I am safe and in Huancayo at my home! Let me just start from the beginning because so much has happened already! (I now know why some people's blogs seem to go on forever)
I left Cincinnati and arrived in Miami, FL at midnight on Tuesday and then boarded the plane from Miami to Lima which seemed like a never-ending 5 hour plane ride. I was worried about getting my visa, but everything went smoothly just like people told me it would! I went to baggage claim to get my luggage...and what do you know, they lost both of my bags. So typical! haha :] I then took a taxi to the bus station and waited for my bus to leave at 8:45 am. While waiting for my bus, I ordered toast and a juice (in spanish!) and let me tell you....IT WAS AMAZING! It was the best bread I have ever had and the juice was freshly squeezed papaya and pineapple...I would eat that every day of my life if I could! I boarded what I thought would be a rickity old bus but was actually a swanky tour bus. The bus ride was painfully long but exceptionally breathtaking. Never in my life have I seen more beautiful mountains, hills and landscape. Gorgeous!
I arrived in Huancayo with my family greeting me at the bus station. Tino is the director of the organization and I couldn't ask for a better host. His wife, Mari, is quiet and soft spoken but has shown me the ropes thus far. Mari only speaks a few words of English, so it nice helping her with English while she can help me with my Spanish. Mari and Tino have two daughters, Angela and Pilar, who are adorable! They both greeted me with hugs and kisses! Last night, I had my first meal in Huancayo which was surprisingly awesome! It was rice with beef, lots of vegetables and bread! One thing I definitely miss already is cold water. All the water has to be boiled and they keep the boiled water in a thermos for drinking. I WANT ICE! Besides the ice issue, breakfast this morning was wonderful and so was lunch! Besides the fact there were chicken feet in my soup AHHHHH.
For the living arrangements, I have my own room which is a nice size. I still haven't received my luggage, so once I do then I can officially unpack! The family has one side of the house while the volunteers use the other half. The halves are connected by the kitchen and dining room which is very warm and cozy.
Everything isn't all peachy though :/ In Huancayo, there is so much poverty it is ridiculous. Most houses are made out of tin and wood and have a tin door on the front. Children as young as four years old beg on the streets for money and food. Trash is everywhere in the dirt streets. Seeing children that are constantly begging for food with tears running down their face makes my heart ache. Last night, I cried myself to sleep thinking about the poor children and families that have gone days without eating, weeks without showering and years without good news. No one prepared me for the things I would see here...I have only read about this type of poverty in books or in movies. People living simply in Huancayo is an understatement. My family loves watching the sunset for fun or playing with rocks for boardgames they made up. I am very very homesick mostly because when the family is resting I have all the time in the world to think about my family and friends. I hope that with time, it gets easier and easier to be here. Before I left, one of my good friends reminded me that even Mother Theresa had doubts and it's okay to be unsure of what I am doing. I definitely have doubts...but after teaching today, I think everything will be alright!
Today was my first day of teaching at Tinkuy and I had one of the best days of my life! In the morning, Mari and I walked 30 minutes up the mountain to the school where 10 girls were waiting for us. Mari told the girls about me in Spanish (how long I would be staying, where I was from etc) and then I was able to teach them for 2 hours! Today I picked up where another volunteer left off, directions, prepositions and vocab. The girls were so nice! If I needed help in Spanish they worked it out with me and they seem so eager to learn English! I look forward to seeing the girls tomorrow!!!! After my morning class we came back to eat lunch and then made the trek back up the mountain for the afternoon class. The afternoon class was something I will never forget. 20 boys and girls, ages 3-7, lined up outside my classroom. We worked on simple English vocab...parts of the body, family members, animals and sports! After teaching was the best part...recess!! Playing with these poor children who are just happy to have a friend is something I will never forget. This is what I came for. Impacting lives, one child at a time! :] The smiles, the noises and the happiness is forever in my heart!
I can't wait to keep teaching these children and watch them grow for the next 9 months! I hope with time, things will get better for me. I am experiencing a lot of culture shock and am very homesick but I am here for one reason...."to be the change I wish to see in the world!"
