What the Corona Virus Quarantine Looks Like in Peru
On Sunday, March 15, the Peruvian government announced a state of emergency in response to the world-wide effects of the corona virus. At that time, the number of corona virus cases was not relatively high, less than 150. But, as a precaution and effort to prevent major spreading, the government was putting the nation on a fairly strict lockdown. The majority of businesses, organizations, and large gatherings were to be closed or suspended. So, pretty much everything except for markets, mini-markets, pharmacies, banks, and Bodegas (corner stores) were to be closed. Ground and air transportation was also prohibited. This meant there would be no traveling nationally nor internationally. Schools, which were supposed to be starting back from summer vacation, would not be open. And the only reason you should be out of your house would be for commuting to and from a grocery store, pharmacy, or bank.
At the time of hearing the announcement, I was having a get-together with friends with plans to leave the next morning for the states. This did change plans. So, afterwards, we went to the store, I bought a lot of chocolate cereal, and then a friend came over with Aileen and I for a sleepover, movies, and lots of junk food. The next day we organized one final game of volleyball before the lockdown was official. And since that day two weeks ago, I haven’t left the house too much. My daily activities are likely very similar to most around the world who are practicing social distancing by staying indoors, only surrounding themselves with family or roommates. I’ve gotten really into home workouts, I’ve sort of learned to cook a few things. I’ve sort of learned how to use Tik Tok. I’m hanging with my Peruvian family here. Netflix. Social media. Facetiming friends. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep. Podcasts. Annnnd having ample amount of time for devotionals/spending time with the Lord.
Church-wise, we are taking advantage of the opportunity to tap into the digital resource of social media, video and audio platforms, and more. We’ve created a podcast site for teachings. We would like to be able to upload videos of teachings to YouTube and social media, but the WiFi hasn’t been very cooperative for making that happen. It’s been pretty cool to see how these social media posts and podcasts of teachings are reaching some who have never stepped foot inside our church. I’ve been trying to form a website for the church, too, in this time. But, the weak wifi connection paired with my impatience for slow technology has impeded me from making much progress on that [God is definitely training my patience in this time]. Aileen initiated going through a devo on fear from the Bible app with some of our friends here in Cajabamba and then discussing it through WhatsApp. Some of the girls in it are believers. Some aren’t. So, that’s been cool. Aileen has also asked me to sing with her for the worship videos we have been trying to post along with the teachings. I’ve agreed. But I get really nervous. God is pushing me out of my comfort zone with it. I try to not make a big deal about it or worry what people are going to think. I try to just sing to the Lord and make a joyful noise. But I still get insecure. I’m realizing how much I still care what people think about me.
I have been reading through Jeremiah. God is emphasizing to me the importance of listening to Him, paying attention to Him, and—most recently—returning to Him. What does it mean to return to Him? Meaning that no matter what happens, my reaction is to turn to Him. Whether it’s something good, something bad, something boring, something exciting, it’s vital to turn to Him, to let Him know how it made me feel, and then look to Him for where to go from there.
Some days I really enjoy the forced slow pace. The extra time to chill, rest, or just hang with the people near me. Some days I get really stir crazy and mad about life not being like it was, about not even being able to go on a run down the street. I have started running around the house. It gets the endorphins pumping.
I’m understanding more about the sovereignty of God. What is the sovereignty of God? It means I’m understanding more deeply how He is in control, and I am not. There’s comfort in that. But there is also something in me that wants to resist that. Moreover, I am realizing how much I don’t like not having control. And He’s nudging me to relinquish more control of my life to Him. It’s not always that easy for me. I have to ask Him for help. Between that and reading in Jeremiah, I am also understanding more and more how God designed us to be close to Him, like REAL close to Him. I’m seeing more and more of His love for His people, how much it breaks His heart when we try and do life without Him, and also how trying to do life without Him is really destructive to ourselves because we’re stupid and really don’t know how to take care of ourselves well.
The Peruvian government announced last week they would be extending the quarantine for an additional two weeks. I think there’s about 1000 cases in the country now. There still aren’t any reported cases of the corona virus here in Cajabamba.
On Saturday I left the house for the first time in 10 days to go to the corner store and buy some snacks. Then, Monday, Day 14, we made a family trip to the market to restock on groceries. We wore masks. Not everyone had on masks. I would say about 25% of people were wearing masks. There were LOTS of people out, and that is because the stores are supposed to be open only from 9-11 a.m. It seems like there is an adequate amount of food and supply. Some of the produce isn’t looking as fresh, yet the prices are higher. We went on a special trip to find some ice cream yesterday because most stores do not have any. But obviously that is not a necessity.
Overall, things are calm here. I had a friend text me yesterday, saying, “I hope you’re getting to enjoy the things you don’t normally get to do.” It was a good reminder that this isn’t wasted time. God still has something precious in it. And I think He is always wanting to teach us more about who He is, and how He loves us.
Comments