A little update (COVID-19 edition)

My family and I are enjoying walks outdoors during this whole self isolation thing.

Last week I was in Egypt, living life. Today, I am at home in Idaho with my family. A lot has changed in one week. Here are a few quick updates:

1) After a few days of toying with different plans and ideas about what our program could look like in a world with COVID-19, my leaders finally came to the decision that it would be best to completely cancel the rest of our program. Four days later, we were on a plane out of the country.

2) While en route home, I was tested for corona at the Dubai airport. They told us they would contact us if we, or anyone on our flight, was positive. We have heard nothing and can assume we were COVID free after leaving Egypt and Dubai.

3) Despite being tested, I have decided it would be better to be safe than sorry. I will be self isolating in my home with my family here in Idaho for the next 14 days.

I am mourning the loss of my semester, the friends in Egypt I didn't say goodbye to, and more. However, it is such a gift to be with my family during all this.

I am also very aware that a shortage of paper towels in Walmart doesnt even put me and my family in the same realm of risk and scarcity that many of my friends, globally, are experiencing right now. Caring for these friends across oceans and miles looks like praying with faith in a God who listens and cares for His creation, even in times of sorrow. Additionally, we are called to look for ways to help others locally in our own community.