Peace! :]
-teaner
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
TODAY IS THE DAY! peru, here christine comes :]
This is it. Today, August 29th, I am departing for the adventure of a lifetime to Peru to volunteer for 9 months. I honestly can't believe it. I have been anxiously awaiting this day all summer and it is finally here. My excitement level is through the roof!
As for my itinerary, I leave Cincinnati at 6:30 pm tonight and I arrive in Lima, Peru at 5 in the morning. From Lima, I will take a 7 hour bus ride to Huancayo.
I will definitely post once I arrive in Peru and will keep you all updated. Thank you to everyone who has supported my decision and believed in me. I love you all :]
PEACE OUT AMERICA. HELLO PERU.
This post has to end with this quote, otherwise it wouldn't be right.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
As for my itinerary, I leave Cincinnati at 6:30 pm tonight and I arrive in Lima, Peru at 5 in the morning. From Lima, I will take a 7 hour bus ride to Huancayo.
I will definitely post once I arrive in Peru and will keep you all updated. Thank you to everyone who has supported my decision and believed in me. I love you all :]
PEACE OUT AMERICA. HELLO PERU.
This post has to end with this quote, otherwise it wouldn't be right.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Friday, August 26, 2011
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy. 3 days.
I can't even believe it. 3 days from now I will be traveling to Huancayo Peru to volunteer for the next 9 months. This is a dream come true and I can't believe how fast the summer went! Let me say it one more time...I just can't believe it!!! :] hahahaha!
It's so weird to think about that only 3 months ago, I had no idea what was in store for my upcoming year...and now I am being the change I wish to see in the world. It all began on May 22nd when I messaged my best friend, Lizzy, on facebook about my plan. Below is the actual conversation ahahhaha :]
Me: okay....you know that feeling when you see something or watch something and it just feels right? like you were just born to be doing something? well I have officially had that feeling. never in my entire life have I read something or seen photos and just immediately fallen in love. UNTILLLL NOWWWWW. BASICALLY....this is what i want to do. after reading about this and seeing what people have to say about it, I can't imagine doing anything else. i know, i technically have a commitment to go to school next year. but this experience would mean the world to me. THOUGHTTTSSSS???? obvs your opinion matters a ton to me so i'm asking you first before i fully commit to this plan!!!!!!
Lizzy: DO IT. no joke. this sounds so amazing and soooooooo perfect for you.
im seriously not kidding. i really really really think this is the most perfect thing for you at this point in your life. like it could change absolutely everything from here on out and would be an AMAZING experience.
ok, so its been decided, you are going. end of story.
It's so weird to think about that only 3 months ago, I had no idea what was in store for my upcoming year...and now I am being the change I wish to see in the world. It all began on May 22nd when I messaged my best friend, Lizzy, on facebook about my plan. Below is the actual conversation ahahhaha :]
Me: okay....you know that feeling when you see something or watch something and it just feels right? like you were just born to be doing something? well I have officially had that feeling. never in my entire life have I read something or seen photos and just immediately fallen in love. UNTILLLL NOWWWWW. BASICALLY....this is what i want to do. after reading about this and seeing what people have to say about it, I can't imagine doing anything else. i know, i technically have a commitment to go to school next year. but this experience would mean the world to me. THOUGHTTTSSSS???? obvs your opinion matters a ton to me so i'm asking you first before i fully commit to this plan!!!!!!
Lizzy: DO IT. no joke. this sounds so amazing and soooooooo perfect for you.
im seriously not kidding. i really really really think this is the most perfect thing for you at this point in your life. like it could change absolutely everything from here on out and would be an AMAZING experience.
ok, so its been decided, you are going. end of story.
What a crazy conversation. I can't believe a crazy idea that started on facebook is now a reality and it will be happening in 3 days. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. After this late night facebook message, Lizzy and I had a game plan night where we sat in her room for hours deciding if I was actually going to commit to this plan. Obviously, the rest is history. I can't thank my friends and family enough for all of their love and support. So many friends have given me words of wisdom, good luck wishes, gifts, inspirational messages and love! And my Mom and Sister have been incredibly supportive of my decision. There is no greater feeling than having a support system that will celebrate my triumphs and find happiness within hardship. I love you all so much and will keep each and every one of you updated!
