Life in quarantine has some similarities to our 'normal' life. We are used to separation from family and trying to figure out ways to connect when not face to face. Uncertainty is a fairly common visitor in our lives. Daily we cook our meals out of creative ingredients that we have on hand. We have adapted to new ways of saying hello. I have spent the last six years juggling emails, housework, moringa, little kids and homeschooling. Everyone's hair is cut at home. Our dates are in home. We are not shocked by the problem living without toilet paper. Life has the routine of packing up, moving homes, saying goodbyes and dealing with grief and loss. Finally stress is nothing new in our lives. It is said that cross cultural workers consistently live with the stress level of 600 on a Holmes-Rahe Scale, where those who hit 300 are expected to end up in the hospital within two years. (This is much better than the first year cross culturally when the score is typically 900). 
On the other hand, there has been a lot of fast adjusting and we may have hit 900 on the stress scale again. Our trip out of the Sahel was very unusual. Close up the house quickly - including planning for the ants that are going to eat through our things over the next 10 months. Pack only necessities - yet include all necessary homeschool curriculum for next year! Maybe the hardest, say goodbye to friends and life here as we know it - much will change during our time away. Because of the Corona virus precautions there was no bus to transport our suitcases, so how can we fit 6 people, 5 suitcases, 6 backpacks, water and picnic food in the Rav4? Would we be confirmed for the flight to the US? Could we get into the capital that had all roads blocked to stop the spread of the virus? Would we have a place to quarantine in the US? I teased my Dad that we might have to go from 113 degrees to snow tent camping. What vehicle could we use to transport our family in the US? Who will occasionally drive our Rav4 in the Sahel? What are the current rules for being out in public in the US? What does this mean for Zig-Zag's immigration? Do we have warm clothes? I haven't shopped for clothing for my children in a year! Depending on the kid, their tennis shoes don't fit or barely fit, well, can't shop for two weeks. Sandals are okay in the snow with socks, right? (I found out that shouldn't be a worry - half the time my kids are still found outside without any shoe covering even in 40 degrees F!)
Finally this quarantine time on the US side has been very helpful for our family. Maybe we should do this every time! :) We have had extra time to spend with the children processing a bit and being mindful about what is going on in our lives. Throughout the process we have been able to see God's hand guiding us. Even though steps in life are sometimes difficult, we are grateful God is in control and molding and making us into God's desire through these days.
*Note none of this is said to judge others in the different situations that they are in. Especially, I chose to live where I live and thus I am geared toward homeschool. That is different than crisis-homeschooling with juggling full time work that many of you find yourself doing! I share this because people often want a taste of our lives and I see many touch-points to the current situation that we all find ourselves in .
-- La Maestra
*Note none of this is said to judge others in the different situations that they are in. Especially, I chose to live where I live and thus I am geared toward homeschool. That is different than crisis-homeschooling with juggling full time work that many of you find yourself doing! I share this because people often want a taste of our lives and I see many touch-points to the current situation that we all find ourselves in .
-- La Maestra
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