I’m used to lock downs. Living in Haiti means living in a place that can lock down at any time. So, I know that when I get a chance to go to the grocery store, I might not get that chance again for a couple weeks. The freedom to travel today does not guarantee me the same for tomorrow.

Sometimes, my lockdowns are personal; I have limited access to transportation and a limited schedule of availability for errands. Sometimes, lockdowns are specific, and we are grounded because of local or targeted threats. Sometimes, the entire country essentially goes on lockdown and we don’t know how long it will last.

But, these past few days and weeks, I’ve watched as the world has locked down. And this is new to me. Because in the back of my mind, I always knew I could leave here and go home. And now, home in also on lock down. People in the states who have never not been free to travel and shop and eat out and go to school are being locked down for their own protection. And it hurts. And I don’t like not being there when my people are hurting. But I made my decision over the past week that the best place for me to stay now is here in Haiti.

I’m watching from afar as everyone reacts all over social media, the full spectrum of hilarity and heartache that is the human experience, but I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this is difficult for each person. And it is difficult for each person in different ways and that is ok.

People are grieving the experiences that they expected to have in the next several weeks; graduations, weddings, vacations, parties, school days, and paychecks. People are disappointed. People are stressed. People are afraid. For themselves. And those they love. People are lonely. In-person social circles have suddenly shrunk to the people living in one’s own home, and that can be intimidating. Yes, there are silver linings. Yes, this can be very good. But, yes, this will be difficult.

So, what is my point? In your determination to properly isolate, don’t forget that God doesn’t ask you to keep your dirty hands out of his face. Run to him in this time of disruption from our normal busy schedules and let Him use the stillness to speak to you.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Also, talk to your friends. We have to physically protect one another for a season, but we still need each other desperately. If you need a friend to message and want someone who’s felt a little locked in before… I know a girl! 😉