This post probably makes no sense and I apologize for the absolute randomness of it, but my thoughts are all over the place! ONLY 3 DAYS!
I am going to close this crazy post with a few quotes/lyrics that have kept me going this whole summer!
Love you all :]
Peace.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."
"My heart beats standing on the edge, but my feet have finally left the ledge.
Like an acrobat, there's no turning back.
I'm letting go, of the life I planned for me."
"She believed she could, so she did."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
There's gotta be something more...
On Saturday night, three of my friends and I went to Indianapolis to see Sara Bareilles and Sugarland in concert. Before Sugarland could perform, their stage collapsed on thousands of people because of a huge storm. The night was one of the scariest of my entire life. Dozens were injured and 5 are dead because of the stage crash. Even in the event of a disaster, it put so many things in perspective. As the stage fell and chaos erupted, I went into emergency mode. Helping those in need and staying calm during an emergency are second nature to me. Making the decision to volunteer abroad couldn't be more spot on to my abilities and passion. The disaster also made me realize how lucky I was to leave unscathed from the concert. So many others were injured or died and my friends and I left with only sore legs and a few scrapes.
The disaster also made me realize that it could have been me who was severely injured or died and reinforced my goal of volunteering in Peru. If I were to die tomorrow, would I be proud of the impact I have made on humanity? By volunteering in Huancayo, dying in 4 weeks, 4 months or 4 years doesn't bother me. I should be more worried about living a life for others than being afraid of dying to early. As Sugarland describes in their song, "Something More", there has to be something more in life than just ourselves. "There's gotta be something more, gotta be more than this. I need a little less hard time, I need a little more bliss. I'm gonna take my chances, taking a chance I might find what I'm looking for...There's gotta be something more." Always Praying for the people of Indianapolis <3
In 13 days I will be on the plane to Huancayo, Peru. It is so crazy to think about. Only 13 days. It seems like yesterday I had no idea what was in store for my upcoming year...and now, I am about to accomplish my life long dream. Everything has been bought, packed and planned out. Now is the hard part, saying goodbye to my friends. As if I haven't said it enough...I have the greatest friends in the world. Friends that would drop everything they were doing to help in a crisis, friends I could laugh with for hours and people that just get me. Saying goodbye to my friends is like losing a part of my soul. They keep me going on rough days, they make me laugh until my stomach hurts and they inspire me to be better. What more could I ask for?? :] I love you all to death and will see you in May!
Only 13 days. 13. AHHHHHH :]
I'll end with a quote that one my teachers from Mount Notre Dame emailed me with her congratulations and best wishes.
The disaster also made me realize that it could have been me who was severely injured or died and reinforced my goal of volunteering in Peru. If I were to die tomorrow, would I be proud of the impact I have made on humanity? By volunteering in Huancayo, dying in 4 weeks, 4 months or 4 years doesn't bother me. I should be more worried about living a life for others than being afraid of dying to early. As Sugarland describes in their song, "Something More", there has to be something more in life than just ourselves. "There's gotta be something more, gotta be more than this. I need a little less hard time, I need a little more bliss. I'm gonna take my chances, taking a chance I might find what I'm looking for...There's gotta be something more." Always Praying for the people of Indianapolis <3
In 13 days I will be on the plane to Huancayo, Peru. It is so crazy to think about. Only 13 days. It seems like yesterday I had no idea what was in store for my upcoming year...and now, I am about to accomplish my life long dream. Everything has been bought, packed and planned out. Now is the hard part, saying goodbye to my friends. As if I haven't said it enough...I have the greatest friends in the world. Friends that would drop everything they were doing to help in a crisis, friends I could laugh with for hours and people that just get me. Saying goodbye to my friends is like losing a part of my soul. They keep me going on rough days, they make me laugh until my stomach hurts and they inspire me to be better. What more could I ask for?? :] I love you all to death and will see you in May!
Only 13 days. 13. AHHHHHH :]
I'll end with a quote that one my teachers from Mount Notre Dame emailed me with her congratulations and best wishes.
“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next… Don’t. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path towards happiness. Don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present – each moment as it comes – because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart, where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.”
Love my friends :]
Friday, August 5, 2011
Defining moments...
