been reading prior to my computer crashing, and losing all of my bookmarks.  While catching up on this blog, which is written by a British girl living in Southern Italia and teaching English, I found an entry she wrote about friends and living abroad.  She stole the words from my brain.  So first, read this entry, and then I will expand upon this.  **I should preface this by saying that I do not really consider myself an "ex-pat" because I am here for a set amount of time, and that time is less than a year, but you get the point!!**

http://sunshineandtomatoes.blogspot.it/2012/10/friends-are-like-good-bra.html

When I first applied to Fulbright, I had so many people behind me, but obviously we did not know if this would come to fruition.  I remember having many conversations about the "what ifs", and I have vivid memories of many conversations with April as I walked around my neighborhood.  I remember fearing the idea of leaving...the idea of moving so far away...would my friends still love me when I returned...would I have changed so much that they would not know me...how would I stay in contact with them...would we be able to maintain our friendships??  I remember telling her that I might not even take it, should it be offered to me. First, WHAT WAS I THINKING??? The lesson that I have learned in life is that true friendships truly never fade; while all others will fall to the way side, or will fall into the category of wonderful memories, true friends are there for you no matter how far or long you are apart!  I remember crying to April and saying, "but what if I never get to talk to you, or anyone??"   

Reality check: I don't think I have gone more than 24 hours without talking to my momma or April.  I have not gone more than a few days without emailing Erin, and thank goodness we have finally been able to talk to each other on Skype phone/Skype video!  I have also been able to Skype with my love, Meagan.  I have been able to Skype with my Avery family!  I had the amazing opportunity to skype Mrs. Malissa, Maria, Ms. Hudson, Sherwood, Dr. Tingle, Lindy, Ashley, and Kelly B. one day (Maria's birthday nonetheless).  I have been so blessed. 

I like that she says, "It takes a special friend to deal with the distance!"  How right she is!!  She also talks about how with those friends, it does not matter how much time goes by because they always pick up where they left off.  I have a few special friends...who mean the world to me...and who help make my world what it is today:

Erin!  Ughh stupid Blogger will not rotate it!

April!!!    and again!

Alex, Brooke, Britt, Me, Meagan, and Erin

Kelly, Gracie, & Sarah Mason

Ms. Hudson, Mrs. Malissa, Me, Maria, & Dr. Tingle

Heather

Kimber

Each of these women have played a significant role, as a friend, in making me who I am today!  They have taught me about love, friendship, following Christ, sacrifice, hard work, adventure, trust, hope, and many other things!  So, while I may be half a world away from them, they are always in my heart, and I am learning that no matter the distance, I will always be able to go back to them!