A True Story

Are You a True Friend?

When a Malaysian meet a Colombian

How would you respond to this question? Is it a reflective question to you? Fortunately, I have encountered many beautiful persons, formed many deep friendships in my life. Especially after my 20s.

In this article, Fabian is the protagonist.

Fabian Ignacio Beltran Roa.

From Colombia, he was my roommate in my freshman year.

How is it like while a Malaysian meets a Colombian?

Let’s start the story with conflict. Lol.

Sometimes our conflicts could be very frustrated and upsetting.

Once, he whined hysterically: “I don’t want to stay with you anymore!” It was the sharpest word he ever talked to me. I was shocked by his unusual exasperation.

Thanks to the frictions between us, I had made significant progress on self-betterment.

Overall, He is an intimate who had endured, tolerated all my deficiencies, and provide constructive suggestions all the time. At the age of 20, I had never had such a deep friendship before. Fabian’s company reminded me of the script in Corinthians 13: “Always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always persevere”.

An outstanding person always gives you the real sight of moral principles.

In 2017, June, when I was involving in the Academician Exchange Programme at the Land of Down Under, Fabian was about getting married with Elizabeth in Frankfurt.

William Makepeace Thayer said: “The best companion is one who is wiser and better than ourselves, for we are inspired by his wisdom and virtue to nobler deeds.” Fabian is definitely a very uplifting companion.

He, a faithful Christian, born and raised in a very distinct background from me, surprised me with his consideration, thoughtfulness, earnest characteristics. Amongst those virtues, the quality of being an excellent listener and expresser uplifted me the most. George Herbert said, “Keep good company, and you shall be one of the numbers.”

I went through my first-year college with him as my roommate, cooking jointly as chef and chef hand, painted his new apartment together, cycling side by side beneath the sweltering summer in Taiwan, went to movies and theatres, et cetera.

In 2017, June, when I involved in the Academician Exchange Programme at the Land of Down Under, Fabian was about getting married to Elizabeth in Frankfurt. I was teetering on the edge of attending my best friend’s marriage. I seek suggestions from my family and friends. Most of them disapproved of my plan. “You should save money for yourself,” “Wow, that’s crazy! I would never do that!” “Are you thinking straight?”

In spite of the formidable oppositions, I finally made up my mind, decided to pay the cost, and fly thousands of miles away from Sydney to Frankfurt, just to send my blessings to my best friend. I could literary felt the excitement, my heart was fluttering after I bought a two-way ticket.

Before I set off from Sydney, the process of preparations was exhilarating: picking up a tuxedo, pack luggage, prepare gifts, figure out the itinerary, such and such.

On the flight to Frankfurt, I crossed the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, Middle East, Europe. Admiring the beauty of our earth made me realize that I had made the right decision to attend my friend’s wedding, I felt like this was God’s response to all my doubts and that he was confirming that I was doing the right thing. The second I saw Fabian and Elizabeth in Frankfurt, we had the very biggest hug, that feeling of unification was indescribable.

“Today, I will start my new PhD, majoring in the study of Elizabeth, and I will try my best to get an A.” “I, Elizabeth consent to take Fabian as my husband.”

I had wonderful days in Germany. I got to know the couple’s families and friends. They came from Colombia, America, United Kingdom, Mongolia, Indonesia, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Australia, and yap, Germany.

The marriage ceremony was impressive. It was held in a 400-year-old St. Lawrance Church, with the music background “How Beautiful” sang by Azaya, a Mongolian singer.

“Today, I will start my new PhD, majoring in the study of Elizabeth, and I will try my best to get an A.” “I, Elizabeth consent to take Fabian as my husband.” After exchange vows and rings, the priest announced: “I present, Mr and Mrs Beltran!”

That day was so grand. I could feel the vibe moving, the memory and feelings come to me again when I write this blog.

Fabian has brought a type of friendship to my life that I would be forever grateful for.

This is my story of a true, best friend.

So, would you like to tell me a story about your true friend?