The corona virus pandemic has
altered life for most around the globe. On
the one hand, we too are trying to find a temporary
new normal amidst government advice and restrictions. On the other hand, much of our daily life has not changed. Our boys continue to be taught at home.
John continues to work at home. I, Erin, continue to do independent language
study at home. So what has changed for us?
The first felt change was an
abstract one. Living overseas we’ve
experienced an immense freedom to travel. We’ve been blessed both financially and with passports that are widely
accepted, thus allowing us to move around the globe when we choose or have a need. As neighboring countries closed
their boarders, the ability to travel outside our host country became very
difficult. At the time we did not have
any travel plans, nor do we have any now.
It is a different feeling though to know you are not able to travel in
the same manner you were freely able to beforehand.
As government advice and
restrictions on large gatherings and social contact increased, we made
additional, more perceivable, changes. We hung hand washing instructions and hosted a handwashing clinic. John temporarily closed the reading school, which took place at 3 local
grade schools and our house. Thankfully
the tutors are still able to work from home; they are writing stories in the
local language, recording audio books, and teaching any children within their
immediate vicinity. The soccer school
has also been put on hold. John though is able to continue translating stories into the local language. Instead of working with four local language
speakers, he is now just working with the two from our immediate
neighborhood. Along with asking two of his language assistants from across town to stay home, we’ve also asked our house help to stay
home as she too is from across town.
 |
| Instruction, in the national and local languages, at our outdoor sink. |
 |
| Along with closing the underside of our house, we put away all our door toys. |
The Barat culture is extremely relational
and interdependent. As our neighborhood
is tucked away from the main part of town, these aspects are that much more
evident. Neighbors are frequently
barrowing items from one another and daily sitting together outside chit
chatting. As social distancing and
decreased venturing out are being promoted, our neighbors’ way of life is
dramatically being affected. There has
been less gathering, but so much of their lives happen outside their homes:
fetching water from the well, washing and drying clothes, cooking over fires, and kids playing. It has been
interesting to experience the changes taking place and the challenge of implementing changes when that which we are trying to work against is so 'invisible.'
A few other ways our lives have changed recently...
 |
Caedmon and Whitman are learning to wash dishes.
One day, of their own initiative, they decided to work together AND include Evangeline.
|
 |
We are trying to limit our shopping to once a week.
It has been slightly challenging to know where to store the extra items.
The picture above is ALL our kitchen storage - no nonpictured pantry exists.
|
 |
| The boys have been very welcoming of their sister in their games, even willing to play in her games, as they all are spending more time inside. |
 |
| Reading to Evangeline |
