We had a lot of the same things to get done so we just walked around with each other. My mom said, "I think she seems like she'll be a really great friend." It was good to see that my mom was grateful that I was in good hands with a stranger but also someone who was approved almost instantly. The first semester we got to know each other, there were things I didn't understand like how does someone not know how to pay and pump gas. But it wasn't until I went to her farm in Bruneau, Idaho that I really understood Emily. They had their own gas tank on their land and she never had to go to a gas station.
The farm was peaceful with many things to do to keep you busy. I got to experience life in a new way. I was in love. Then there was her family. They were delightful! The farm, family, and more made this one place I knew I wanted to come back to. I started with going each semester with Emily. If she was going home I tried to go at least once. Then I started going to Thanksgiving with her, it was a new tradition. I even went to their house for Thanksgiving after my mission and Emily was still on hers! The Hegerhorst's became family.
Emily and I continued to live together for the next semester with our other roommates. This is where we made a contract. For some reason we kept arguing about who would get engaged first. A third party, Megan Wyatt (Skagen) wrote out a contract stating, whomever was engaged first was owed the other a steak dinner. We both signed it. And have since lost the document. College life.
I have been paid in full by who is now Emily Anderson.
I opted for Cafe Rio instead of a steakhouse...I don't have them in NC and I miss them dearly.
So glad that she kept her end of the contract.
As stated by her sister, "Way to hold out."
Heck yes! :)
I just returned from one of my favorite places in the world on Sunday. I got a call one evening from Emily and we caught up. She told me about her love life and how she started liking this guy named Ben. Months later I get the text, "I'm engaged" and next thing I know I'm buying a plane ticket. Then months later it's August and I'm flying out to Idaho for my best friend's wedding.
It was amazing. I got there in time to help set up, buy food, travel here and there to get everything to their apartment, and spend time with my favorite people. I'm so so happy that I'm not just friends with Emily but her entire family. I went there for her but I didn't realize I needed the recharge with the farm and family.
Some shout outs:
Mom and Dad H,
Thank you for the endless amount of whole milk you've let me drink. It's probably good you don't have a camel like me around all the time or you wouldn't make a profit. Also, thank you for the Thanksgivings, storing my stuff for my mission, and the open door policy. I will be back, be sure of it.
Katie, Becky, and Margie,
I really appreciate you accepting me as a part of the family, though I'm Emily's friend. You are like sisters to me as well. I love you all and I'm all too grateful that our paths have crossed.
Emily,
You beautiful bride! I love you beyond words and I'm glad I could share the day with you. I told Ben, "You just got one of the best dude!" He agreed. BFFE!
I'm being selfish and putting the picture of us instead of her and Ben. They will have many many pictures and this was a quick shot before the guests came to the reception. Friends for 6 years and will continue much longer.
Happy Heart,
Arica
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