Peruvian Best Friend

I'm sitting here at my table, choking back tears.  Why?  My best friend is moving on Thursday. 

This isn't your ordinary move- a few cities over, maybe a state or two.  It's not even cross-country.  

 No, Ben is moving from Lima, Peru, to Zurich, Switzerland.  My dear, dear Peruvian best friend, whom I see once a year, will now be even further from me. 

Such an eternal connection has been formed in the 3 years I've known him.  I can't even believe that he's moving.

 When we said goodbye in Peru this year, we knew that there was a chance.  There was a chance he wouldn't be there in 2011, a chance he would be in Switzerland.

I clung to that hope while at the airport.  It was the only way I could possibly keep it together.

 I have never been good with goodbyes.  Saying goodbye for a year is bad enough.  I could not let myself consider the possibility that it was goodbye for... forever.

 Those final hugs, choked back tears, last insults... they've become more poignant now.  I can't imagine a Peru trip without Ben.  Who am I supposed to share my iPod with?!

Sure, we'll be able to talk once he gets to Switzerland and finds an internet cafe.  Of course, I'll send him letters and blow my money on international calling cards.  But having no idea when and if I will see him again on this earth... it's heartwrenching.

 Who is going to insult me, then laugh and say "just kidding, dude?"  Who's going to speak with that great Beaner accent?

 Ben Castillo del Geiser... I am going to miss you so incredibly much.  I will look forward to Heaven even more now.

Random memories are coursing through my brain... so here we go.

This year, Ben was at the airport when we got to Pucallpa.  I sprinted through the crowd to hug him, and as he hugged me back he said "I just cropdusted you."

Gooch Monkey. The end.
How much does "THIS" cost?
The first year... watching youtube videos and listening to music at his house.
Being connected by an iPod cord no matter where we went.

The "blessing" on his last night this year.

I'm sorry that this is so rambling and not correct grammatically and whatever.  It helped to get it out.