An Update on Our Lives Right Now

Hey everyone. I know it's been a ridiculously long time. But, we thought, with everything going on with COVID-19, we should give an update on our lives right now.

These are scary and very difficult times. We have been social distancing for a little over a week and we are just leaving the house for grocery runs here and there. As of the writing of this post, there are 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in Kenya. According to the Kenyan government, each of these people with a confirmed case have recently travelled. Only one case is serious. Therefore, the government is saying that no cases have been transmitted within Kenya. We are beginning teaching and school online on Wednesday.

In light of all of this, Kenya has just announced that they will suspend all international flights, incoming and outgoing, starting this Wednesday--with no end date as of yet.

What this effectively means is that we are stuck here for the time being. And before you say, "Looks like you have a couple days to get out of there--" Consider the following:
-this is our home
-we have jobs that we cannot just abandon
-according to some, we wouldn't be able to get all the way back to the states as we would be stopped somewhere along our way and forced to quarantine
-flight prices have risen exorbitantly since this announcement--to a number we cannot justify spending/nor do we really have
-we have a cat
-we would have to quarantine if we went to the states, and we don't own a home there
-there are far more cases of COVID-19 in the states

So, as of now, we are here. We have felt a fair amount of panic over this announcement--as we have always known/felt that if needed, we could catch a flight home. This isn't an option right now. We feel a little bit trapped. We have a planned furlough back in the states this summer, which now is questionable. We feel pain and fear. But our hope is in Jesus and we love this beautiful country and we are in this for the long haul, whether we like it or not.


So, what are we asking of you?

-Pray. We need prayer--just like everybody else does at this time. For me, pray for peace and comfort. For John, pray for him as he begins to teach 5 and 6 year olds online. It's overwhelming!
-Reach out to us. Ask us how we're doing. Ask us about our lives. Listen.
-Pray for our community and school.
-Pray that Kenya's infrastructure stays strong.
-Pray that food and supplies stay readily available (as they are now--the stores are well stocked and Kenya has prepared for this outbreak well).
-Pray for our close friends currently in quarantine.


-R

Comments

  1. AmelMagMarch 23, 2020 at 10:36 AM

    Praying for you guys! My parents are in a similar situation in Jordan. And though they're safe, and in the place they consider home, it's still disconcerting to know they can't leave -- and we can't get to them -- until further notice. So I definitely get that fear/tension/uncertainty. Praying for peace (and even joy) in the midst of this time as you lean in to each other and in to the One from whom all true security comes. May you know yourselves loved and cared for -- and may each day be filled with laughter and hope, good books, kitty snuggles, the sound of birds, and enough strength, energy, and patience for the day. Love you both!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I know a woman...

I know a woman who walks on tiptoes, and quietly chases adventure- along with me kindness and grace open to any idea or question willing to love, seek peace, work for justice. I know a woman who’s been by my side with each passing year- my defender, wild and free- talking so fast no one can quite keep up; with her interests so unique not one human could ever be- just like her. I know a woman who raised two bold and brave women; she is filled to the brim with grace and peace so much so that it easily overflows swirling and falling without question onto others. I know a woman full of sparkle and sass headband neatly placed stronger and much more gorgeous than she thinks she is heart open and searching for the greatest adventure. I know two women who remind me of one another; fearless mothers the ones I will call when it’s my turn, dark hair falling in waves past strong shoulders...
Read more

A Love Letter

Image
Here's to the men who aren't threatened by passion, power, and wisdom in women. Here's to the men who live life with humility. Here's to the men who stand up and say what they think is right, even when it might mean they lose a friend. And here's to the men who sometimes keep their opinions to themselves when they know the topic might not be important. Strong men are able to sit with the fact that others disagree with them. Here's to the men who follow their passions. Here's to the men who treat all women with love, respect, and dignity. Here's to the men who listen attentively. Here's to the men who love without stipulations. Here's to the men who are fair-minded. Here's to the men who can admit when they are wrong. Here's to the men who are advocates for women. Here's to the men who care about our world, our animals, our plants and trees. Here's to the men who fight for the underdog. Here's to the m...
Read more

Words Could Never Express..

Image
I have been trying to compose my thoughts on my Grandpa Rudy’s passing for days now. I literally took a day off to try to get my thoughts and words together, and all I could do was stare at the screen. When people hear of someone’s grandpa passing away, I am not so sure they understand the magnitude of this in my circumstance.  This man was involved in every aspect of my life. He taught me, he helped me grow. I would not know my multiplication facts today or how to drive a stick-shift if it were not for this man, among many other more important things. He supported and loved me through every decision I ever made and was there to witness every last thing.  Once, a friend told me that I was “the weirdest mix of independent feminist and 1950’s housewife” or something along those lines. I smiled and said, “that’s exactly what I was going for.” I bring up this memory because I believe I inherited this juxtaposition of strange, opposite traits from Rudy himself, not that...
Read more