Old Friends Teach you lots!.

When I was a freshman in college, I had the opportunity to meet a good friend of mine, Samantha. I remember meeting Samantha as she lived across the hall from me in the dorm in college. Samantha is from Zimbabwe (SP?) and hadn't ever been to America. The first time I remember seeing her she was asking someone to give her a ride to Wal Mart as she didn't know anyone but one cousin in the town we were in and had no transportation...I would be scared going to another country! Samantha took the task on with great pride and has taught me many things---not only as part of a new cultural but as part of being a friend.

I remember Samantha trying to teach myself and my roommate, Jill, how they dance in Africa. I was stunned, amazed, shocked, and every other adjective you can think of when she was showing us...I didn't know it was humanly possible to move so fast while cracking up laughing so much!

Samantha also taught me about extensions. For the longest time I didn't know she had extensions in her hair and I always ranted and raved about her hair...she waited for a couple weeks and finally let me in on her secret! I looked like a total country girl to her at this time I'm sure...I guess the joke was on me here.

I also got to play in the snow with Samantha the first time she ever saw it..that was an experience for sure. I don't think I've ever seen someone so delighted in the small things life has to offer...it was so fun I lost the keys to my dorm and my door room (those weren't cheap to replace!). We created Angels, went sledding, and she tasted the snow like she was a small child :)

The first Christmas Samantha was in America she didn't get to go home. She stayed between my house and a friends house. For me it was fun to have someone at home for Christmas break but I can only imagine how hard it was to be away from her family. Samantha rarely sees her family now due to her brother living in Australia and the majority of her family still in Africa. She has taught me to cherish my family more and more each day!

Samantha has such a strong personality and sticks to what she wants...she's taught me to be strong in things and believe in myself. She always has a word of encouragement and often calls/texts me just at the right time when I need some encouragement!

Samantha has always been a good, honest friend of which I cherish. Samantha doesn't always tell me the things I want to hear but she tells me the things I need to hear---even if I don't like the answer. She even told me the other night, "Beky, you need a pedicure." I didn't really know how to respond but it was the truth... (P.S. I gave myself a pedicure)

I don't always get to spend as much time with Samantha as I wish I could but she will always be near and dear to my heart--sometimes I think we fight like sisters but heck, her sister is so far away I just want to make sure she has that experience :)

I'm thankful she was put into my life as she reminds me of the following poem:

">People come into your life for a reason, season, and lifetime
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, Sammer Whammer. Thanks for teaching me so many life lessons.