Wild Animals=A Mama's Saving Grace

Jacob and I had a date on Friday.

We went to the Jerusalem Zoo, and it was AWESOME!!  We bought a membership and will likely be going at least once a week.  In addition to being huge, having tons of picnic spots

and affording amazing views

 
they have 2 playground areas.  One is made up of cool mosaic sculptures for kids to climb on and in!

 There were many beautiful animals---so many that we only got through half of the park in 4 hours (which of course included time ample time to play and get a snack).

Jacob has been having the hardest time adjusting to life here, which makes complete sense.  At home, he went to 3 full days of ECDC a week with a dozen and a half classmates in addition to Village life, which rivals any social butterfly's schedule.  Here, there is Mom.  Sissy.  Dad, when he's not working and little Rojet, who is the sweetest kid but does not speak much English.  Oh, Jacob does love wrestling with Brian or chatting with Hannah and Lisa, but he certainly has a monopoly on the kid scene.

We are also very close with our families and being away from them is quite difficult.  I often hear Jacob singing to himself about missing his family and friends, that it's hard and he is sad.  But then there are many times throughout the day  (like right now as he and daddy are doing manual labor in the gardens), that he is happy as a clam.  He won't be scarred for life, right?

Anyhoo, that ridiculous tangent was to say that the zoo is going to be a great boost for us.  My plan is to go at least once a week with the kiddos so they have open space, playtime and interaction with other children, albeit only through observing the animals or taking turns on the playground.

Things are starting to feel normalish.

And how did we feel about a day out at the zoo?

Yup, that pretty much sums it up.

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I have a little request.  If you have a few moments, as a boost to Jacob, would you send an email/video/photo to brighten his day?  It doesn't take much to put a smile on his face, and knowing people are still thinking of him would certainly soothe his tender heart.  You can email me or send a facebook message.  THANKS!!!!!