The visit with J, Nov. 20 to Dec. 1 was lovely and awesome. I found out while visiting friends that the research center I studied at and through which I met J is closing for political reasons which is sad but overall, I loved spending time with J and his family. He stayed with me in Antigua at the apartment I rented and we got to spend each afternoon and night together. Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 23 & 24) we spent in Guatemala City with his family. Gave them the chocolates (kit-kats, snickers, twix, m&ms) and soccer ball that was the family's Christmas gift from me and they all went wild over it. J's mom announced the chocolates were just for her (they shared with everyone in their prayer group and at the match Sunday) and each brother took a turn stealing the ball from another, even J and his dad. Sunday we played soccer at a local park (he has enough brothers for 3-on-3 with 2 goalies). I got to be a goalie which was so fun, haven't played soccer since I was about 4 and playing with them just made it so enjoyable. J and I went with them to the evening community game and J ended up playing although he originally wanted to get to Antigua before it was too dark because after dark it gets dangerous (for me) in the city. I didn't mind but his family is overprotective of my gringa-self so they drove us to the bus instead of taking the city bus (which tends to be the dangerous one).

I didn't do anything on Thanksgiving, except bake cakes. haha I baked chocolate-vanilla swirl cake and attempted caramel frosting (although I think the different sugar consistency messed with the ability to use it properly). It still tasted delicious. Friday, Nov. 29, J said teachers didn't have to go into work (found out later he just didn't want to go in but classes aren't in session anyway and he's just been painting the classrooms so I guess it's okay...). Instead, he helped me make tried to eat the lasagna for Saturday and was banished to the TV area instead. In the afternoon we walked around Antigua, munched on granizadas and had shucos (Guatemalan-style hot dogs) for lunch.

Saturday we spent the day with his family, had the "Thanksgiving" lasagna for lunch and then attempted to go to a festival but the car broke down so we ended up back at the house and finished the day celebrating a brother's birthday with one of the cakes. Everyday on this trip was wonderfully fun just to be able to spend it with him and his family, laughing and having a good time. My favorite dates with J are the ones when we just walk around town and spontaneously buy a cotton candy or do something fun that doesn't cost much to anything. I love being goofy with him and just holding him close; even listening to him snore again is a comfort.

Sunday morning was just last minute cleaning of the apartment before heading to the airport. I broke down a few times but I've convinced myself and told him several times that I plan to visit for a week in January when he is off from both work and school. I don't know if realistically it can happen because I really don't have the funds but if I can somehow scrounge them together, It would be so nice and April won't be as far anymore if it's only a 3 month wait. Whatever comes of it comes, we both are prepared to have to wait until April although my heart already hurts because he expressed how sad he was of being "solito" now without me there. All we can tell each other is "soon".

At the park playing soccer:

Evening community match:

Cathedral in Antigua:

At the airport: