Blog #112: Longtime Friends

For the first time in a long time, I went to a math class today. The class was taught in German, but coincidentally, it made as much sense to me as a math class taught in English. I watched as Lena scribbled down examples and thought through the concepts, and I let my mind drift far and wide.

It was my last day with Lena, and between classes and office visits and me leaving, we managed to squeeze in a few last conversations. We talked religion, the LGBTQ+ community, the environment, veganism, masters programs in Berlin, and even more. We laughed a lot, and also nearly cried when I left.

But, when my mind was wandering during the math class I didn't understand, I came to the conclusion that I'm not worried about whether or not I'll see Lena again. This has always been an issue in the past, and has always made our farewells even more difficult. Yet, even with no plan to see each other in the foreseeable future, I'm not worried about it.

We've been friends for over six years now, and in those six years, we've only been in the same physical location five times (twice in Kansas, once in Puerto Rico, and now twice in Germany). Even though some of these were long visits, like her whole semester in Kansas or our multiple week visits, we have also been apart from each other for the majority of our friendship. To add to this, neither of us are really great at keeping in touch. Sometimes, although I hate to admit it, we go months without talking. Before this visit, we hadn't seen each other in two years! Yet, when we do talk, or when we're lucky enough to actually be together, our connection is as strong as ever, our friendship still natural and fun. Through everything that has happened in the last six years, our friendship has remained, and I'm simultaneously a bit amazed and incredibly grateful for that.

And, speaking of being able to just jump back into things like normal after being apart, I'm finally here with Mariel! I've really been looking forward to this part of my trip, and let me tell you, nothing has changed. She is still as Hallmark-y as ever, and I'm still the annoying little sister. Ours is a friendship that has also seen long distances, considerable time apart, etc., but I also know it's a friendship I can fall back on whenever, no questions asked. From the snacks waiting in the car for me, the decorated bedside table with the perfect birthday present, and an extensive tour of all her beauty products that I'm allowed to use, it's clear that Mariel really knows how to take care of me. Even when Lena and I need immediate tofu advice or I HAVE to know the name of the song that's stuck in my head, she's there.

Soooo yeah. Long story short I have really amazing friends/a sister and even though I'm tired from traveling today, how lucky am I to get to spend time with both Lena and Mariel in one 24 hour time period? Life is good on the Tour de Friendship.