I'm sitting in my bed crying. Crying about nonsense that other people would think was stupid. For the last four years I have cried myself to sleep most nights because I dream of changing the world. I dream for a better tomorrow and I worry that I have not made my mark on the world. I cry for peace, justice, change, love and acceptance. I cry for all of those people whose lives are filled with adversity, hatred and poverty. I cry for others. And as much as I don't want to cry, if I stopped crying I would feel as though I have given up. Maybe my upcoming adventure is a way to stop the tears and act on my dreams. Maybe it is an outlet for so many things I couldn't change in my life, so I hope to improve the lives of others. Tears or no tears, I want to change the world.
This is in no way pretentious or pompous, but so many people have told me that I am going to save the world, be the next Mother Theresa and win the Noble Peace Prize. I hate it more than anything when people say that. I am following my calling by God and just doing what I love. It is the same thing as wanting to be a physical therapist, doctor, lawyer, artist, nurse or teacher. You are just doing what you love. I love making a difference. I love helping others. I love to travel. I love that moment when you figure out what you are called to do. I am a lover of life. Traveling to Peru to volunteer is simply a way to change the world, share happiness with others and being able to live in the moment. I am definitely, positively not a saint...I am just trying to get it right as often as I can.
Finding your calling, is like the most special moment in the world. It's like knowing all the lyrics to your favorite song, a good book, burying your feet in the sand, watching the sunset, laughing until your stomach hurts, hanging out with your best friends, the smell of fresh cut grass, driving with the windows down, watching the New York Yankees win...everything is just right in the world. When you find what you are supposed to be doing for the rest of your life, it's like nothing else matters. It's you and a dream...and life is good :] I have always been a person that lived for moments. Inexplicable moments that define your life. Moments you can't put into words. I have had so many defining moments in my life and I can't wait for the next chapter of memories, moments and life. I have a feeling that when my shoes hit the ground in Lima, I will be overwhelmed with joy and it will be another defining moment. Can't wait!
So, I am 24 days away from the adventure of a lifetime. Extreme buying, packing and clothes freak-outs have begun. As excited as I am to leave, there is still so much to do! Here's just a little expression of my excitement....JSRIOUNSTNMCCCOULNSHSUHDJQBJBQJUGUCSSRATTCNKCOPPSNSBSGAEERWQQUXBBCCHJGHFIYERAESVCCPCOUSTSGSRATHXKXOZMZOXUTN wahhhhhhhhhhh :] :] :] :] :] :] :] :] so excited!
peace, love, good music, dreams, dinner with friends, nike shorts and happiness :]
This is in no way pretentious or pompous, but so many people have told me that I am going to save the world, be the next Mother Theresa and win the Noble Peace Prize. I hate it more than anything when people say that. I am following my calling by God and just doing what I love. It is the same thing as wanting to be a physical therapist, doctor, lawyer, artist, nurse or teacher. You are just doing what you love. I love making a difference. I love helping others. I love to travel. I love that moment when you figure out what you are called to do. I am a lover of life. Traveling to Peru to volunteer is simply a way to change the world, share happiness with others and being able to live in the moment. I am definitely, positively not a saint...I am just trying to get it right as often as I can.
Finding your calling, is like the most special moment in the world. It's like knowing all the lyrics to your favorite song, a good book, burying your feet in the sand, watching the sunset, laughing until your stomach hurts, hanging out with your best friends, the smell of fresh cut grass, driving with the windows down, watching the New York Yankees win...everything is just right in the world. When you find what you are supposed to be doing for the rest of your life, it's like nothing else matters. It's you and a dream...and life is good :] I have always been a person that lived for moments. Inexplicable moments that define your life. Moments you can't put into words. I have had so many defining moments in my life and I can't wait for the next chapter of memories, moments and life. I have a feeling that when my shoes hit the ground in Lima, I will be overwhelmed with joy and it will be another defining moment. Can't wait!
