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Friendship Knows No Distance

In 2009, I met some of the greatest friends on the other side of the world.  In 2012, I went back for a visit.  True friendships know no distance.

Author: Danny Walter

The term "long distance relationship" is usually reserved for the teenaged internet daters, the college sweethearts and our brave men and women overseas.  For me, it refers to friendships on the other side of the world that cannot be broken just because of a 14 hour flight.

In 2009, I was gifted the opportunity of a life time.  I was invited to journey to Australia and help lead a National Leadership Camp hosted by one of the most amazing organizations I've ever come across, Rising Generations.  RG's has a long and rich history with STLF.  Bec (one of RG's founders) and Greg (one of STLF's founders) met as teenagers at a youth camp where Bec shared her dream of starting a leadership camp for the youth of Australia.  Since its beginning, an American or two has traveled over nearly every year to take part in NLC.  That year, I was one of them.

I met some of the most amazing, loving and inspiring people that July.  I only spent 9 days there but I was in love.  When I returned to America, all I could think about was my time down under.  Through the power of the internet, 7,000 miles was reduced to a laptop.  I stayed in touch with these friends and several have even traveled to Minnesota for a visit. 

Last year, one of those Aussies came over and stayed for a week.  That was the tipping point for me.  I had to go back!  My wife, Anastasia, and I booked tickets a few months later and in April 2012, we hopped a plane to Sydney.  When we landed, it felt like I never left.

Seeing these amazing friends again was like a breath of fresh air.  They embraced me as if the 3 years we spent apart was more like a week.  The generosity and love from Bec in letting us stay in her home was amazing.  Waking up every morning, relaxing in the park across the street and catching the train into the city was invigorating.  Having dinner and late night conversations with the Lacy's was truly inspiring.  They've been married just a few months longer than we have and we were able to see and discuss a lot of similarities in our marriages and life goals.  Spending 2 days up at the Great Barrier Reef with Jannalee and Adam was thrilling!  It was like a vacation within a vacation.  Drinks and "bromance" time with Kieran was fun, hilarious and much needed. 

While these friends literally live on the opposite side of the world, I've learned that no distance can halt real friendships.  Whether it's 70 miles or 7,000, be sure to prioritize the relationships that you cherish for these friends will always be there, no matter the distance.  

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