Hi Jenny - sure, thanks for the kind interest. In very recent years, crime was at an all-time high - every week when we spoke to relatives it was only stories of crime and insecurity. I sense now - no one has much of anything, that it was "bottomed out." It's either that or they've learned to live with it.

In the last two years, the next level of suffering was now the loss of electricity and water. There are constant rations of when you'll have water or power. Most of us grew up with a little of this, but nothing to the levels that they now live with presently.

There was a time when food items couldn't be found - that was about 4-5 years ago. Now it seems that's not the case - but what is the case is that it's insanely expensive. How they live - I still do not know.

The country is "dollarized" - and what I mean by that is: the currency is so worthless, nobody accepts payment for goods and services unless it's US dollars. Madness.

Venezuela has had a runaway inflation for a few years now - so what you buy today at x dollars will cost you more tomorrow.

What was incredibly hard to see - massive lines to the gas pump (people would be in line for a day or two - literally camping out).

This is a country that we all remember when petroleum was literally cheaper than water.

When Venezuelans left starting 15-20 years ago, there was a "brain drain" -- all the expertise of those who understood the petroleum industry left. (This is a little long and complicated to explain - but there is a reason).

The reason it's important to note that is that over the last 15 years - most of the oil wells and refineries have not undergone proper management and upkeep. In addition to the loss of management, infrastructure, and investment - Venezuela's oil production has dropped dramatically - while still needing it to pay off billions it owes to China and Russia - who have stepped in to pretty much squeeze it dry.

Venezuela had built itself entirely on the oil industry - so once that collapses...the country is totally broke.

As a result - hospitals and schools are in disastrous conditions.

And just 30 years ago - we had it all.

Nowadays I don't hear complaints much anymore. In a way, I must give it to those who remain: they are fighters. Many Venezuelans are living "okay" and have made the best of what is before them, many are working to better the country and rise.

There are places where you see improvements - and people share and ask that we do not focus on the suffering. They ask that we point out the good that is occurring. So, I should share that too.

Venezuela will rise out of this. It will be an entirely different nation - and one most of us who grew up there will not recognize. All the Venezuelans who grew up in Venezuela after I left - never even saw or experienced what my generation did. So there's no concept of "before."

Well - let me not make it a saga...that gives you somewhat of an idea, but it's not all doom and gloom. And there are many areas that have been conserved and remain beautiful.

Thanks for asking - hope you're having a lovely week! Hugs Jenny!