Quilt of Memories

Today it finally hit me, my friend Berned is going home to Germany. After two and a half years in New Zealand, we've shared so many memories, so many friends, our dear friend Paula- Our crabby old pink Mitsubishi Mirage. I've kept the key to her, and will never forget when Berned and I took her out for one last go at the beach.

Let's just say, anything you've ever wanted to do to a car, we did it to her! Drove her into the ocean, pulled the e-break at full speed, zooming down the beach, launched er off the dunes, opened beer bottles with the seat belts (of course we weren't driving).

Paula was how I really got to know Berned, a co-owned car with first German guy I've ever met. So excessively "German," I learned to simply cut out any explanation, nicknaming him "The German." We'll maybe being excessively stereotypical isn't quite fair for explanatory purposes, but it made him very difficult to get along with. His bizarre behaviors, complaining, quick explanations, and laughter held under stern glare took some getting use to. I've grown to love his humor, especially when other people can't tell when he is or isn't serious, and poking out a smile whenever possible. I've come to really appreciate him for who he is, and love his crazy personality, a best friend.

Despite a wild going away party involving mulled wine and burning sugary liquor... it hadn't hit me that he was leaving until tonight. I can never refuse the offer of cheap stuff from an international leaving the country. I've come to find myself showered in the memories these international students shared with New Zealand and our friends here, through the items they leave behind.

I bought a car this week that has likely seen more of these island roads than I have, and the maps I'm given are well worn. Marked up with the exciting destinations that will now be the digital photos shared with our future families. Many of my clothes, furniture, and tools have had many owners and put to good use. We take care of the things we have, and pre-loved items share their adventures with me. when I look at the items all around me, they all have a history, and remind me of the incredible journey we are on.

I face many fears, of being alone, or forgotten amongst the memories. This dream life is not over for me, its more than just an OE (Overseas Experience), it's my life. It's wonderful, and I'm so afraid of loosing it.

I'm being swept up in this giant quilt, ancient time lines of experience and knowledge. I can't help but wonder what challenge the future will bring. I'm cuddled up by a warm fire, wrapped in the wisdom of the world hoping I can make patches as beautiful as the ones around me.

I will miss my friend, but our memories live on in this beautiful time line quilt.