My dad always knows just when and how to save me.
I have heard that the best antidote for misery is service. So, I'm going with my dad to Guatemala to test the theory.
As always, the most intriguing part of traveling was getting to know the people.
I came to Guatemala feeling like my heart was a shriveled little prune. It was a relief when I met a cute boy there and realized that, although my relationship with Gil was over and that was sad, I was now truly free to search in earnest for the man I would someday marry.
The work is healing, somehow. Every time I think of Gil or home or anything stressful, I just push harder. I am bruised and sunburned, sore and hungry. The more sore I am on the outside, the more peace I feel on the inside (not in a Satanic way.) Also healing has been the fact that I've been working with an RM named Jake, an adorable boy with a big heart and a wonderful laugh. We flirt up a storm when we can, and talk and talk... Gil didn't break me, and he didn't intend to. I can't bring Jake home with me, and I'm not head-over-heels, but it's an enormous comfort to have a genuine crush on someone other than Gil. There is hope after all!
This has been an amazing experience. I'm so glad I was able to come with Dad... I hate being dirty, and our house is creeping with invisible diseases and bugs. Dad has fleas in his bed, and I fall asleep to the pitter-patter of rat feet (on the metal roof.) You can never take off your shoes, and you can't drink the water... The women truly carry huge loads on their heads. Jake says that's why they're so short. The children have such sweet smiles. Transportation is more of a game or sport than anything else! The buses stop for NO ONE in the road. They barrel down the highway at outrageous speeds, and if you're driving in front of them, you'll be darn near pushed to your destination!
I heard from Marn while I was there. Her email was so typically jaunty and sweet, it made me smile for days.
I was very ready when it came time to pack up and go home.
Jake walked me to the house to say goodbye. He got my phone number and email address, but I didn't think he'd follow through. Much to my delight, however, he did! He called me all the way from Patzicia, Guatemala. How's that for long distance?
Jake came all the way from _____ to see me yesterday! We had so much fun. We floated down the canal (more like scraped bottom the entire time) and that was a blast.
What did you do to get over a broken heart? Tell us about it in the comments! -Jess
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