It’s been hard to mentally separate the war down South and the normal functioning days up North.

It’s a battle trying not to let fear claim the day with all the “what ifs” in this season.

So, the girls are out of school for Spring break. I wanted to do something fun with them. But options are limited here…

We drove to Plan A, and they were shut down. Drove to plan B, they were closed.

We found a pizza restaurant and a place that sells ice cream, and the girls were just as excited.

Then I got word that we have a “mini zoo”

so, I got excited. Upon arriving they said “nope, you have to make reservations!”

Hopes up and hopes down all over again. I asked what type of animals they had. “Snakes, rabbits, and pigeons, stua like that”

Not even a petting zoo for goats?!? They’re everywhere here. I laughed and said I’d make a reservation because I know the girls would still be thrilled to see even the pigeons…

So, our fun outing didn’t go as planned (should have just gone to the hotel pool) but it was still a blessing to be able to get out. To drive around. To feel safe. To feel secure. To hold onto hope.

And then last night I was in the middle of praying with the girls. Literally saying “thank you, God for letting us get pizza and ice cream safely and securely today.” And then… boom boom. I stopped, opened my eyes, and looked at Noldine who at the same time looked over at me. I said hold on and ran out of the room like I was going to see what direction the gunshots were coming from, I guess…

Then the sky lit up. Fireworks. I yell for the girls to come and look. They were beautiful. They were a breath of fresh air. They gave hope to yesterday’s Good Friday. Hope came for Jesus. Hope comes back for us too.

So many children fell asleep last night listening to gunshots. My children got to fall asleep having just seen fireworks. A blessing I won’t take for granted.

We can sleep soundly because we know Sunday is coming. He is risen, the King, and there lies all the hope we need. In Him. In His plan.

“The entire plan for the future has its key in the resurrection.” Billy Graham