So, I am 24 days away from the adventure of a lifetime. Extreme buying, packing and clothes freak-outs have begun. As excited as I am to leave, there is still so much to do! Here's just a little expression of my excitement....JSRIOUNSTNMCCCOULNSHSUHDJQBJBQJUGUCSSRATTCNKCOPPSNSBSGAEERWQQUXBBCCHJGHFIYERAESVCCPCOUSTSGSRATHXKXOZMZOXUTN wahhhhhhhhhhh :] :] :] :] :] :] :] :] so excited!
peace, love, good music, dreams, dinner with friends, nike shorts and happiness :]
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Being Real.
This girl I know from Fordham just went on a mission trip to Calcutta. She blogged about her trip the entire time she was there and when she got back, I skyped with her to hear more about the trip. She told me so many interesting things that are helpful to my upcoming trip, but those things weren't described in her blog. After speaking to her and then reading her blog, she left out so much. What she blogged about was only the "happy" "good" stuff. She failed to mention how the airline lost her luggage, when she got incredibly sick, when she fell in love and the time when she went skinny dipping. I can't believe she left out the struggles, real feelings and experiences she had other than just volunteering.
From this moment on, I have decided I am going to be as real as possible. If I don't like something, you will hear about it. If I fall in love, experience hatred, have the best time of my life, eat new foods, get sick or am having a hard time...I will blog about it. I can't imagine not sharing personal details know matter how personal, because I want others to benefit from my adventure. I want others who read my blog, stalk my pictures or see my facebook to get a real account of what is going on with me in Huancayo.
In keeping with my promise this blog post will be real. Real emotions, real feelings and real thoughts :] I leave for Peru in less than a month, and I think it is finally starting to hit me. I will be volunteering in Peru for 9 months without any friends, family and minimal communication. It's going to be weird being without those essential people and things for such a long period of time. I have so many petty questions and important questions that I won't know the answers to until I arrive in Peru. Will I have enough money for my 9 month stay? Will I like the food? Will I be homesick? Will I even be a good teacher? Do I know enough Spanish to teach? Should I bring more clothes? What happens if I get seriously ill? My mind is racing with uncertainty. But with every uncertainty, I can envision myself receiving great rewards. I don't regret my decision at all and I honestly can't imagine myself doing anything different. This is my time to make a difference. This is my time to make footprints and impact the lives of Peruvian people. This is my time to change the world. This, is my time.
One of my retreat leaders from a faith and justice retreat at Fordham, was killed by a drunk driver one week ago. She was one of the nicest, faith-filled leaders I have ever met and she dreamed of being in Peace Corps just like me. To think that she was one year away from graduating, one year away from the Peace Corps and only a few weeks away to seeing her mentally challenged sister get married, kills me. To know that my life could end at any moment without changing the world, completing my goal of volunteering for impoverished children, winning some victory for humanity or being a daughter my mom can say she is proud of...makes me want to volunteer in Peru for even longer. Living a life of service is my dream, and why wait until I am forty or fifty years old to live my dreams. Why not now? I pray for Vanessa's family and friends, and I hope they know that she might not have changed the lives of others abroad, but she definitely changed mine <3
This post is dedicated to being real, living out your dreams, changing the world and to my retreat leader Vanessa. And even though my life hasn't gone as planned, I am completing my goal of changing the world and living as though today was my last day. Peace :]
"For every stoplight I didn't make,
for every chance I did or didn't take.
All the nights I went too far,
all the girls that broke my heart,
all the doors that I had to close,
all the things I knew but didn't know,
Thank God for all I missed,
Cause it lead me straight here to this."
Peru 2011-2012 <3
From this moment on, I have decided I am going to be as real as possible. If I don't like something, you will hear about it. If I fall in love, experience hatred, have the best time of my life, eat new foods, get sick or am having a hard time...I will blog about it. I can't imagine not sharing personal details know matter how personal, because I want others to benefit from my adventure. I want others who read my blog, stalk my pictures or see my facebook to get a real account of what is going on with me in Huancayo.
In keeping with my promise this blog post will be real. Real emotions, real feelings and real thoughts :] I leave for Peru in less than a month, and I think it is finally starting to hit me. I will be volunteering in Peru for 9 months without any friends, family and minimal communication. It's going to be weird being without those essential people and things for such a long period of time. I have so many petty questions and important questions that I won't know the answers to until I arrive in Peru. Will I have enough money for my 9 month stay? Will I like the food? Will I be homesick? Will I even be a good teacher? Do I know enough Spanish to teach? Should I bring more clothes? What happens if I get seriously ill? My mind is racing with uncertainty. But with every uncertainty, I can envision myself receiving great rewards. I don't regret my decision at all and I honestly can't imagine myself doing anything different. This is my time to make a difference. This is my time to make footprints and impact the lives of Peruvian people. This is my time to change the world. This, is my time.
