February 18, 2014
I would like to introduce you all to my temporary boyfriend. He has yet to be named but will be with me for the remainder of my service.
My beautiful friend Lonni is the inspiration for my temporary boyfriend. Lonni told me about the walking stick she carved and carried with her throughout Europe and I knew that I wanted to do the same, mine will just have a few more practical uses. (To Lonni’s walking stick that met a devastating fate in Istanbul–I hope your new owner treats you will all the love you deserve)
Last week I asked the chief of Sunai (Jif Joel) if he would mind taking me into the bush to show me a good wood to make walking stick out of. After a few attempts of insisting he go on his own, he finally agreed to let me go with him. Unfortunately, the day we planned to go rained more than any other day. This morning while I was drinking my tea and eating some bread with peanut butter and fried banana my papa came in with this beautiful piece of wood. He told me that Jif Joel had brought it over this morning for me to start carving.
I ran into Jif Joel on my way to class to thank him and I learned that he woke up this morning in a small panic because he forgot all about my walking stick! He got up early today and hiked into the bush to find my future temporary boyfriend and even cleaned the bark off for me. He is one of the most incredible and genuinely kind people I’ve met in Vanuatu, and possibly ever.
Not only will I attempt to carve some amateur artwork into my walking stick, i plan on carrying it with me on most occasions. It will function as both a means for keeping steady on long hikes and a means of protection (mom I hope you’re enjoying this!)
So let it be known that on this day, February 18, 2014 I began a second beautiful relationship full of everlasting love and protection.
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