Thoughts from New Zealand.  Yes!  I'm still here!

     When last I wrote, I was debating whether I should leave on April 13th as scheduled or stay until June 1st, as my visa had been extended.  I no longer have a choice.  Air New Zealand has suspended all flights into the US until June 30th.  An Epidemic Order is in effect here, so all current visas are good until September 25th.  So while I still have no idea when I will be home, it looks like it won't be until at least July 1st , unless I can book something with another airline.  But, really, I AM IN NO HURRY TO GET ON A PLANE!  I have the gift of time.  I have time to wait and see how this plays out in the US and Massachusetts over the next weeks and then I can start to make a plan...I hope.

     The Prime Minister here is a marvel.  Google her...Jacinda Ardern.  She is a no nonsense, strong, compassionate voice in a time of great uncertainty.  SHE SHUT THE COUNTRY DOWN AND NOBODY HAD DIED YET!!!!!!She was determined to get ahead of this virus and rallied the country behind her to get it done. Everything shut down except for grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, police and fire departments.  Grocery stores immediately limited the number of people allowed in the store.  Limits were set on certain items as to how much  you could buy.  Restaurants, bars, coffee shops were all shut down.  No take out.  No delivery.  Life in NZ changed dramatically in the course of 48 hours.  And while there continues to be new cases, the number of new cases is not nearly as disheartening as in other parts of the world.  They are tracking it here.  Looking for clusters.  Looking for any patterns that will help medical personnel stem the rising tide. 

     I feel safe here. Michael, Jamie and I are doing everything we can to keep ourselves and Amelia safe and healthy.  They had a feeling the government was going to take aggressive action so we had been keeping track of what we had in the house...especially for the baby.  So we were in pretty good shape when the lockdown  went into effect.  We have had some bulk food items delivered.  Michael went to the grocery store today and got us stocked up on eggs, produce, meat, bread.  We also have a decent supply of wine (which you can buy in grocery stores here).   AND EVERYTHING GOT  DISINFECTED BEFORE IT GOT PUT AWAY!

     I run everyday.  I have set up circuit training in the backyard when the weather permits, the garage when it rains (we are heading into Fall here).  I am loaded up with yoga and exercise videos so that I don't get bored.  There are daily walks around the neighborhood so that Amelia gets fresh air and sunshine.  We have a big back yard.  For Michael and Jamie, this time with their daughter is such a gift.  They are getting to see her at such a crucial time (10 months old).  She is cruising around the furniture.  Babbling away.  We marvel at how much she changes from day to day.  My Nonni heart is full! 

     My mother heart is full and conflicted. I try to check in with Cait and Tim every couple of days.  There isn't much I can do from here, but I need to see their faces and hear their voices and  know that they are taking care of themselves and have what they need.  They have roommates so they are not alone.  And then there's Stephen who IS home alone!  Those of you who know him, know he is a VERY SOCIAL person.  I worry most about him.  And if truth be told, I wonder what it is going to be like once I do get home.  We will be apart for almost 6 months (if I get home in July).  I think there might be a period of readjustment!

     We look for the positive, EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!  We look out the front window and can see the ocean.  We are warm.  We have a roof over our heads.  We have food.  We are safe and we do everything we can to stay safe and keep Amelia safe.  

     Everyone is going to deal with this crisis in their own way.  For me, that means having a routine.  Get up.  Work out.  Read.  Cook.  Play with the baby.  Do laundry.  I think it's important to get up in the morning, brush your teeth, and have a plan.  What do I want to accomplish today? Make no mistake.  There are days that I struggle to do anything more than pour a cup of coffee.  But then I see that smile that lights up my soul and I know I need to get moving.

     Are you home schooling?  How's that going?  I hope you are taking advantage of all the FREE resources that are being made available to parents.  But, you know what?  This is stressful for your kids too, so don't worry about the lessons.  Go outside and take a walk.  Make bird feeders.  Plant a garden (you can get the seeds in the grocery store or on line).  Let your kids learn through new experiences.  You might learn something new yourself.  Your kids are looking to you to guide them through this.  Be an example of strength and curiosity.  Ask open ended questions that will get them talking.  Encourage them to write or draw about how they are feeling. They are living through a major historical event.  Help them keep a record of it.  Take lots of pictures.  Make your own books.  There's so much you can do together that will go a long way to keeping everyone busy, calm and reassured.

     And so I have chosen the following quote to share with all of you as I wrap up this entry. 

     

I hope you find "good stuff" to enjoy everyday.  Yes, these are troubling times, full of uncertainty and strong emotions.  We will be changed after this.  How do you go from weeks of isolation and "social distancing", back into your normal life?  But worry will not guide us through this.  Continuing to look out for each other, showing gratitude for all we do have, and taking this time to slow down and discover the things that are really important....those are the gifts we can focus on for now.  Because now, we have the time.