One of my retreat leaders from a faith and justice retreat at Fordham, was killed by a drunk driver one week ago. She was one of the nicest, faith-filled leaders I have ever met and she dreamed of being in Peace Corps just like me. To think that she was one year away from graduating, one year away from the Peace Corps and only a few weeks away to seeing her mentally challenged sister get married, kills me. To know that my life could end at any moment without changing the world, completing my goal of volunteering for impoverished children, winning some victory for humanity or being a daughter my mom can say she is proud of...makes me want to volunteer in Peru for even longer. Living a life of service is my dream, and why wait until I am forty or fifty years old to live my dreams. Why not now? I pray for Vanessa's family and friends, and I hope they know that she might not have changed the lives of others abroad, but she definitely changed mine <3
This post is dedicated to being real, living out your dreams, changing the world and to my retreat leader Vanessa. And even though my life hasn't gone as planned, I am completing my goal of changing the world and living as though today was my last day. Peace :]
"For every stoplight I didn't make,
for every chance I did or didn't take.
All the nights I went too far,
all the girls that broke my heart,
all the doors that I had to close,
all the things I knew but didn't know,
Thank God for all I missed,
Cause it lead me straight here to this."
Peru 2011-2012 <3
Saturday, July 23, 2011
I have to post this now because you are starting to think this post is about how much i hate you....LOVE YOU LIZZY :]
I am unsure of a lot of things. I honestly can't tell you what I believe in politically, what my favorite color is, where I will be in ten years, why I love the movie the sixth sense so much or why I hate my curly hair. Most think I am indecisive because I am a people pleaser, but some things I really just don't have an opinion about. There is one exception to my indecisiveness. I am 100%, whole heartedly, undoubtedly for sure that Elizabeth Anne Freeman and I were destined to be best friends.
The story of how we became inseparable, BFF's never gets old. I was seven years old and my Mom just informed me that I was going to have to wake up really early to drop my Dad off at the airport. No way was I going to wake up early, so she told me that I had to find someone's house to sleep over at. My best friend across the street was out of town so I had to call someone else. I whipped out the second grade directory and went down the list alphabetically of homeroom 2-C. Freeman, Elizabeth...I'll call her. I dialed her home phone number, which is now a number I will remember till the day I die, and she answered. She agreed to let me stay the night, even though we didn't know anything about each other. My Mom dropped me off later that day and apologized to her Mom after finding out I basically invited myself over. That night was the start of an incredible friendship that has lasted over 12 years.
Lizzy and I grew up side by side since the second grade and most people referred to us as "attached at the hip". I probably spent 90% of my childhood at her house only coming home to get new clothes. Days were spent mostly the same way, during the school year I would sleep over at her house every night, we would be driven to school in the morning, attend the same classes, go back to Lizzy's house, watch trading spaces while eating pans of rice krispie treats, play soccer with the neighbors, eat dinner, do homework and go to bed. Life was easy, simple and good. No one understood that my life was Lizzy's life and Lizzy's life was my life until about the fourth grade. Come August, new teachers were told every year that the Columbia's and Freeman's were basically one family.
After the simplicity of grade school came high school, but nothing changed. We both made new friends and had different core friend groups, but that still doesn't matter. We mastered the art of growing separately without growing apart. Even if we haven't seen each other in months (like this past school year), if Lizzy ever needed me or I ever needed her, things would fall right back into our 3rd grade, attached at the hip, inseparable bond.
