One thing I love so much about Latin America is how much they value family. I love that teenagers and people my age, will (for the most part) spend their Friday and Saturday nights at home with their families. I love that grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. are involved in every aspect of their lives. I love that kids don't move away from their parents until their married.
These things seem so natural when I'm living in the culture. But, when I think back to how it is in the States, I realize how drastically different it is. We all look forward to the day we turn 18 so we can move out of our parents house. Friday and Saturday nights are designated for hanging out late into the night with friends. Most of us couldn't even imagine living in our parents home until we're 25 - and definitely not living close to our parents after we're married.
I love my family more than words could ever describe - but I absolutely fit into my culture. I moved out of my parents house before I graduated high school. Since I was in middle school, I've spent nearly every weekend out with friends. I, like a lot of my peers, look back and regret the way I've treated my parents. I love, love, love my parents and I am so thankful for them.
But, one thing I love about my culture, is how much we value friends. One thing my friends from Guatemala and I differ in the most, is how we view friendships. Guatemalans are very loving, accepting people. They love their friends. But to me - my friends are family. We live together and go through every life's twists and turns together. We grow together and figure out where we're going in life together.
I don't even think I'm making sense anymore. What I'm trying to say is, I love my friends so much. Leaving Guatemala is going to be so hard, but returning to my friends is like returning to family. I can't wait to live with Stephanie and Rebecca. I can't wait to scrapbook, cry, and pray with Missy. I can't wait to laugh for hours with Jason. My friends have helped shape who I am. I truly would not be who I am today if it wasn't for these beautiful people.
I am so, so, so blessed.
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2 comments:
I love my friends. They are closer than family to me. They challenge me. They love me too much to let me remain how I am. They are faithful. My family is great, but there's a quality missing that only my friends have filled. Try to synthesize the good you find in both cultures.
I'm dying to read more Kimeberly. blog!
Heidi
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