Crisis Talk

I went swimming last night and there were about four other people there. Everything was eerily quiet. As I was swimming back and forth, I kept thinking about one question – are we the last brave ones who keep calm and carry on as usual or is this the finest collection of absolute idiots here who should be the first ones to become extinct? I never found an answer.

I did ask the gym receptionist about their plans to close their doors and he said with a stony face that he has not been given a permission to comment on it. Alas, it sounded a lot like „Girl, your pool party is over.“

So far, of course, I have only encountered first world problems. My spring trip to Israel has been cancelled (I actually don’t mind), next week’s concert I was looking forward to has been cancelled (I actually do mind), there will be no preaching at TED’s Master Guide Camp for me because there will be no camp to preach at. The hardest blow will be the cancellation of our school session in Newbold. There has been no official announcement yet but I have no doubt it will come. And that will make me very sad! On a more positive note, I am keeping my fingers crossed about the GC session in Indianapolis to be cancelled also – I have no warm feelings about the GC. I don’t want to go. Duh!

Things got more serious this morning when the government decided to declare national emergency. The grocery stores are full of people, some calm, some slightly panicky. I’m totally lost as to what I need to do. I always have only little food at home because I need so little and also because I generally don’t care about food or cooking. Is there any real reason to be concerned about the possibility of running out of food? Like, really? I don’t know. Anyway, I did get some cans from my grocery store early this morning, if not for any other reason than to show solidarity with my fellow countrymen. The only craze I absolutely refuse to take part in is this toilet paper madness (and I really hope I won't live to regret it).

The church services have also been cancelled. We just finished an emergency meeting with our conference’s AdCom and we decided that for at least two weeks we will ask our church members (many of whom are elderly) to stay home. This feels odd – on one hand it feels like a vacation, on the other hand not. In any case, I have no idea what to do tomorrow. There will be no preaching, no teaching, no socialising. Sounds like a day for long walks and maybe an emergency visit to my aunt’s.

But always look on the bright side of life, du-dum du-dum du-dum-du-dum-du-dum! My dear boss I. was let out of quarantine yesterday morning. He stayed in isolation for 14 days and it was so odd to only text him. The office was quiet and bare. So it was with great joy that I welcomed him back yesterday. I mean, I minded my own business and he minded his but there were these moments when, in between writing emails and sermons and what not, we would have short theological discussions. And I need those moments like air.

The other great thing is that libraries are still open, and there is still chocolate to be had in stores. So I intend to do some panic library-ing today, and when it comes to chocolate – I am well-equipped. *high five*

So, folks, stay calm, pray for those who are seriously affected, don’t spread stupid conspiracy theories, go for long walks, and check on those family members who are old and might need assistance.

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A gift from my church member. Might seem small but it isn't. #lovemychurch