A letter home

I have been sick for weeks.  I am actually feeling a little better.  But I can not really breathe as well as I should.  We called the doctor yesterday to see if anything could be done to improve my lungs.  I get so tired after about 20 mins of work.  And it is frustrating.  I have this time, but zero energy to do anything.  The doctor said they do not know how long it takes to recover from Coronavirus.  And that it could be my heart.  That was scary.  She told me to get extra sleep.  If it did not improve I would need to see a heart doctor.  And then she remembered I have an autistic daughter.  And because I am a caretaker, she ordered a test.  So I guess the only reason I finally get a test is because of Jessica.  And I do not know if it will test me as positive.  I have been sick for weeks.  I may already be recovered? We are kind of hoping it is positive.  It will at least explain my symptoms an...

Today my mom turns 80 years old. This past month we have had people donate money to the group in Kampala. And Suubi gave away soap in the slums to honor one person or another. I received donations from my daughters Nicole and Sarah. They both dedicated a soap give away to my mom. And Juergen and I did too. This money will enable Suubi Teen MOPS to buy their own gift shop in Kampala. It will be built near the palace of the king of Uganda. They are building a craft market there. And tourists God willing will come by bus and stop there. It is the number one tourist attraction in Kampala. This is a store Suubi will actually own. So, mom, we gave away hundreds of bars of soap in your name to people who could not afford soap. And we are building a gift shop in Kampala largely in your name so our women can sell their handmade goods. I truly love you and wish I could be there to celebrate your big day. But they have been celebrating you in Uganda for the past two months! ...

The cases of the virus continue to rise here. Today they rose at a slower pace than yesterday, but I know that probably doesn't mean anything. We are still in the middle of this situation. And they may extend the time of the quarantine. I am still not breathing well. My cough is gone. My lung capacity is somewhat diminished. So I get tired when I move around. I can do about an hour's work, and then I need to crash. We called the doctor today. They will call me back and tell me what can be done. At this point, I do not want to clog the system. There are far too many very sick people. I probably need time to recover. But maybe there is something she can recommend. Today my mom turns 80 years old. This past month we have had people donate money to the group in Kampala. And Suubi gave away soap in the slums to honor one person or another. I received donations from my daughters Nicole and Sarah. They both dedicated a soap give away to my mom. And Juergen and I di...

I saw this t-shirt yesterday.  I liked it.  We can not meet in the church building, but we can find ways to be the church in the world.  This morning I watched my service on my laptop.  The message was about home.  Finding our home in God.  Today I was going to be at my sister's house celebrating my mom's 80th birthday. Unfortunately, we had a pandemic... kind of changed everyone's plans.  But I have a home in my heart.  I feel home right now in Germany, and in America.  It is the place I am welcome.  The place I am loved.  I should add Uganda to that list because my heart is there as well. And I hoped to retire in Italy part-time.  My heart breaks for them.  God bless Italy.  God save Italy. I am using the Instant pot I got for Christmas.  Right now I can smell the chicken and peppers cooking.  I will make a coconut curry for lunch.  I am trying to use up all the food I bought a month ago. ...

My heart begins to race a little when I look at the number of cases.  In Germany, we have seen over 30,000 new cases in 7 days.  They say the numbers will explode over the next two weeks.  It takes about 14 days for the virus to incubate.  And when I consider how Italy is...overwhelmed, I want to cry.  America's cases are now shooting up.  Sadly we are going to see the results of all those reckless spring break partiers.  The hospitals will be flooded with young people who said, "if I get it I get it". But they take up a bed.  They take up equipment and time.  and many actually die.  In Italy, they no longer treat anyone over the age of 60.  They have no resources.  And they begin to see 1000 deaths a day. The reckless lack of social responsibility.   And it is not just young people.  It is local officials who acted late because they cared more about business than public health. Most of the cases in Europe can be...

All hopes of seeing a peak are now gone.  our daily cases are going up at an alarming rate.  people who have been exposed to the virus in the past few weeks are now falling sick.  the cases are rising very high.  The deaths are also rising.  At the beginning of this week, we had about 150 deaths, and within 3 days that has nearly doubled. It is still true we have a low death rate, but we are still not exempt from this loss. People should stay home, and be very careful when they must go out. Nicole managed to get on her flight.  I will be leaving for the airport in about 4 hours to pick her up.  I think I will go alone.  Maybe just take Lucy my dog.  There is a lot of virus at the airport I am sure.  I hope they allow her into the country without too much delay.  I know I will be relieved to see her. The situation in Uganda is very bad.  the price of food has doubled overnight.   There is a great deal of fear and...

