1966 cases and I can not go home

There are over 300 new cases of coronavirus in Germany.  The death rate is very low.  Everyone wants to credit our great health care system.  I think in the end, it will be the age of the people who got Coronavirus.  Italy has a very old population.  They got hit very fast and hard with this.  We have had time to get ready.  And I told a friend of mine today, Germans still sweep the sidewalks every week.  They do what is right for the entire society, not just what is right for themselves.  That is a general statement.  Naturally, there are exceptions.  I read about a man in Berlin who went to a night club even after hearing he had the virus.  16 people got the virus from him.  So some will care more about themselves and their convenience, and others look at the greater good.
About 3 weeks ago I began to see this happening.  The spread of the virus I mean.  And I had to weigh if I should travel to America to my mom's 80th birthday party.  It was a very hard decision.  But in the end, I could see how dangerous this virus could be to older people.  And that you could carry it before you knew you had it.  I thought I could not forgive myself if I was the one who got my mom, brother, sisters sick.  If one of them died because I choose to attend a party. I also considered what would happen if Juergen got sick when I was gone.  Who would care for Jessica our autistic daughter  Or what if I got stuck under quarantine?  How would that be on Juergen?  So even two weeks ago I decided I would not go.  Even if I lose my money on my flight.  Everyone has to weigh risks for themselves.  I've actually traveled to Uganda just after riots on the streets.  I chose to live in a very restricted bubble when I was there.  But Juergen and I felt it was ok.  We weighed the risk.   But that was risking my health.  This is different.  I would be risking the health of others.  Yesterday the US president announced a 30-day ban on travel to the USA.  so my flight I assume will be canceled now.  Maybe I will get a refund.  I could see it coming.  I am not actually happy to be right. 

 I can not go home.  And now Nicole has to decide if she will stay in Seattle.  In the next 48 hours, she may not be allowed to travel to Germany.  And they say 30 days, but I'm pretty sure this will take much longer than 30 days.  My guess is 4 months at the least.  She is in Seattle of all places doing an internship as a pastor.  I think she will stay.  And I imagine it will be an interesting time for her.  I would feel a million times safer if she was home with us.  But as they say, ships are safe in the harbor...but that's not what they are built for.  I'm proud of her either way.

Jessica is home today, and so is Juergen.  But we can not be 100% isolated yet because Sarah still has school. But I am trying to realize that God is in control.  I will try to be wise.  I am not stupid.  I know we are in a high-risk category.  I have a great deal to live for.  But I can not control everything, so I will trust, God. I can still go shopping for toilet paper. So I may shop again today...with a mask on my face!