First off, we are ok. Thank you so much to those of you who reached out and checked on us. Peru has handled the Coronavirus very strictly, dealing out restrictions for citizens almost immediately. Schools were closed on March 16th and will remain physically closed until at least May 4th. We are independent of the Board of Education here, but out of respect for the Peruvian government we voluntarily shut down SAM Academy and shifted to teaching and sending assignments electronically.
At this time we have a curfew and are not allowed to be on the streets for any reason between 6pm and 5am. Peru’s army is out and enforcing this lock-down. During the day, only one person from a family is allowed out for essential business. Essential business is limited to banking, grocery shopping, food delivery to vulnerable families and medicine pick-up. All other stores are closed. Children and elderly are not allowed out and stores are not allowing entry without a face mask and temperature check.
To be honest, we are very grateful for these restrictions. Our greatest prayer is that as the number of those infected rise in Peru and in other parts of the world, these measures will curb the reaches of this deadly virus. Our ultimate prayer is that the virus will be stopped in its tracks.
Though effective in limiting the reaches of the virus, these heavy restrictions have hurt many of our Peruvian neighbors who live day-to-day and are unable right now to work to feed their families. We are very, very grateful that thanks to our wonderful supporters, we are not only provided for, but we have also been able to share our resources with others who are in need during this quarantine.
Our “un-normal” has resulted in some unexpected blessings.
I am extremely grateful for my time in the Word and quiet time before the Lord. Our busy-ness is often a major distraction, and I feel like the forced slow-down has refocused us. Normally before bed, Mike and I each do a devotion with one of the kids. With so much time though, we have also started reading the bible together in the mornings as a family. I love hearing both kids read and speak truth on their own and pray this encourages them in their own walk.
Not sure if it is a blessing or not, but our creative juices are also being brewed a little as we figure out how to modify schooling to fit with the current situation. For two weeks we did online schooling with our students, sending assignments via email and checking pictures/files that were sent back. We are currently in our two week spring break period and though no one is going anywhere, it is a good pause to allow us teachers to re-evaluate how this online learning module is going to look when we begin again on the 13th, especially if President Vizcarra extends the closure of schools past the May 4th date as many schools in the States have been doing.
In praises, Ella and Liam both were approved for their permanent visas which allows our whole family to have less restrictions on travel in and out of the country. Though approved, their cards are physically stuck in Lima until the quarantine is lifted but we are very thankful the paperwork and process has been completed successfully. As Mike said…we won’t be traveling out of country any time soon anyway!
To end on a positive note, the Friday before quarantine began, we were overwhelmingly grateful to sneak in one last organized school event: Mother/Son Night. We moms had an amazing evening spending some much needed time with our sons doing a scavenger hunt and building sandcastles. The fun pictures below showcase one of the most incredible groups of ladies ever. They each are here, with their families, working in different avenues to shine the light of God into the remotest of places. I am so glad they were able to let their hair down a bit and enjoy the time with their sons.
Dear friends, we are so grateful for you. As the world seems to be consumed by so much negative, know that you are one of the POSITIVES we are overwhelming blessed by. We want to be one of you positives too. Max Lucado’s book “Anxious for Nothing” was a good read that I didn’t realize would become so quickly relevant. He encourages us with Philippians 4:6-7 to remains C-A-L-M. Celebrate God, Ask God for help, Leave the problem with Him, and then Meditate on good things. As you do this, we’d love for you to share with us. Can we celebrate with you? And lift up in prayer your concerns? Now more than ever I believe we need to be united. Please let us know how you are and how we may be in prayer for you. As you face the changes and challenges before you during this season, know we keep you close at heart even from afar.
Love from Pucallpa…
Family of 4 Serving 1 