As I enter this new stage of my life, I am analyzing my friendships with those closest to me. With Lizzy, no analyzing is needed. What we have, we will always have. Friendships are always changing, but with her nothing has changed and will ever change...our friendship is constant. What hurts me the most about my nearing adventure to Peru is that my best friend won't be right by my side experiencing it with me. Every big and little moment we have been there for each other. She was there the day I invited myself over, when I had my first bloody nose, when I got my braces and every time we were car riders. She was there for every volleyball game, when I got my first cell phone, when I cried during I am Sam, and the day my parents got divorced. Lizzy never missed when my family moved houses, the day I learned to rollerblade, every time I cried while doing algebra and every babysitting job we had together. And this past year, she never missed a Skype call when I was crying, a phone call when I hated the world or when I posted a childhood memory on her facebook wall. She has been there for it all, good and bad. Venturing to Peru without her by my side is terrifying, not to mention the 9 months we won't be with each other. Taking the biggest risk of my life without her next to me is scarier than being kidnapped, getting sick, not liking the food or getting lost. My best friend. Lizzy. The one who has been there for everything, won't be there. Of course we can Skype and facebook each other, but not hearing her infectious laugh, her allergy sniffles and her "American Idol" singing voice kills me.
This whole post sounds so stupid, everyone has a best friend they think they can't live without...but Lizzy is different. We just get each other. Even if we don't know every detail about one another's current lives, we still know everything about each other. I can tell you why she's mad, why she's giving you the silent treatment, the face she makes when a food has a bad texture, how she lives for tissues, why the bed shakes when she laughs and what makes her smile ear to ear. Vice Versa she can tell you why I am in a bad mood, why I hate fake air, why I laugh when old people fall, the love I have for my Mom and when spotting a deer is more important than watching the road. It just works. There's no other friendship I have ever had that just feels perfect. When we are together, everything is just right in the world. No matter if we are just sitting on her bed talking for hours or skydiving together, our friendship is filled with love. Sure we have had our fights and issues, like the time we didn't speak for 2 weeks in the 4th grade or when we kind of weren't friends sophomore year of high school. But nothing has ever changed. We are best friends, forever.
Lizzy is the most amazing person I have ever met. She holds a newborn baby like it is the most joyous thing in the world, her creativity boggles my left brain, she is kind and the word compassionate doesn't even do her justice. She's incredibly smart, can ace any multiple choice test and knows some super random facts. It's weird we became friends. Parts of us are strikingly similar, and then other characteristics couldn't be more different. A simple phone call changed us forever and this proves that everything does happen for a reason.
I pray that being away from her gets easier and we will always remain each other's "frick" and "frack". I found a quote the other day while stumbling that sums up our entire friendship perfectly. Lizzy will be happy to hear this quote is from some lame movie she always made me watch called, The Little Rascals. "You only meet your once in a lifetime friend, once in a lifetime." I can't wait to come home and tell you everything about my trip, see your second year portfolio, go on more roadtrips, see more concerts, be happy, read books, watch you do crafty things, go to dinner and laugh with you. And I can't wait to be in each other's weddings, babysit your kids, volunteer with you, write you cards for Holidays, build an orphanage in Africa with you, win the Noble Peace Prize and grow old with you :]
And to answer the question I have avoided ten thousand times...where will you be in ten years? I have no fucking clue. All I can say is that you will be happy, compassionate, loving, giving and we will be friends. Isn't that all that really matters? :] I love you more than you'll ever know and am beyond grateful for the coolest friend ever. LOVE ALWAYS.
teaner.
The story of how we became inseparable, BFF's never gets old. I was seven years old and my Mom just informed me that I was going to have to wake up really early to drop my Dad off at the airport. No way was I going to wake up early, so she told me that I had to find someone's house to sleep over at. My best friend across the street was out of town so I had to call someone else. I whipped out the second grade directory and went down the list alphabetically of homeroom 2-C. Freeman, Elizabeth...I'll call her. I dialed her home phone number, which is now a number I will remember till the day I die, and she answered. She agreed to let me stay the night, even though we didn't know anything about each other. My Mom dropped me off later that day and apologized to her Mom after finding out I basically invited myself over. That night was the start of an incredible friendship that has lasted over 12 years.
Lizzy and I grew up side by side since the second grade and most people referred to us as "attached at the hip". I probably spent 90% of my childhood at her house only coming home to get new clothes. Days were spent mostly the same way, during the school year I would sleep over at her house every night, we would be driven to school in the morning, attend the same classes, go back to Lizzy's house, watch trading spaces while eating pans of rice krispie treats, play soccer with the neighbors, eat dinner, do homework and go to bed. Life was easy, simple and good. No one understood that my life was Lizzy's life and Lizzy's life was my life until about the fourth grade. Come August, new teachers were told every year that the Columbia's and Freeman's were basically one family.