They say the virus will not peak in Germany for another two weeks. I'm guessing it will be over 40,000 cases by tomorrow. We continue to stay where we are. I drive Jessica around for a few hours. And it is beautiful outside. A little cold, but really beautiful. Nicole is supposed to fly home to Germany today. She had a sore throat all week. I hope she does not have a fever, and they allow her to fly today. She has been contacted by the German embassy. I think she would be allowed to fly home with them if this commercial flight does not work. We will see. She wrote a new song. It was written for her professor who is about to retire. I really miss her. I am sure I will cry when I see her home and safe. I hope she remains healthy, but I'm trying not to think about that. I have been busy trying to support the leaders at Suubi Teen MOPS in Kampala . Today they are getting food for all the women to have in their homes. The lockdown is going to happen soon. I also...

The German cases of Coronavirus continue to rise. But at a slower pace. We can not really tell for a few more weeks if this is going to end. The countries around us have alarming death rates. Italy and Spain are especially bad. Germany still has not reached the 200 death mark. We have about the same cases as Spain, but they have 3500 deaths so far. This could all change. One big difference is how the virus was spread in senior care homes. In Spain, it has reached older people. In Germany, older people were locked down quicker. I am sure many people are trying to analyze why Germany has such a small rate of death. Even France has about the same rate of infection, but a death rate of nearly 1100. I think it's important to look at the practices that can lead God willing to a lower rate of death. But part of this may be stuff outside a culture's control. Germans are able to be locked down. They have a healthy social network. In Uganda, they try to force people to stay h...

We are fine here at home. Juergen works at the home office. He has the stress of deadlines. He puts in a full day, just from home. Philip has exams coming up, so he studies. Sarah also has a mountain of homework. Jessica gets bored so I drive her about 3 hours a day. We listen to the audible book of Narnia. My energy level is pretty low. I have not gotten much done apart from doing dishes, some cooking. I ordered a nebulizer. My brother suggested it. It should help loosen stuff up in my lungs. I have never had asthma, but this is what I imagine asthma feels like. The cough is almost gone. And I really am improving. I hope to get some work done in the garden today. My chief concern at the moment is my women at Suubi Teen MOPS in Uganda . They are afraid. The government has imposed many new restrictions on them. There were 9 new cases of the coronavirus reported in Kampala yesterday. They are trying to totally lockdown this city with 15million people. It seems wise on th...

We remain safe in our home. I had a fever yesterday. For a while, I thought I might be getting "bad enough to test" for the Coronavirus. But I slept an hour and the fever broke. I still am weak but for the most part, feeling like I am getting better. I do not know if I had it. But I had something that made me feel weak and effected my lungs and left me breathless. We are isolated at home. I am already doing all the doctors would advise me to do. There is nothing more I can do. They only test the really sick people. And although I would love the peace of mind that comes from knowing we have had it, I am grateful I never got sick enough to find out. Yesterday I watched my church online. I also watched the service of King Circle assembly of God in Corvallis Oregon, and New Life Church in Renton Washington. KCAG is my home church, the one I grew up in. My family still goes there. And New Life is where Nicole is interning until this week. God willing she flies home on Th...

From Friday to Saturday we had almost 5000 new cases reported. From Saturday to Sunday only 2000. That is a pretty good drop in new cases. I hope we are seeing a peak in Germany. They are ready to shut the country down even tighter. I think all the stupid people having "corona parties" has basically ruined things for everyone. In my state, only groups of 3 can meet. And everything is closed. They may even stop people from riding bikes, going for runs, etc. We are all basically under house arrest. actually not yet. but it may come to that this week. We live next to the drugstore. And the cars line up on our street as people take turns going into the store one by one. I have not gone into the store, but Juergen tells me they have sealed the counter off with plastic. And there is only a small hole people can pass their prescription through, and pay with a bank card. no cash. They also build plastic cages for all the cashiers at the supermarket. I also have not be...

It has been very stressful 48 hours or so. Trying to have my ticket changed for my flight to Seattle...waiting to speak to a travel agent. Waiting and waiting and waiting on hold. Listening to the same awful elevator music over and over. Hell must certainly have the same elevator music on a continuous loop. No escape from it. I even drove to Frankfurt airport hoping to manage it in person. 1 1/2 hours there, 1 1/2 hours home. But no. They will not let you change your ticket in person. And not online either. Only over the phone that does not answer. Stuck in a loop...litterally for days. Unable to rest. Unable to get anything else done. Just stuck. Waiting. Angry and frustrated. Feeling robbed. And on top of everything else I am so sad. This was going to be so great. To see my family. To spend days at the beach with my mom and sisters. To hang out with my brother. To be home in America. But I know the entire world is stuck. We all canceled so many plans and fee...

I try to just come to peace. I settle down and just adjust to this new normal. But the reality is, there is still earth moving beneath my feet. And I need to help my kids. 3 days ago Nicole's insurance was canceled. She was given 14 days to come home or she would have no health insurance. Nicole tried hard all day to get new insurance. But you can only get 90 days worth of short term insurance. And she is not a Washington resident so she does not qualify for any local program. And Coronavirus is a pre-existing condition. No one will cover her. The writing was on the wall, but it's hard to let go of a dream. I cried for her. But I am relieved she will be home. I'm a mom. I want her close by. I know she has been in the excellent hands of my brother and his family. I am sure she would have been fine. But I am relieved to have her near. They told her she could return to do another internship. So perhaps she will try it again in a year. I feel like our plan...

