abschied nehmen

The book they sent me says that before the end of my missionary term, I should figure out what I'm going to miss, and arrange for proper closure.

A lot of my experiences of the last two years are going to receive something along the lines of a "good riddance!" by way of closure. There will be one goodbye, however, that I'd rather not make, one piece of Wittenberg life that I'd gladly roll up and stuff into my suticase and lug around countless airports. But they've changed the weight restrictions, and he wouldn't fit anyway.

I'd never had a friend like Christian before. Actually, if pressed, I probably would have said "Um, I just don't really like those kinds of people." You know: the kind that speak their minds and dare to have the occasional unpopular opinion and who think that honesty is more important than tact? Yeah, those ones. The kind I am now.

Christian runs a very successful business, due in large part to the symbiotic relationship with my (religious non-profit) organization. I freely admit we wouldn't be here if it weren't for him; he says the same. He's staunchly ethical and has consistently taken the high road, even when it would have been a whole lot less hassle to bend.

He's crass, headstrong, and opinionated. He's also the friend in shining armor who rode in on his silver Mercedes white horse, swept up all the little pieces of Jess and propped them up into some semblance of humanity. He called me every day, sometimes from other countries, to assure me I wasn't as alone as I felt. He said "Jess, I am always there for you. I will always pick up the phone when it's you, even in the middle of the night." I didn't call - not very often at least - but it was a lifeline, an always in a sea of maybes and not reallys and nevers. He told me every single day that I was good at what I was doing - that I was good at all. And I believed him. And that is the only reason I did not just give up and go home.

I am going to miss Christian. He is transparent and solid and good and an absolute highlight in a stage where highlights are more precious than usual. Christian, ich hab dich ganz toll lieb.