Not too many posts ago, I wrote a piece on (my) life here in china in the face of the novel coronavirus epidemic and how it had affected all us, infected or not. We may have been on lockdown then (and still are even now) but I felt your love and concerns all the way from back home. Little did we know that this would soon become a global pandemic, breaking borders to claim and affect the lives of the very people praying for our safety on this side.

Today, I can say that China is fairly safe and after four painful months, the country is gradually coming back to life. It however saddens my heart that outside the borders of China, the situation is only getting worse even in my home country Ghana.  It’s my turn now to worry for all of your safety. In fact, I hope that as you read this, you and yours are in absolute good health and keeping safe.

Much has been said about COVID-19 and our social media platforms have been saturated with various ads, memes and posts educating us on how to keep safe. As overwhelming as it may all seem, I believe it’s all from a place of love as none of us wants to lose any more people to this virus. I therefore implore you all to not take this matter lightly neither should you be filled with panic, instead, follow all the safety precautions in order to keep yourself and your circle safe.

I have seen how, to some extent, this has become a battle of thoughts between religion and science and which of these two we should actually trust to save the day. As a Christian and a student of science, I’ve had to search within myself and question truly where my belief and faith lie. I believe that for all their efforts to battle this virus and come up with a cure or vaccine, it is the Lord that provides our scientists with the strength and knowledge they need to succeed. “unless the Lord builds, those who build the house labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain”… Psalm 127:1 I also believe that we can have all the faith in the world and say all the prayers that man could ever say but if we do not follow the safety precautions, it will all be in vain.“…show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18 Be rest assured that even in such perilous times, God hasn’t left His people. “… I will never leave nor forsake you” Deut 31:6

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose.

Rom 8:28

We could focus on the lives lost, the plans cancelled, all the things we can’t do in this period and panic, or we could refuse to succumb to the pressures of this time and find some good in it. We could instead use these days of lockdown and quarantine to create beautiful memories with family and love ones. Create new family traditions, do the things you’ve never had the luxury of time to do, grow friendships, the list goes on. When all is said and done and we’re finally at the end of this tunnel, we could look back to this period and either think of all the wrong things that happened, or we could look back and remember this period for all the wonderful things we achieved and memories we created in spite of it all.

For those of you just joining the #lockdown family, here are a few things I can you should do or look out for.

1. Be sure to stock up on basic necessities i.e food and toiletries
2. Do not use the lockdown as an opportunity to not keep clean, bath at least once a day.
3. Spend less time on your phone and more time with the actual people around you for some quality time and bonding.
4. Keep your spiritual life active. Join online services or have special family services at home. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them” Matt 18:20
5. The most difficult time would be the endless sleepless nights, so as much as you can be active during the day so you can sleep at night.
6. Learn new things. Try new recipes, read new books, diys etc..
7. Whatever you do, get some exercises in your day. Watch workout videos on YOUTube and get your sexy on.
8. Last but not least, do not panic. If we are patient and cautious enough, this will pass in no time.

I saw a post online which touched me on a special level and I’d like to share with you. I may have tweaked it a bit.

When this is over,may we never again take for granted

A handshake with a stranger, full shelves at the store

conversations with neighbors, a crowded theater

Friday night out, the taste of communion

A routine checkup, the school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend, the stadium roaring

Each deep breath, a boring Tuesday

Life itself.

When this ends, may we find that we have more like the people we wanted to be,

The people we wanted to be, were called to be, hoped to be…

And may we stay that way- better for each other

Because of the worst

Unknown

For as many prayers as you said on my behalf, I say a thousand more on yours. For as much love as you sent my way, I send you a million more. We need each other to survive in these times and so let’s all do well to keep safe.

Sending you my warmest hugs and kisses…. Forever your girl.

Xoxo,

Yarh.