We are very sore from our two-day hike along the Southern Ocean. I can hardly walk down the stairs. Jono said that it was 21 miles; Rob’s Fitbit says 30 miles. No matter which one it was, we feel it today!!
On the plane from Melbourne to Cairns, Rob was offered a Spanish Potato Fritata. I challenged him to say that five times fast. He said that he couldn’t do it one time slow. How about you?
Because there isn’t much to write about today since it is a travel day, I thought that I would act as an on-the-spot reporter for The COVID Times and report on the global pandemic. As a reporter, we call it a global pandemic even though scientists would call that redundant since, by definition, a pandemic is a global epidemic. As news reporters, we like to say global pandemic because it sounds worse.
We are in Australia. Their biggest concerns are a recession as the bushfires had greatly affected travel to Australia and now The Virus. They are on the verge of a recession. People are still welcoming, shaking hands, and shopping. As one man said, “We want your money, not your germs.” Ha!
Miley Cyrus was scheduled for a concert to raise funds in Australia for the bushfires. She canceled citing concerns for her band and crew. I was disappointed that she could not think outside the box. Surely, MTV and Cyrus could have put together a telethon and probably raised even more money that way.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were in the country and then learned that they had coronavirus. Once a positive test was confirmed and they were hospitalized, health officials asked Tom how many people have you been in contact with.
“Are you kidding??” Selfies, handshakes, hugs. Rightly so, he responded, “thousands!!” And his wife gave an intimate singing concert at the Sydney Opera House. I doubt that they use HEPA filters.
As a World Citizen
In my humble opinion Singapore has had the best response. I came across an article which agreed. You can read it here:
As far as prevention, New Zealand is a leader. Here is a comprehensive list of what self isolation means:
I feel that Cambodia and Laos may have the hardest time as handwashing with soap is so important. Only half of the time, the restrooms had water and rarely soap. Also, they are so poor that I have no idea how they would be able to purchase test kits anyway. One English teacher in Laos contacted me to tell me that her Grandmother had died. Maybe China should help them???
Be thankful if you have access to life saving soap.
As an American
Everyone should treat this as a two-week snow day. Get out the popcorn, watch some movies, make a pillow fort, bake, read one of those books on the shelf, workout, clean out the junk drawer. Call that friend that you haven’t talked to in years. The list is endless.
This could be that moment for “when I have time I would like to…”
We all have a mental list. We have just been given the gift of TIME. How will you use it????
Let’s come out of this funk 💪 with a retreat mentality. A chance to step back, reevaluate, fine-tune!
As a Microbiologist
Here is a microbiology pep talk. Remember that a flu in a normal year doesn’t get this much news coverage. If you don’t get the flu in a normal year, you already have good habits.
Wash your hands after touching non-personal things like handrails, door knobs, cell phones. And don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. No contact lenses!!!
If you need to touch your mouth, etc., wash your hands first. If you do these things, you won’t get it!! I am not planning on getting it…even though I am old!
Here is an awesome article explaining the science behind handwashing. There is only one “mistake”. In the case of the inferior practice of using hand sanitizer, they say at least 60% alcohol whereas ONLY 70% is effective. In this case, more is not better. One hundred percent will not work AT ALL!
And it’s close relative.
Don’t Touch Your Eyes, Nose or Mouth
As a Christian
Christ always has the last word. Here is a shared facebook post from Noie Shepperd, a dear sister in Christ. Her words of prayer, praise, and gratitude are powerful.
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1
We are just one family of so many worldwide who are being affected by this situation, many in much worse circumstances. Many leaders on all levels around the globe are making extremely difficult decisions. They need Divine guidance.
I believe there is a chorus of prayers going up around the world that the spread of the virus AND any hysteria related to it will be stopped, that those who have contracted it will be healed, that a vaccine will be developed, and that God’s power and glory will be on full display.
I believe that what is impossible with man, is possible with God!
I believe that when we ask anything according to His will, it will be done!
I believe that God is able to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine!
I believe that if we ask for wisdom, God will give it liberally!
I believe we’ve got peace the world didn’t give, and the world can’t take away!
I believe that the same God who created the universe, saved Noah from the flood, parted the Red Sea, was with Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in the fire, delivered Daniel from the lion’s den, knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, brought Lazarus from the tomb, raised Jesus from the dead, and is coming back for you and me is still on the throne and is STILL a miracle-working God!
I believe that what the enemy intends for evil, God is a master at using for good!
I believe that Jesus is at the right hand of God the Father interceding for us, and that ALL authorities and powers are subject to Him!
NOW unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen! 1 Timothy 1:17.
Leave a ReplyCancel reply