A Happy Week

Things have improved dramatically for me in the past week.  Thanks to many of your prayers and kind words, Friday improved greatly on Thursday's low.  Annika and I spontaneously met up with a few moms at the playground, with whom she played and I commiserated.  Simply sharing a bad week with someone else often helps - but even more helpful is sharing with someone who can identify.  We pledged to head toward the playground more often, and to text each other when we're on the way.

School finished early on Friday, and so the older girls got home in time for lunch.  One of Sophia's classmates invited everyone over to her pool for a small party.  As a side note, small parties in Venezuela still have bouncy castles and hot dog stands.  The hostess spoke nearly no English.  The rest of the moms spoke English, but had very little use for it.  On Thursday afternoon, it would have been dispiriting.  On Friday afternoon, buoyed by the morning's interactions and plenty of prayer, it was pleasant.  I met many of the moms in the class, watched Sophia interact with her classmates, and practiced my Spanish.  Plus, I got a free hot dog and spent the afternoon on a lovely terrace.

And then we embarked upon Santa Semana, or Spring Break.  Schools closed throughout Venezuela, and many offices were closed on Thursday and Friday.  Even shops and restaurants were closed for Good Friday, making the day very quiet.  I enjoyed the company of my three girls all week, and our family enjoyed a four day weekend.  No one is ready for school to begin tomorrow, but I'm at least feeling well rested.

The highlight reel:

We lunched with friends at Tarzilandia, what could easily be called the original rainforest cafe.  We dined with the birds and the turtles, and enjoyed good food, good service and good conversation for a really good price.  Gotta love Venezuela!

We took a family hike on La Avila, something we should have done a long time ago.   The small mountain range crowns Caracas on the north, and separates us from the Caribbean Sea and its humidity and high temperatures.  It also provides a lovely backdrop for most spots in town, including the view from our apartment. 

We found brightly colored birds, rainforest style trees, and a waterfall with plenty of little pools for wading.

And we celebrated Easter in a fun new style, with plenty of hidden eggs, loads of good food...

...good friends, good conversation, and swimming in the backyard pool!  Forget the pretty spring dresses - those are old hat by now.  Easter was spent searching for eggs and swimming with friends.  Its not such a bad life.