Once you’ve moved to a new home, whether it’s across town or in our case, to another continent; once you’ve found your dwelling and unpacked your bags; once you’ve filled your fridge and gotten some rest, you need to find friends. I have learned that having contact with people in our daily life is not only preferential; it is essential to our happiness. I can’t think of any way to say this other than, “thank God for friends!”
I feel incredibly, incredibly fortunate to have found a great group of women here in Lima. It started with two families that we met at a weekend farmers’ market. While I was buying fruits and vegetables, Matt and the kids were talking with a group of Americans in an adjacent park. They spotted Matt as a fellow American from his baseball hat and the way he walked! Lis and Sergio and Heidi and Barron have four kids between then and generously gave us their contact information.
Twice that week we were swimming at Lis and Sergio’s place. We also had the chance to meet other American couples and their kids and attended a traditional stuff yourself until you feel sick, American cook out and pool party. We even met a little girl named Ava who is Caroline’s age. I should specify that she is EXACTLY Caroline’s age – they have the same birthday. Ironically, we had seen Ava and her mom, Julie, the day before while grocery shopping. We noticed them and even heard them speaking English. In any other situation, I would have introduced ourselves, but on that day, we were having one of “those kinds of days.” Did I mention we were grocery shopping? God or whoever is in control of people meeting, really wanted us to meet, I guess.
Since meeting these women I have done the following – visited a great fruit and vegetable market and meat market, been swimming in a pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, gone running and walking, been to the park numerous times, had a manicure and pedicure, been shopping for ballet and karate outfits, eaten at a great pizza place with wood burning ovens, sat and chatted in an actual home, been introduced into another playgroup, had coffee at Starbuck’s, played kickball at the American embassy, borrowed an aerobed and baking supplies, been gifted with toaster waffles, Jif peanut butter and cheddar cheese from the commissary, been given travel information, signed up for a half marathon and borrowed almost as many children’s books as we packed in our suitcases!
For my 35th birthday, they treated me to brunch. As we chatted around the table, I couldn’t help but think that I’d already gotten the very best present I could have this year. They’re generosity and welcoming spirit has been an amazing example of friendship. – even more incredible when I realize that I didn’t know any of them until March!
I’ve live in many places – some for short periods, some longer – and the favorite places in my life have always involved great people. My friend Cara said it best recently. She said, “A place is just a place until you find friends to make memories with, then it’s a home.” I feel truly blessed to have the friends I do – both near and far.
