If you didn’t have a chance to read about how Estie and I weren’t instant friends and had not so great first impressions about one another, you can read that here.
But now I want to tell you about how wrong we were and how much God has blessed us to have this wonderful friendship.
Total Opposites
Estie is an ISTJ and I am an ENFP. That’s just about as opposite as two people can get. But we balance each other out so well. We bring certain things out from one another that bring life and growth. We help each other in areas that we are trying to improve or grow in and realize the strengths of one another that we can learn from.
(flying through the air on a gondola in Ecuador)
We are aware of our personality differences and we pay close attention to what that means and looks like. One great example that I have is how often we watch movies together. It’s a way for Estie to unwind as an introvert and spend time in a world watching a story. At the same time, I get to be an extrovert and enjoy sitting next to someone and share snacks with her as we follow a story unfold.
(getting ready for a fun night on a party bus in Ecuador)
First impressions can be dangerous if you just notice someone’s personality. You have to go beyond noticing it, and also understand it. We didn’t embrace our differences right away. But now, we do.
Friendship
Estie and I have a pretty awesome friendship. She is someone that has proven to me that she is a friend. And over the past couple of months, she has warmed up to me to view me as a friend. Her family calls her a crock-pot because she has to “warm up to people.” The past couple of months have strengthened our friendship so much.
(hiking near a waterfall in Ecuador)
We share lots of things- stories, advice, cookies, coffee, tea, clothes, and nail polish.
We love each other well. We want to see the other person happy. We guard each other’s stories. We trust each other and prove that we are trustworthy to each other.
(eating a delicious french toast breakfast in Peru)
We are open, vulnerable and honest with one another. We take a ton of pictures; even really goofy ones that we both agree shouldn’t be posted online. We challenge each other in our walks with God and desire to see one another grow. We prefer one another. We laugh together- a lot.
(laughing hysterically on Valentine's day in Peru)
We will be friends after the race. I am so thankful that God gave me such a great friend. I am so thankful that first impressions can be wrong and that friendships can happen when you least expect it. I’m thankful for my friend, Estie.
(enjoying drinks on the beach in Peru)
