Photo Update

Here are some pictures to show you what we have been up to since our arrival in Venezuela on Christmas day.

Both of the kids are sleeping well every night, praise the Lord! Samuel has a pack-n-play and Katrina has been sleeping in bed with us. her cousin, Veronica, really wants her to sleep with her but Katrina has been more comfortable with us up to this point.
Both kids were absolutely exhausted when we got here (NOT to mention their parents!). They slept great that first night and have slept great the other two nights since then. We are praying it stays that way!

Panchito's sisters and our niece LOVE being at the mall, Orinokia. So, we have been there twice I think since we arrived. We even went on Christmas night! Being back in the Venezuelan culture has been a shock for both Panchito and for me. It has been three years since we were last here and we have really become accustomed to life in America and the ease of everyday things there. Don't get me wrong, we are enjoying our time more than ever, but we are having to get used to again how things work here in Venezuela.

On Saturday night we were invited to Panchito's aunt's home for dinner. She and her husband have four daughters, one of whom is a chef. She made us a delicious arabic meal with all the trimmings (I am sure arabics don't say trimmings but I have no idea what word they would use!). Panchito and his sisters got a picture with their closest cousins. Katrina enjoyed picking Tia Marja's flowers and putting them in her hair.

Yesterday was church and we all participated (minus Samuel who slept and let his abuela carry him around). Katrina sang with the worship team Feliz Navidad. Panchito and I shared a testimony of thanksgiving. We were able to take a few pictures during and after the service. Katrina REALLY enjoyed the praise and worship. She could dance! The bottom right picture is Katrina with her favorite (and only!) cousin, Veronica. They are having a ball together even with a 7 year age difference.

Last night there was a wedding at the church that we were invited to attend. Here people, ladies, I should say, really get decked out for weddings and special events. I spent quite a bit of time looking around town before leaving for just the right outfit with no success. So, I packed a few things in hopes of my sisters-in-laws help in dressing for this special occasion. Well, Francys had a new dress that she lent me. It is definitely different than what I am used to wearing but I fit right in to the Venezuelan picture! Katrina was given a new dress... Anyone recognize it? This is actually the dress that Veronica, our niece, wore for our wedding 8.5 years ago. Panchito's mom has been saving it for Katrina and she was looking through her closet yesterday trying to find something for herself for the wedding and she ran across it. Katrina was already dressed in her Christmas dress but when she saw it (being pink and all!) she said, "Please can I wear it?" I couldn't say no. And it fits her so well. Veronica was just two years old when she wore it and Katrina is nearly four but it fits her well. It was longer on Vero than on Katrina but through the bodice it fits her perfectly. It is really special for me that she has this dress now.

Today we bought a little pool for the kids. When I say little I mean little. Both kids barely fit in it. We didn't want to spend too much and so we just picked up this tiny pool. But, neither of the kids minded. They were just happy to be able to cool themselves down in the water. I am sure we are going to get the value out of the pool. It cost 50 Bolivares fuertes which is about $10!