If you are reading this, this is where the advocacy part comes in. (If you just want the crafting, go to Covid-inspired Creating Part 2) This is where I use this platform to share my thoughts and use my voice. I very rarely do this on a public forum like this, however in these unprecedented times I feel I have some perspective to offer.
For those of us here in China, we are months ahead of you in the United States. There are many rumors floating around, but we feel certain the virus may have been closer than we thought back in December. Fast forward to the last day in school before CNY holiday. At mid day, rumors of the virus began, our assembly was cancelled and people traveling were told they must wear a mask. We had not planned on traveling at that time, so we went home and continued to wait. As the days went on, the fear and panic set in. Particularly for us, being so far from home and in a country that was not our own became the driving source of insecurity. We trekked to the local grocer, loading and stocking up for what we thought may have been a month or so. Everyone in masks, everywhere, at all times. Soon after this pandemic stockpiling, the school sent word that if we could fly out we were encouraged to do so, along with the travel advisory warnings from travel to and from China. We hopped on a plane with less than 24 hour notice and went to Malaysia. As we disembarked and left the Penang airport, workers were handing out masks. At that time there were no reported cases on the island of Penang, but they knew to take this thing seriously. We were in Penang almost two months and it is one big blur to be quite honest. It was emotionally draining to navigate; working more hours than what felt like the day had, parenting in an airbnb amidst a pandemic, juggling our own fears and anxieties, again never really sure what we were doing from day to day. The lack of security and constant plans changing from hour to hour as new inputs were received were completely draining. As we spoke with friends back in China, the country was on lock down. They were able to go out to dinner every once in awhile, but for the most part everyone resided in their homes. Everyone wore masks, everywhere, all the time.
We returned home on March 16th to a quiet, blue-skyyed Jinqiao. Gratitude beyond belief that we were back in our space with our dog, hamster and our BEDS. Because we were coming in from a non-hot-spot area we did not have the hard quarantine. We were able to come and go for necessities from our home and the kids were able to play in our yard. After 14 days, life was pretty much back to normal and we've been enjoying quality time with the neighbors since. We go out, but the new normal means masks are on everywhere, all the time and everywhere you go you get your temp taken. There are QR codes, health forms, frequent check-ins to ensure everyone is healthy. China has handled this with very strict guidelines and have enforced them fully.
For now, with the border locked the cases are minimal to null and things seem to be under control. That doesn't mean a second wave won't come. That doesn't mean we stop wearing out masks. I have learned not to plan, predict or speculate because it is all in vain. Operate on any given day with the inputs you have, trust your gut and make smart choices. In our house, we help the kids conquer the fear of the virus and fear of going into public places by saying, "We won't be scared, we will be smart." This means wearing masks, and, washing hands often, and social distancing.
I know you are stir-crazy. I know you are bored, I know you want to go outside. You may be scared. You may not care. You may not think this will affect you or "it's not that bad." If you are reading this, this affects all of us. Wear a mask and wash your hands if you must go out. It is the self-less, responsible choice that has been proven to reduce the spread of the virus. Is it really THAT big of a deal to slip on a thin piece of fabric, (okay, maybe if you're running a marathon, don't wear a mask), but come on people we are in a global pandemic. Let's care for each other and ourselves by doing something that simple.
If I can offer any advice... try to reframe your thoughts. Of all the things you think you are missing, think of all the things you GET to do. Continue to love the ones you're with, even if they are driving you crazy. Pull out the puzzles, board games, books, conversation cards and do those things you NEVER seem to have time to do. Learn some new recipes, maybe start a garden. Try to help a neighbor. There are so many hurting, unfortunate people who do not have access to half of the blessings we have. It seems unfair for us to complain about anything and furthermore, it seems unfair that "we" think we are afforded the "right" to go out without a mask.
You have the time now, what are you going to do with it?
Spoken with much love,
Kristy
Great perspective to hear from someone who has been where we are now, and has seen the light at the end of the tunnel. :)
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