Life of a Chocoholic: People We Meet

People come in and out of our lives everyday. We meet new people in line at the grocery store, have a two minute conversation with them, and never see them again. Others we meet and are friends for a lifetime. What makes the difference?
This week my family had the opportunity to host two Russian dancers for the International Dance Festival. We were a little nervous---they didn't speak much English and we had no idea how we were going to do everything. The first day was the hardest. Waking them up so they could be on time, figuring out what they wanted to eat, where they were going, how to do laundry, etc. However, like with most things, the first time is the hardest. We got into the swing of things and the week flew by. We all became accustomed to pointing and acting things out so we could understand each other. Sometimes we ended up just laughing and giving up. These two girls were so sweet. One was 15, the other 20. They brought us gifts from Russia and wanted to share their world with us. We went to their performances (which were amazing!) and they told us our food was "tasty." (They especially loved the chocolate pudding!) Tonight as we had to say goodbye, I regretted not getting to know them better. True, we couldn't speak to each other...but I wish I could have spent more time with them and share more of our life with them.
That got me thinking about the other people I meet. On campus, in my classes, in my ward...so many people each semester. And at the end of each semester a few of those good friends leave me forever. I realize how much each person and each friend impacts me. I know for a fact I wouldn't be the same person I am today without all these people. Some of the friends I have made I know I will keep in touch with for years to come. Others I will not, but I will forever be changed by them in some way. My mom has always told me that when I meet someone that I like, look for the qualities that make me like them and try to copy those qualities. As I try to do this, I am molded into a better person because of people I meet.
From Wicked...

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

Just a few of the many good friends I love that have helped change me :)