Quite.the.Quarantine

Yep, life has been interesting in Mexico the past couple of weeks. The swine flu started slow & spread quickly, along with the fear of the people surrounding. Face masks creeped into stores, onto people's faces, & even on the faces of mannequins in shop windows & statues in the park! At least we can express some humor. And I've gotta say the media has done a fabulous job in creating the swine MONSTER! It is a very serious situation, one to not take lightly...but it is interesting how Mexico has been represented in all of this.

Yes, the swine has been here, people have died, & many more infected. I think one aspect that has been slightly overlooked, is the fact that many of the people who died here either had no medical attention available to them, or didn't feel much different than usual, based on their normal living conditions.

When the swine flu first started to spread from Mexico City to other cities here, the government of Mexico ordered that all schools close for about 9 days, for an extended period of time to inhibit the furthering of the swine. During those 9 days, not only were the schools closed, but so were all of our ministry opportunities. So, we had to issue a quarantine for the students here. It was a L-O-N-G 9 days at home but a good learning experience for all. We spent more time together with our students, than we would in a normal week, & worked together as a team in various projects. Along with it came boredom & homesickness, but we were also stretched & challenged. And it's a good short clip of life on the mission field.

The quarantine was lifted this past Wednesday, May 6th, soon to be issued once again. Word spread that the swine flu started to affect people here in Guadalajara, and schools have been re-closed until May 18th. So, here we are...hanging at home once again. It's not really what any of us want to do, but again, we try to understand this time of rest from God & what His greater purpose might be in all of this. Though we are not in direct danger of catching the swine we are respecting the government in not engaging in any public gatherings (i.e. many of our ministries), & anxiously await Monday the 18th!

I ask simply that you pray. Pray for our sanity as we hang out for the next 9 days in the house! But even more than that, that we see God in all of this, & can start up again with a new fervor & joy on thd 18th. We thank you for your prayers & concerns, & will continue to update you on any new developments. But even in this swine, to God be the glory!