PEACE IN THE PANDEMIC

I remember getting off the plane. The night was cold and I was very tired. After all I had just spent two days travelling.

All I wanted to do was rest, sort out some things and get back to work. However, that was not to be. The rumor starting spreading that something serious was happening. Then the official announcement came a major city was locked down. Things were serious, a novel virus was upon us and people were dying.

Provinces went into lockdown mode including mine. I was stunned. There was an air of morbidity and uncertainty. I asked myself could I survive this? Of course you can said that small voice in my spirit. The university where my daughter was studying went into lockdown mode. It would seem that everything was shutting down. All I could think about was how would my daughter get home. I started praying that the borders do not close because I know once she is home I would feel better. God heard my prayer and she was able to get a flight back home. Two days later the border closed.

Meanwhile in my apartment I had nothing. No food, as I did not really get a chance to stock up on supplies. I must say that I got all that I needed thanks to God, friends, and my school representative. Everyone in my province and by extension the country, did their part to flatten the curve. During this time I felt the peace of God. Instead of shutting down, I used this time to 'shut In" with God. He kept my mind and my emotions. I stayed updated with the situation in my country and stayed connected with my family.

The Government of my country must be applauded for their hard work in flattening the curve. To date they are internationally recognized for their efforts.

During this time I discovered skills I did not know I had. I learnt that in every adversity in life there is a seed of an equal or greater opportunity. This is because I now have a deeper vision for the women's group that I started years ago, which focuses on the well being of women. In Summer I would be launching a new initiative centered around specific needs for young women. This would be done with the assistance of my daughter.

I would also be collaborating with other NGO's as we aspire to reach out to those who are unable to deal with the emotional impact of the pandemic. (providing free counselling ). Mental health is wealth and is essential to society.

As things slowly start to orient to a sense of normalcy let's continue to unite and approach each challenge one at a time and one day at a time. All for one and one for all. Blessings to you all.