If I hear one more time, 'we live in unprecedented times,' I think I'm gonna to lose it. However, since that is the case (we just don't need to keep repeating it), I want to remember everything about this time, because for one thing, I know God is using this to do big things and I want to be able to look back at this time when we're on the other side of this to see what He was doing. And two because, hopefully, this will never happen again so I want to remember every detail about this time. So I thought it would be cool to write a letter to my future kids so they can see what their mom was up to when she was 22 and trying to graduate college :)
Dear kids, I hope our country has made great advancements by the time you read this so that we are never put in this situation again. We have been in quarantine for 5 weeks. The government calls it 'shelter in place' meaning we aren't supposed to leave our houses for anything beyond going to the grocery store or pharmacy. All restaurants, small businesses, big businesses, parks, walking trails are all closed. Everything has a sign on the door that says something along the lines of 'due to COVID-19 we are closed to the public until further notice.' Your mom has been a bit of a 'rebel' you might say. I've been working at the hobby shop I worked at in high school every week to ship online/phone orders, and make some money. I've also been going on walks everyday with your grandma or aunt Leah. She and I have also been going to Target a lot to get food, look at clothes (which society makes us feel guilty for) and just kill time. 90% of the people who go outside where masks, and I haven't worn one once. The government also says we're supposed to stay 6 feet apart from anyone who isn't family. Every time we go to the store, the cashier has to clean the machine after every purchase, and there's a shortage of something new every 2 weeks. The first couple weeks, we couldn't find- I know you're gonna laugh- toilet paper!! Then, food was scarce (your aunt Leah was very distraught we couldn't find bananas anywhere for a long time). And now shampoo and hair products are hard to find. Don't ask. Your grandma has been doing her work on the computer in the living room for the past month and is projected to continue that until June. You grandpa has been going to work because he is considered a first responder. They divide up their shift in different ways every week because they don't want too many people there at one time, so sometimes he goes to work every other day, or every other week. God has provided for us immensely because grandma and grandpa have been paid throughout this whole time. Nearly a million people have filed for unemployment, and our country is headed towards an unofficial recession... and your mom is supposed to graduate college in a month and find a job. Ha! But you know, I'm not afraid. I have a lot of questions, but I also know our God is a great God, and He has a plan. Your aunt Leah has been trying to finish her freshman year of college on the computer and as she says 'the struggle bus is real.' Meaning, online class isn't for her. They keep extending quarantine, so what was supposed to last 3 weeks has gone to 5, and now to 10, and honestly I think it will go longer. A lot of people don't want to go back to work or school until we have a vaccine... that could be a year from now. But I'll tell you, in December of 2019, I felt the Lord put the word 'TRUST' on my heart for my year 2020 word. I'm not saying it's easy, because sometimes it feels impossible, but I'm not giving up hope, because my trust is in our God. I've been spending my time writing (are you surprised?), painting, making videos, going on joy rides and taking pictures with aunt Leah, finishing up the little work I have for the semester, and facetiming my friends :) The world feels upside down, kids. And I pray you never go through anything like this, but you know, and I've gotten criticism for saying this, I see no point in being selfish by saying 'why me? You took this from me, God.' I was supposed to graduate, my friends were supposed to get married and none of that is happening this summer. However, I truly believe God has something better in mind and He's using this to make that happen. Ask me and I'll tell you what that better thing was. Here are some of the pictures that showcase how I've been spending my time :) I love you. Love, mom. xoxo
"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is The LORD who guides his footsteps." Proverbs 19:21
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