Now, It's an Pandemic!

As of today, there are almost 25 thousand Novel Coronavirus infections in the world, and it has claimed almost 500 lives. Fortunately, there is another number that is going up, and that is the number of people who have recovered from it, almost one thousand people. While the majority of these infections are limited to China (and mostly in Hubei), there are an alarming number of new cases in other countries. The WHO (World Health Organization) has classified it as a global emergency and now refers to it as a pandemic, rather than an epidemic. We have been praying so hard for all of the infected, their families, the doctors and nurses who have been working tirelessly in difficult conditions, and for the government leaders and administrators.

There is also cause for optimism. I read about a new drug a few days ago that shows promise in treating the Novel Coronavirus. It is called Remdesivir. It seems that it was given to an infected man in the USA whose symptoms had progressed to pneumonia, and his condition improved within 24 hours. The maker of the drug (Gilead Sciences, Inc.) is now working with Chinese agencies to test the drug on Chinese patients. Several other companies throughout the world have also announced that they are working on vaccines, treatments, or cures for the Novel Coronavirus. This virus is quickly becoming a problem in so many countries, and it seems that the world is coming together to solve it. It is my truest hope that this cooperation will continue even after the Novel Coronavirus has been eradicated and left to the pages of history.

Restrictions in our city have increased, and movement throughout the city is not yet forbidden, but is becoming much more difficult. If you go anywhere, you must wear a mask or face a fine; this is difficult considering that masks are sold out everywhere. Some people are improvising them:

Almost all of the bus routes have been suspended; only a few are in operation. The subway is only running about 10 trains per day. Taxis are still running. However, taking a bus, the subway, or a taxi means you have to fill out documentation, show an ID, and submit to a temperature check. These things happen every time you go anywhere; this allows them to track movement in the event an infection is found. Private cars are no longer allowed in the downtown area, but are still allowed in the surrounding areas and suburbs. We also just heard that they locked down Nanjing (the capital city of our province).

We have been staying at home for the most part, only venturing out for food and supplies when absolutely necessary. I also got word today that classes will not resume until at least March. They have not stated an official date, as they are waiting to see if the pandemic continues or begins to burn itself out. 

We have been at home for about a week and a half and now we are looking at remaining here for at least another month. The mere idea of that is making me stir-crazy. Just the notion that I can’t go anywhere makes me want to go somewhere. However, I know that there is so much that I can do with this time. I have had free reign in the kitchen and have been trying out some new recipes and cooking styles. Here are some of the things we’ve thrown together:

Katie made Celery Shrimp; it was awesome!

Penne a la Vodka

Carrot and Raisin Salad – We ended up with a ton of carrots so I made this amazingly simple thing that I had a lot as a child. Katie loved it.

 

We also made chocolate cupcakes for my birthday, and passed them out to people around us.

I have also had time to get ahead on work and preparing speeches. I’ve even been working on writing my book. It had faded to an almost nebulous concept, but I’ve had a chance to look over what I wrote before and am encouraged that it will be completed in the next few years. It’s also been a huge blessing to spend some concentrated time with my wife. We’ve also been doing some serious praying and immersing ourselves in the Word. We’ve also tried to stay active, making sure to work out every day.

Our cats continue to chill out, having no clue about anything.

Things for us are going ok, but knowing what’s going on outside of our city is of great concern to us. Many of my expat friends have returned home, and many of my friends that remain here are in fear of this virus. I continue to remind them that even though it is difficult to see at this moment, God has a plan, and He is in perfect control. He so is.

Please continue to pray for China, and all of those countries fighting the spread of this pandemic. Pray for the infected, the families of the infected, the doctors and nurses who are literally at war with this virus, for the wisdom of the government leaders in figuring out how to best help the infected and stop it from spreading.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.