After the simplicity of grade school came high school, but nothing changed. We both made new friends and had different core friend groups, but that still doesn't matter. We mastered the art of growing separately without growing apart. Even if we haven't seen each other in months (like this past school year), if Lizzy ever needed me or I ever needed her, things would fall right back into our 3rd grade, attached at the hip, inseparable bond.
As I enter this new stage of my life, I am analyzing my friendships with those closest to me. With Lizzy, no analyzing is needed. What we have, we will always have. Friendships are always changing, but with her nothing has changed and will ever change...our friendship is constant. What hurts me the most about my nearing adventure to Peru is that my best friend won't be right by my side experiencing it with me. Every big and little moment we have been there for each other. She was there the day I invited myself over, when I had my first bloody nose, when I got my braces and every time we were car riders. She was there for every volleyball game, when I got my first cell phone, when I cried during I am Sam, and the day my parents got divorced. Lizzy never missed when my family moved houses, the day I learned to rollerblade, every time I cried while doing algebra and every babysitting job we had together. And this past year, she never missed a Skype call when I was crying, a phone call when I hated the world or when I posted a childhood memory on her facebook wall. She has been there for it all, good and bad. Venturing to Peru without her by my side is terrifying, not to mention the 9 months we won't be with each other. Taking the biggest risk of my life without her next to me is scarier than being kidnapped, getting sick, not liking the food or getting lost. My best friend. Lizzy. The one who has been there for everything, won't be there. Of course we can Skype and facebook each other, but not hearing her infectious laugh, her allergy sniffles and her "American Idol" singing voice kills me.
This whole post sounds so stupid, everyone has a best friend they think they can't live without...but Lizzy is different. We just get each other. Even if we don't know every detail about one another's current lives, we still know everything about each other. I can tell you why she's mad, why she's giving you the silent treatment, the face she makes when a food has a bad texture, how she lives for tissues, why the bed shakes when she laughs and what makes her smile ear to ear. Vice Versa she can tell you why I am in a bad mood, why I hate fake air, why I laugh when old people fall, the love I have for my Mom and when spotting a deer is more important than watching the road. It just works. There's no other friendship I have ever had that just feels perfect. When we are together, everything is just right in the world. No matter if we are just sitting on her bed talking for hours or skydiving together, our friendship is filled with love. Sure we have had our fights and issues, like the time we didn't speak for 2 weeks in the 4th grade or when we kind of weren't friends sophomore year of high school. But nothing has ever changed. We are best friends, forever.
Lizzy is the most amazing person I have ever met. She holds a newborn baby like it is the most joyous thing in the world, her creativity boggles my left brain, she is kind and the word compassionate doesn't even do her justice. She's incredibly smart, can ace any multiple choice test and knows some super random facts. It's weird we became friends. Parts of us are strikingly similar, and then other characteristics couldn't be more different. A simple phone call changed us forever and this proves that everything does happen for a reason.
I pray that being away from her gets easier and we will always remain each other's "frick" and "frack". I found a quote the other day while stumbling that sums up our entire friendship perfectly. Lizzy will be happy to hear this quote is from some lame movie she always made me watch called, The Little Rascals. "You only meet your once in a lifetime friend, once in a lifetime." I can't wait to come home and tell you everything about my trip, see your second year portfolio, go on more roadtrips, see more concerts, be happy, read books, watch you do crafty things, go to dinner and laugh with you. And I can't wait to be in each other's weddings, babysit your kids, volunteer with you, write you cards for Holidays, build an orphanage in Africa with you, win the Noble Peace Prize and grow old with you :]
And to answer the question I have avoided ten thousand times...where will you be in ten years? I have no fucking clue. All I can say is that you will be happy, compassionate, loving, giving and we will be friends. Isn't that all that really matters? :] I love you more than you'll ever know and am beyond grateful for the coolest friend ever. LOVE ALWAYS.
teaner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)