I’d say friendship comes up from a bond between two people and common things that they share. It requires trust, negotiation, and in depth undertanding among the two or more. A colleague of mine says “People always come and go, but friendship stays forever.” Perhaps one takes a long time to finally agree with the statement, but I found the truth alright. 
Three or four years ago, my best friend attended an international seminar on HIV/ AIDS in Srilangka a week before I went to the States. Returning from the seminar, she was looking for a job while I had already got one. She finally got a position at a private bank when I was already in the States. She wondered if I were not who I had always been when I finished my Master’s degree. I said “I am me and always be myself.” She envied me for studying abroad. I convinced her that she would be abroad someday, someway.
Good news came through around September last year. She said she was nominated for an international competition for contact centers. I was very happy for her. She asked several things including making sure that her answers suited the questions. I was glad that I could help. She got through a lot: trainings, suggestions, revisions, discrimination as well. I reassured her, “You’ve done your best. Now, let God do the rest.”
Last week, she went to Australia for the competition. SHE MADE IT. I just received her message yesterday. She will be invited to the next round competition in Las Vegas in November. I am so happy for her and unbelievably touched by this good news. To tell the truth, now I envy her a lot 
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After all, everything that both of us do will go the same destination though this takes different pathways to reach. Lastly, the prayers come true, I don’t know how … the paths that we take somehow reflect our bond, shared things, and sincere feeling of gratitude for having a wonderful friend.
