The World Turned Upside Down

On March 12th I:

• dropped Matthew off at joy school
• met with the PTO president about that afternoon's meeting
• grocery shopped, then decided to *not* buy anything in my cart because I was so overwhelmed by the crowds.
• planned Johnny's Battle of the Books team meeting that would happen right after school.
• ministered to a dear friend from church

Within one hour,

• Extra curricular activities, meetings, and volunteering responsibilities were canceled in order to slow progress of COVID-19, the Corona Virus.
• The kids' basketball leagues were cancelled.
• Preschool was cancelled.
• Sunday worship and all church gatherings were cancelled.
• Disneyland was closed.
• Missionaries from church were being sent home. 

It felt like the walls were closing in, and it was a lot to process in a short amount of time. I was in the pick-up line at school, and my phone kept buzzing with new notifications of closures. I parked the car, anxious to hear any updates from other parents. I remember standing outside the elementary school talking with everyone, trying to understand and guess the gravity of what was happening. Stores were declaring food and cleaning supply shortages, and offices were arranging for employees to work from home.

I felt nervous and stressed. We were out of food, and despite many promptings to do so; I did not have food storage prepared, especially for a quarantine. I felt an urgency to go shopping Thursday night, but as I prayed for wisdom, peacefulness washed over me. I felt the Spirit encouraging me to be patient and not get carried away in the circus of panic, (that was catching faster than the Corona Virus, honestly.) I felt reminded to be mindful of the moment. I chose to attend Johnny's team pizza party at the elementary school park. I am so grateful I did. I didn't realize at the time it would be the last social activity like I would do for a loooong time. It was also our last time hanging out with our friends, the Cummings.

On Friday, March 13th Governor Brown declared a "State of Emergency" requiring a massive shutdown to stop the spread of the virus. After I dropped the kids off at school, I looked over my grocery list, and prayed for direction. I felt the Holy Ghost prompt me which store to go to first (Winco), and what to purchase. Fellow shoppers and workers were kind and encouraging as I rang up a cart full of food to feed our family of six for a two week quarantine (at least). As I was leaving Winco, the crowds increased exponentially. There were cars lined up waiting for me to leave, and herds of people moving down aisles. I felt so grateful I missed the chaos, by going to Winco first thing..
I headed to Costco next. I said a prayer in the car with Matthew that I might know what to buy in what order, and that I would be able to see opportunities to serve others. As I walked in the store, I felt prompted to start with milk. Forty-five minutes later, it was sold out. Had I waited until the end to grab dairy, as usual, I wouldn't have gotten the milk. It was simple, but I felt grateful. In Utah, yeast was so sold out, and I was able to get some for my mom.
Two weeks prior to all this I acted on a nagging feeling to refill my cleaning and household supplies, including toilet paper, soaps and detergents. As I walked through Costco, all these shelves were empty. I felt grateful to have one less worry and cost. Because of saving and mindful spending, we had enough money to buy the needed food and supplies in the quantity needed. I felt humbled knowing this hasn't always been the case in other stages of our life, yet we've always been watched over.
As I mentioned earlier, I prayed to find people to comfort. Amid the chaos at the stores, and the fear on people's faces; I felt blessed with peace, and was able to connect and serve. I remember thinking clearly how in uncertain times like this, Satan wants us to feel fear and distrust. Meanwhile God would have us feel hope and have faith. As I waited in that long Costco line, I made a personal commitment to choose the latter. It isn't always so simple I know, but after experiencing so many personal, simple, and perhaps small "miracles" my morning, it was clear that God is present when I make time to see Him.

Caity's last practice Thursday Night before everything was canceled.

Caity at the spelling bee Thursday morning.

We had some of William's kinder friends over for a play date Friday after school, we miss them!

Our first Sunday with at-home church (it was such a good small worship with our little family!)