Everything is closing up even tighter.  Here in Germany, they are setting up hospitals in convention halls.  They want to separate the normal hospital business with the Coronavirus cases.  The growth is sobering.  Only the more difficult cases get to be tested.  So I do not qualify for a test.  I have little energy and get easily winded.  My cough is lessening. I have no fever.  If I have the virus, I will probably never know.  But we are really isolated at home.  We only take a daily drive with Jessica. I have enough food in the house to last for weeks.  Juergen goes out to buy bread.  But mostly we are home. Yesterday I did get Philip to mow the lawn.  I did some work on the window boxes.  Today I need to plant onions and strawberries.  Sarah began reading the first book in the 7 book Narnia series.  Juergen is giving SAP at least 12 hours a day.  I honestly do not see much of him.  After he fin...

The rate of the coronavirus has gone up officially by 2000 cases in 24 hours.  Officially is the keyword.  My family is pretty sure we have it now.  But in a light form.  We all have a dry cough.  I got the chills yesterday and a cold sweat.  But I stayed in bed all evening and asked for prayer.  I slept very well.  This morning I am feeling a bit better.  Juergen is achy.  but neither one of us is "sick enough" to be tested.  So the official count is 9367, but it is probably 10 times as high. Yesterday Philip called.  His school decided to shut down after all.  So he is now home for 5 weeks.  He is healthy and in good spirits.  But two of his friends are in the hospital with Coronavirus.  If we do not have it now, we may get it from Philip. At the moment I am not worried.  It is nothing I can change.   My biggest challenge will be trying to keep Philip and Jessica busy.  They both get b...

We are up over 1400 new cases today.  You can see the growth. It went from 100 new cases at a time to 400 at a time...1000 at a time to 1400.  That might be because they are just testing more people.  But actually, the growth is a bit disturbing.  At this rate, we will have 100000 cases in a month.  And while most cases are really mild this does kill people.  Germany has a very low death rate but we have lost 17 people so far.  They are taking this very seriously.  New rules are being enforced.  Nearly everything is shut down.  The drive-through at McDonald's looks like it will remain open. Thank God!!! And the building supply store will also stay open for now.  I expect we will see a lot of home improvements going on.  Germans have been asked to cancel all none important travel.  So I am grateful we will not be allowed to export  Corona to Africa for example.  Hotels here are not even allowed to have tourists....

First I want to say that we are safe.  Sarah has a 4-hour orientation at school.  I think they lay down the rules for the next 5 weeks.  It is hard for teenagers to stay home and not see each other.  I believe there will be a lot of compliance here.  But in the larger areas like Berlin, they may need to put military troops on the streets. It feels like living in a war zone.  Everything locked down and controlled.  But I read today on Facebook, "Your grandparents lived during a war.  You are called to stay home and sit on your couch and watch tv. "  It is uncertain and people are dying.  But the only real heroes here are the medical personal, the government leaders, and the people who are working at the cash register at the food store.  We are not heroes, we are just called to stay where we are and not spread this sickness. I have a bad cough.  It could be Coronavirus.  But it is not strong enough to merit testing.  J...

Germany and all of Europe is locking down. 4599 cases, that is up 1000 from yesterday.   I saw a photo from US airports.  A sea of travelers escaping while they can.  I wonder if they all now must face 14 days of quarantine?  Who could have ever dreamed the world would stop?  But it is stopping.  And once the shock of it is over, I believe we will see a wave of innovation and creativity. I guess we need to first feel secure.  I know I needed that.  I needed to have the food, and yes the toilet paper in the house first.  I needed my family home and safe.  Or at least in a safe place.  Thomas is in Frankfurt, Nicole in Seattle.  Philip finds out on Monday what is going to happen.  Then he may come home.  But we do not know yet. But Juergen, Jessica, Sarah and I are settling down.  We will be here for at least 5 weeks.  But that could be extended.  When I look at China, I can imagine it will be extend...

 Yesterday I was out very early to shop.  I wanted to buy enough food so we do not need to go out for a few weeks.  I wore a face mask.  I felt a little silly because no one else had on a facemask. but I was keenly aware of the number of people coughing.  and I have a cough too.  I have restricted my contact for two weeks. I did shop but distanced myself.   Sarah, on the other hand, had to go to school.  She must come in contact with a few thousand people a week. That is with school, train rides and soccer games.  And Juergen and Jessica both cut way back on social contact.  But they both must have seen at least 30 to 60 people.  So we may all already have the Coronavirus.  We are all coughing.  My lungs hurt a little.  None of us are sick enough to be tested.  I wish I knew if it was the virus in a light form.  But there are not enough test kits.  So we may never know.  It could just be hey f...