April

April was a highly stressful month around here. The first half was rather mellow, I got to travel to Santa Cruz and teach CPR in Spanish, there was Lisette's Senior Trip and Spring Break where we just relaxed. Preparing for the Hippie Party on the 18th was mostly fun but a little stressful.

From about 2:30AM after the party, the entire month took a turn for the worst. The party was so great, it probably made what happened after that seem that much worse.

It's a long story, but John's driver Felix got jumped by a bunch of teenage boys that night. They never did catch him (fast guy!) but they chased him both on foot and by car. It was very scary. It comes down to these kids being rich, Bolivian brats who have basically been buying themselves out of trouble but now they've taken on a U.S. Embassy employee who has the backing of our government. Two of the boys go to our kids' school. It's been an interesting and mostly disgusting process to watch as it's progressed. John's been dragged into it but his stance has been simply to support Felix in whatever he chooses to do.

Then there's the killings in Santa Cruz of the supposed "terrorists". Watching this Bolivian government's response to what they've done has been amusing at best and horrifying as well. The Embassy has increased its alertness to potential civil unrest but again, the Bolivians are generally such a peaceful people we certainly hope that the situation remains isolated. Unfortunately, with this happening right after what happened to Felix, I had an antiBolivia week or two.

On the brighter side of life, the High School had its Talent Show last week and their Theatre production last night. Lisette shone in both, winning third place for her singing routine in the Talent Show and having us roaring with laughter during her skits last evening. I'll post a picture of her Talent Show performance. The man in the picture will be her principal, Mr. Kirby. It was awesome!

Here's to a peaceful and happy May!