Barbara - Aledo, Illinois
Barbara, left, poses with her friend Ann before the Covid-19 crisis.
Occupation: Retired educator
What Covid-19 related restrictions are in place where you live?: State of Illinois imposed a stay-at-home order till April 8th. You can go out for groceries and basic necessities.
What has been your biggest challenge during this crisis so far? One of my best friends is in Viet Nam. The government ordered testing of all foreigners for the Corona Virus. She was tested a day ago along with a few other tourists that have been staying at a Bed and Breakfast. If any of them test positive they will be quarantined for two weeks at an army base in Viet Nam. Waiting for the test results has been stressful. You feel very helpless when all of this is taking place on the other side of the World. Many airlines are no longer flying so I have no idea how she will get back to Michigan.
Describe the emotions you/your family are feeling through this crisis? Frustration has been my main emotion. Everything is an unknown. You don’t really know what you are dealing with and it makes you feel like you are helpless. I am a “doer “ and there is nothing I can do.
What are you doing to help cope?: I have a strong faith in my relationship with our Lord and savior and his son, Jesus. I lean on that faith all the time. When I hit my knees each night to pray I ask for strength to deal with what is happening to my friend in Viet Nam. My strength comes from our God—maker of heaven and earth.
If you have a religious background, how has this crisis affected your faith? : The Corona Virus crisis has strengthened my faith. We are not in this alone. God is with us every second of every day. One of my favorite songs is “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. That song reminds us that no matter what we face in life, God walks with us.
Have you seen any small victories in all of this for you or your family? : I just try to stay informed about what is going on in the Far East. I’m glad that my family and the rest of my friends are here in the United States.
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