Well, we didn't see that coming! With the publishing of our previous post coronavirus was not really a 'thing' in the US yet. Things changed very quickly. Within a matter of days it had been labelled a 'global pandemic' and a 'national disaster' and DC was taking steps towards an inevitable lock down. It was announced that all the Smithsonian museums, art galleries and the zoo would be closing as well as the Capitol Building, Washington Monument etc. How thankful I was that we had visited a lot of the tourist attractions already and with only a day's notice on the closures we squeezed in a trip to the zoo - I knew the kids would be disappointed if we missed out on going there! Earlier in the week we also attended a Shakespeare workshop for kids and visited the African American Museum, which were both great.
In a typical year DC attracts around 1.5 million tourists at this time to see the 3,750 cherry blossom trees surrounding the Tidal Basin. We wanted to check them out for ourselves, so jumped on our bikes, kept a safe social distance from everyone and enjoyed a lovely picnic under the trees and then went back again a few days later to do the same. They were lovely and very reminiscent of our days in Japan.
Obviously our experience here has changed dramatically as we are legally bound to stay at home now with the threat of fines or imprisonment, apart from those essential activities outlined by the government such as going to the supermarket, chemist etc. In saying that, the kids and I have been enjoying our time together and have had lots of opportunities for schooling, cooking, creating, playing and building cubbies. We've implemented a new aspect to our homeschooling week to help us distinguish between the days with Musical Monday (we bought some recorders - sorry neighbours!), Tinkering Tuesday (STEM), Wacky Wednesday (arty), Throw Together Thursday (cooking) and Fascinating Friday (nature discovery). While there are of course times of challenge, we have overall been enjoying this unique opportunity together. JR's internship has obviously been affected as well, particularly with the cancellation of some significant events that he was looking forward to. Thankfully though, he is still able to read and write his papers and is making use of video calls for meetings where possible. We have no fear and trust that God is in control. It has been encouraging to see how the church members have supported each other during these times.We have moved house again and have quickly settled into our new place with self-portraits, musical notation and Bible verses stuck up around the house and a collection of toys, books and puzzles generously loaned to us from church members. The living area is filled with natural light and there is an enormous tree outside our window where we've been enjoying hearing the birds sing in the mornings and watching the squirrels and cardinals play.
I recognise many of you are struggling at the moment. I pray that during this time, when it seems as though the world has stopped momentarily, each of us would take some time to pause and consider what is most important in this life and beyond. I leave you with these beautiful words from a hymn, Christ our Hope in Life and Death, which we have been singing together as a family lately:
What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to Him belong
Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand
O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death
Much love,
Robyn, JR, Eden, Mia and Zai.
You can find our latest PHOTOS here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cKpZYutYPZSAP5h28
