COVID-19

 This is for my kids or Grandkids history books: this is March-May 2020

On the news, around the middle of Feb, there was talk about this new virus in China Covid-19. Then it started spreading and shutting down countries around the world. I thought sad for them, and can I get my stuff from AliExpress. Europe was hit hard.

The rumor was our stores were going to get over ran. They kept talking about toilet paper. On March 4th I went to the Case lot Sale and things were picked over, but I still got what I wanted. At Costco they still have the essentials but their storage (upper shelves were extremely low) 12th everything started shutting down- All sporting events cancelled. No Jazz for Colvin. Nickel Mania was not closed. It was Colvin’s replacement Jazz Game. That was ok with him

They announced on the 13th that all schools in Utah would be shut down. By the end of the following week 90% of schools in the US was closed, and it was online learning. Some schools and teachers were better equipped. Denali's teacher was Fantastic (Some teachers were awful) The announcement came around April 14 that no one would be returning to school for the 2019-2020 year. (originally it was a 2-week brake) I felt the worst for the high school seniors they did not get any of their fun trips or graduation. By the fist of May they were talking about not going back to school in Aug. 

By the next week all groups were 10 people or less. (quote: families in Utah deciding who is sleeping outside) Sierra and Preston even got asked to leave a store in the mall because they were person 10 and 11.

They shut down all "non-essential" business, for 3 weeks. Everything that was open had tons of precautions.  Masks, Number of people and distancing to 6 feet away from each other. Greg is exclusively working from home (he has had to go into the office once is 6+ weeks). There was a learning curve for us, it is a work in progress. 

For stores you have to wait in line to go in, since everyone has to be a minimum of 6 feet away. Most items are limited to 2 per household. Things that are hard to find; paper produces, children's liquid medicine, flour, cleaning supply, vinegar.  As of May you have to wear a mask into Costco, I hate mask I cannot breathe in one. 

All churches and temple are shut down. We were given the green light to do sacrament in the home. The priesthood is powerful in your home having your husband administering it to you. Here is a quote I found and love it:

 I cannot tell you what a testimony builder this COVID 19 experience has been. Everything our governments are doing is reactive. They are trying to handle the situation as it develops, in varying stages of success.

However, almost everything our church has done has been proactive. Today, the church closed all the temples completely. On the outside, it seemed reactive. However, I see now that the Lord prepared us for this.

Less than one year ago, the church announced that couples no longer have to wait a year to get sealed if they have been married civilly. I just shrugged at the time and thought it was a great policy. However, today I see that the Lord knew the temple closures were coming and He took away the waiting period for couples who had no choice but to get married civilly while the temples were closed.

It solidified my testimony to know that Lord, through our Prophet, is not being reactive. He is being proactive.

*Come Follow Me - giving us time to become familiar with it (even if we are not perfect).

*General Conference - going to be different (even if it was not in any way close to our speculations)

*Closing all Temples - but already having a policy in place for couples whose lives are held in limbo!

*Age of witnesses being lowered - baptisms can be witnessed by non-priesthood holders so with 1 priesthood and 2 women, the baptism can still happen.

*Ministering - no longer focusing on visiting people in their homes but, just a general, personal caring connection.

*Online Seminary classes - An amazing tool to have that allow High School kids to continue to learn without having to physically attend class.

*Youth Changes in age - Young Men who were turning 12 this year have already received the priesthood at the beginning of the year instead of after the pandemic (hopefully) ends making them able to pass the sacrament in their homes under the direction of their bishops.

*Also, so grateful for Personal Revelation, Emergency Preparedness and Food Storage always taught by the Church.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING, THE SIGNS ARE EVERYWHERE!!!

It was crazy to me how fast the government could shut down your life.  Parks and outside recreation.  The boys did karate on Zoom!

Here are some other first: I was able to attend a Zoom weeding. It was fun to see everyone and wave. (Tip: You need a dedicated person to only run zoom). In May we were finally able to dine-in. There were differences. Like: all servers had to wear masks, all tables were spaced 6 feet apart. We went to Golden Corral and you waited in line and someone filled your plate for you. Going to doctors or dentist office you did not wait in the waiting area. You called when parked, then they called you back 

when they were ready for you, then you went right back to a room.

 One funny thing is online shopping skyrocketed. Amazon prime was a week, and any grocery pickup was a minimum of a week or upwards of 2. 

 There are so many things about washing your hands. It really worries me that washing your hands was new news to so many, or that no one had any extra cleaning supplies. 

We lived through the craziness. Covid-19 memes are my favorite here a just a few!