"Friendship Bracelets" by Sutton Amthor
This project started out as simply a cute idea, a way to show my boyfriend’s three sisters that I care about them and enjoy being with them. Four friendship bracelets, woven side-by-side with the same pattern: one for me and one for each of them.
The idea coincided with me leaving on a week-long spring break trip to Petra, giving me lots of opportunities to sit and relax and do nothing but tie a series of tiny knots. I wove my bracelets while hiking in Petra, sitting on rock formations and enjoying the scenery. I worked on them in the friendly comfort of the bed and breakfast where I stayed for two nights. And I worked on them while sitting by the fire and sipping tea at a Bedouin camp.
The second night I was there, the manager of the Bedouin camp, Hussein, said to me, “When you finish with the bracelets for your boyfriend’s sisters, you’ll make one for me, right?”
He said it with a joking smile, and I laughed and said, “Of course.” As I spoke, I wanted it to be true. I had such a lovely time at the camp, filled with the glow of the fire and the sweet taste of Bedouin tea. I wanted to stay there forever, but I couldn’t say with any certainty that I’d ever find the opportunity to return.
As the night went on, our conversation turned to different topics. Bedouin culture and politics and the day-to-day running of the camp. Knowing that I lived in Amman, Hussein eventually turned to me and asked, “Do you know anyone in Amman who could volunteer for us?”
“No,” I said. “Honestly, I don’t know that many people in Amman. You’re looking for a volunteer?”
He nodded. “Yes, we need someone to help with emails and bookings.”
Ruefully, and honestly, I said, “I wish I could come.”
One thing led to another. I am now a location-independent volunteer for this Bedouin camp, helping with whatever digital things I can do in Amman. And, I’ve already started working on Hussein’s bracelet.
It’s easy to think of study abroad as a sort of extended vacation, a 4-month long break from your real life. You’re living in a different country, far away from your friends and your family and your day-to-day commitments. The short time limit ticks in the back of your mind, reminding you every second that your new life is only temporary.
But, temporary or not, you can make a lot of friendship bracelets in four months.
