Watching the news last night and seeing the worldwide effect of the COVID – 19 was sobering and overwhelming. So in the midst of so much unknown and suffering we continue to seek God and worship him (Psalm 95) and we show our solidarity with those who suffer.
Several people have asked us what the situation is like in Colombia. It is similar to the USA I would imagine. There are over 50 cases confirmed in the country. As of this week large group gatherings are cancelled, schools are closed and kids are moving into online learning, grocery stores are full of people buying supplies as we have been instructed to stay home.
So, plans change and we rearrange our schedules to be home for the next weeks (or unforeseeable future). Julio’s trip to Argentina was cancelled. We heard that American Airlines will not be flying to Medellin for the next couple of months. Meetings and gatherings have been cancelled. Skating practice and basketball practice are cancelled. We are staying home.
Even with the changes we thank God for our kids school and for the pedagogy that has equipped them to be the primary agents in their learning. They have all the materials necessary and the discipline to work from home. They are planning their daily schedules just as they would at school and are working a normal school day, complete with gym class and breaks. Today for gym, Sam was able to ride bike and run laps in our parking lot.
We have food and supplies. We are healthy. We have puzzles and books to keep us entertained and we are savoring time together. Today as we read our devotional, Psalm 95, we shared those things that we are grateful for, even in this time of uncertainty and change. I am thankful for blue sky after weeks of heavy air pollution and thankful for God’s beautiful creation that surrounds me. What are you thankful for today? We would love to hear from you. We are praying for you!
Psalm 95
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,”
My prayer is that I would be open to listen to God’s voice and continue to trust in these uncertain times.
Thank you for the update, Katie!
We are grateful today for walks in our neighborhood, the trampoline,creativity, music, time together, online learning platforms, problem solving skills, puzzles, and our health. God is good!
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Thank you for the update on you and your family.
You are in my prayers!
Thankful your boys are continuing their schooling at home as so many young people are doing these days!
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I’ve been thinking of you and Julio, Katie. Thanks for letting us know how you’re doing and that your’e staying quiet in the knowledge of the One who gives and sustains life. Love you guys and will be praying for you and so many others all over the world.
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Thank you friend!!
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So glad to hear that you are all well! I have to say, I am impressed by the wisdom of your leaders there in the way they are handling this pandemic. The US has far, far more cases (over 15,000 to date) and are not being as careful and protective of its citizens as I would like. And our schools are not able to do what your boys are getting, not our public schools, anyway. So glad you are there and able to continue the work that God has put before you. You are always in my thoughts and prayers!
Kathy
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Julio and Kate I’ve enjoyed following your progress in Christian ministry ever since Julio spoke at Trinity Covenent in Salem Oregon many years ago. I admire all the dedicated work you do. You should have great piece of mind. Let’s pray for a quick end to this virus.
Mike Walker
Salem Oregon
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Thank you Mike! We love hearing from you. Thanks for your encouragement.
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Thank you, Kathy!! WE are thankful as well. Praying for you all!
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