Some friendships don’t need a lifetime to leave a lasting impact. Sometimes, all it takes is one chance encounter to create memories that stay with you forever.
Years ago, I found myself drawn to meetup groups—not because I was tired of my old friends, but because I craved new connections and fresh perspectives. One of the groups I joined was a Korean meetup group that gathered to watch Korean movies on discounted ticket nights. I had just started learning Korean, so I thought it would be a great way to meet people and maybe practice the language a bit.
One particular meetup changed everything. I met a young man from Korea who was studying English in Los Angeles for a year. I was eager to improve my Korean, and after summoning the courage to approach him, I proposed the idea of a language exchange. But I have to admit, I was nervous. He was a native Korean speaker, and being from Korea made him feel a bit intimidating. There was that back-and-forth in my head: Should I? Should I not? It took a lot to overcome my hesitation and fear, but “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear” (Ambrose Redmoon).
To my delight, he agreed, and from that moment, a beautiful friendship blossomed. We began meeting weekly, sharing meals and conversations that helped both of us improve in our respective languages. He even gifted me a Korean book to help with my learning, and slowly but surely, my language skills grew stronger. Those weekly meetups weren’t just about language—they were about building a bridge between two cultures, two people, and two worlds.
As our friendship grew, the connection deepened beyond the movie group. We explored different parts of Los Angeles, learning more about each other’s cultures and lives. Eventually, after a year, it was time for him to return to Korea. My friend and I threw him a small farewell party, and he gifted us a parting present in return. It was bittersweet, but our connection didn’t end there.
A year or two later, when I visited Korea, I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to meet up—it was a last-minute idea, and I didn’t want to impose. But when I asked him if he could come up to Seoul to hang out, he made the time. I was thrilled when he got on a three-hour bus ride just to spend the weekend with me. I remember feeling so happy that he was there, as it made the trip so much more enjoyable and less lonely. There’s something comforting about having a familiar face with you in a new place, and he became my unofficial tour guide. Though I was still finding my footing with the Korean language, he helped translate things for me when I needed it. His presence was like a bridge between the unfamiliar and the familiar, allowing me to experience Korea in a deeper way.
Looking back, those moments we shared brought us closer. Though we’ve lost touch over the years, the memories we created together have stayed with me. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” — C.S. Lewis. That’s how I feel about our friendship—it was unexpected, but it enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Even though people come and go, as life sometimes gets in the way, those memories are fond and lasting.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17. Even though our paths have diverged, the time we spent together remains a treasured part of my life. The memories of laughter, shared meals, and cultural exchanges stay with me, enriching my experience of Korea and my understanding of friendship.
In the end, even if we no longer stay in touch, the friendship we built during that brief period is one I’ll always hold dear. It reminds me that connections, no matter how fleeting, can leave a lasting impact. Sometimes, people come into our lives for a season, and the time we share with them adds to the fabric of who we are. I may not have him in my life anymore, but the memories of our time together live on, brightening my reflections of the past.
Soul Insights
1. The Courage to Connect: Stepping out of your comfort zone to approach someone new can open doors to lasting friendships and experiences. Taking that first step often requires courage, but it can lead to meaningful connections.
2. Friendship Transcends Language: True friendship goes beyond words and language. It’s about the bond, shared experiences, and understanding that form between people from different backgrounds.
3. Memories Live On: Even when people drift apart, the memories shared remain valuable. They enrich our lives and leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the connections that helped shape who we are.
4. Embrace the Seasons of Friendship: Not all friendships last a lifetime, but that doesn’t diminish their importance. Each relationship serves a purpose, bringing lessons, joy, and growth, even if it’s only for a short time.
5. Celebrate the Moment: Cherish the time you have with friends and loved ones, even if it’s fleeting. These moments often become some of the most treasured memories that we carry with us through life.
Final Thoughts
Life has a way of bringing people into our lives when we least expect it. And while not every connection lasts forever, the memories and experiences we gain from those friendships can stay with us for a lifetime. So even when people come and go, I cherish the moments we shared and the ways they enriched my journey.
What about you? Have you ever formed a meaningful friendship from an unexpected place? I’d love to hear your stories of connection and the memories that have stayed with you.
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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