Corona Crazy!

I know in previous posts I have mentioned a little about the current situation we are facing worldwide, but I thought it deserved more than just a mention in previous posts; it definitely deserves its own post! This will be a historic time in all our lives. We will be telling our children and grandchildren about the time when school and church were canceled. We'll be recounting stories of how we entertained ourselves at home while we were encouraged to socially distance ourselves from others. I pray that our stories will not include accounts of when we had to suffer the physical effects of contracting the virus or the fear of spreading it to our loved ones in our homes, but that remains to be seen. For now, however, we are choosing to be wise. We are choosing to follow the advice and counsel we are receiving from the CDC, local, and national governments. This virus first appeared in China on Dec. 10, 2019, but it wasn't reported as a worldwide issue until after the first of the year. It hit our borders in January. As of now, there are reported cases in all of the 50 states and all but America Samoa and the North Mariana Islands.  There are currently more than 17,000 cases nationwide with a more than 5% death rate worldwide! Quarantines are being issued across the globe. Large, and even small (of up to 50 people) gatherings (e.g., sports events, conferences, concerts, etc.) have been canceled. There are endless empty shelves at the grocery store (e.g., no toilet paper, canned goods, milk, eggs, pasta, rice, etc.). Flights are grounded because of fear and travel restrictions. All "non-essential" businesses are suffering losses or closures because people are being encouraged to stay home. Any eating establishment has closed its dining areas or removed the tables altogether. Take-out or delivery options are available, but many people are choosing to simply stay home. Governments are closing borders. Flights are sometimes being restricted into or out of countries regardless of whether or not you are a resident of that country. The church has stated that many missionaries may be returning to their countries of origin and may (or may not) be reassigned to labor in their own countries. Regardless, all of those missionaries are under their own "lockdowns". They are unable to leave their apartments to teach and any time outside is restricted. This virus has exposed weak points in our nation's ability to respond to a pandemic (e.g., insufficient testing, understaffed medical facilities, etc.). It has exposed the weaknesses in human nature as hoarding and civil disobedience still plague our communities.

However, it has also brought to light the compassion, creativity, fortitude, courage, humor, and resilience of humanity. There is a daily onslaught of hilarious, creative memes and messages on social media. Professional athletes are voluntarily giving part of their salaries to help the employees that depend on sporting events for work. Celebrities have banned together to read children's stories online to entertain young kids stuck at home and to raise money to feed those children that rely on school meals. Families find innovative ways to keep in touch. Youth who are at home post videos of their incredible talents or the inventive ways to take a ride at Disneyland from their own homes. Missionaries rewrite the lyrics to "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" to hilariously reflect how they feel about not being able to go out and work. Businesses, such as gyms or zoos, have allowed free online access to workouts or safaris. Faith leaders still communicate with their congregants through live video feeds. In Europe, many people stand on balconies to sing or play an instrument for their neighbors.

So what have we been doing this week? Since we're trapped indoors, we decided to make our indoor feel bigger. We finally ripped down the wall that separated our living room and kitchen upstairs. Additionally, we busted out the old massive fireplace, pushed it back tight into the corner, and reframed it to be sheetrocked. Jonas and I have also continued to be creative with our time. We have been doing reading time with the celebrities online, watched more home safari videos, learned phone numbers, etc. Jeff and I even got a "date" this week! We drove 4 hours to Rifle, Colorado to spend 5 minutes picking up a cow, then turn around and come home. Actually, the drive was a little more adventurous. We passed through a snowstorm over Price Canyon then realized our horse trailer tire was blown out in Green River. Our Sundays have been significantly different. Jeff and I have participated in leadership meetings online then we've been able to administer the sacrament in our own homes. This has been a really unique experience. Danny has prepared, blessed, and passed the bread and water to each of us. (Just as a funny side note: we've been using little medicine cups for our water. They're the perfect size!) After our sacrament, we discuss our Come Follow Me lessons then spend the rest of our days watching TV together, going for walks, playing games, etc. I don't know when this crisis will end. I don't know when the restrictions/recommendations will be lifted, but I do know we will get through it and life will hopefully reflect the positive changes we've made during this time.