Tell the world that she's comin' home!

This is one of my best (of the best of best) friends, Ana. I realize in this picture that we look like a couple, and it cracks me up. It's about three years old. Shortly before she left for the PeaceCorps.

Just the other day I got message from Ana asking that we stay friends forever. I'm sure that we will have no problem remaining friends forever because we have such a respect for our friendship. We really value it and put effort into it. She's like my sister.

She left for the Peacecorps a little over two years ago and I was totally heartbroken. I remember leaving the airport and I couldn't control just how hard I was sobbing. Our friend at the time, Macho, held my hand the entire drive back home. I think everyone in that car could feel my sadness. It was a chapter in our lives that had come to a close and I was reluctant. Who was I going to call and talk to for hours on end every single day? Who was going to hang out with me and do absolutely nothing but still have the time of their life? Who was going to go on spontaneous, random adventures and explore all of Florida (and actually want to) with me? Who the hell was going to laugh so hard they couldn't breathe with me?! Who would I run to when I needed help, advice, genuine love from a true friend? Two years would go by and I'd be without her and any of that. Not knowing when I'd get to speak to her or see her. I honestly felt so lost.

Ana has been gone for a little over two years now giving her time and showering her love to a town in Peru. We speak as often as we can. Letters, emails, notebooks. It's so crazy to think it's been two years. TWO YEARS. That co-dependent 24 year old Alex has done some growing. It took a long while for me to adjust, but I learned so much and grew an even bigger appreciation for my best friend.

And now? Ana makes the trek back home! Today is her last day as a volunteer. Nothing yet everything has changed in two years. It will definitely be different. We did indeed end that chapter, started a new one, and now that one is done. A new starts soon. Oh, how different everything will be. Life is different. It's definitely going to take some adjusting to have her back. Along the way, I've gathered new friends, new experiences, new life lessons. As has she. But I can't wait to have my friend back. I'm jumping with joy; squeeling with excitement.

Here's to our new chapter in our book of friendship. Love you, my soul sister.