Many things have happened since I wrote last on my blog. China, Italy and Spain have had it really bad due to the coronavirus. Many people have been affected. US is not allowing international travel. Disneyland and Disneyworld have all closed, Universal studios also. All theme parks are closed and hotels are closing because there aren't any tourists. The economy is suffering and people are losing their jobs. We are blessed because so far Brent's job as an accountant is considered essential, we are in tax season so he has plenty of work. But he is seeing how his clients are struggling with the economy. Our Marcos pizzas are doing ok and still have business because the government is allowing delivery and pick up only from restaurants. All universities, colleges and schools have shut down and are teaching their students online. Conner had spring break last week but because of the coronavirus quarantine we stayed home. I was hoping to travel to Puerto Rico but that was not possible because I did not want to be on an airplane and risk exposure to the virus. Conner started online school yesterday and it was a success, his school is very organized and it is going to go really well for him. He also did piano on facetime with Heidi Larson, our piano teacher. We have done this before when she had to be in Utah for a summer so we know this works well.
Conner on his first day of online school on March 25th.
On Sunday March 22nd was Brent's birthday and it was a Sunday. Our second Sunday doing church at home. Brent is the best husband, dad, and grandfather! I’m thankful that he is ours forever! We had a relaxing Sunday, we went for a walk, had church at home, watched a movie, Brent and Conner finished a puzzle and had birthday cake.
We have been going on walks since we can't go anywhere during this pandemic. And the kids in our neighborhood and around the United States have been drawing messages about the virus on the sidewalk with chalk. Here are some from our neighborhood:
We are very proud of Kevin who just received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Great job Kevin!! Due to the Coronavirus his graduation was canceled and we are sad because it was here in Florida and we were looking forward to seeing them and going to his graduation.
On March 12th the Prophet announced that gatherings of church members were temporarily suspended worldwide.
It said: Beginning immediately, all public gatherings of Church members are being temporarily suspended worldwide until further notice. This includes:
Stake conferences, leadership conferences and other large gatherings
All public worship services, including sacrament meetings
Branch, ward and stake activities
I am thankful for a Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson who leads and guides the church today. He is led by our Savior Jesus Christ and when President Nelson speaks, he is saying what the Savior wants him to say. In July 2018 the church announced the new curriculum "Come Follow Me", for home, Sunday School and Primary. In his talk at the October Conference, President Nelson said: "As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of “church” as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."
Today we had our first Sacrament at home and I felt the spirit. We sang hymns.Brent and Conner blessed and passedthe Sacrament. We then had a lesson from Come Follow Me. The lesson was on Jacob chapters 1-4. We talked about David and Goliath and how David had so much faith that the Lord would help him fight and beat Goliath. The thought entered my head that now we are in a war against Satan. This Coronavirus just paralyzed the whole world. Church for now is at home and temples are closed and missionaries are quarantined in their apartments while othersare sent home. Even with all this commotion the work of the Lord continues. We are His army, we can still have church at home, thankfully the church was prepared for this. We can still share the gospel online, through Facebook, websites, blogs etc. Nothing will stop the work of our Savior Jesus Christ.
December 31, 2019: Chinese authorities treated dozens of cases of pneumonia from an unknown cause.
January 11, 2020: On Jan. 11, China reported its first death.
January 20, 2020: Other countries, including the United States, confirmed cases.
January 30, 2020: The W.H.O. declared a global health emergency.
January 31, 2020: The Trump administration restricted travel from China.
February 2, 2020: The first coronavirus death was reported outside China.
February 7, 2020: A Chinese doctor who tried to raise the alarm died.
February 10, 2020: The death toll in China surpassed the number SARS killed worldwide.
February 13, 2020: There were more than 14,000 new cases in Hubei Province.
February 14, 2020: France announces the first coronavirus death in Europe.
February 17, 2020: Chinese officials draft legislation to curb the practice of eating wildlife.
February 21. 2020: A secretive church is linked to outbreak in South Korea. The virus appears in Iran from an unknown source.
February 23, 2020:Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down towns.
February 24, 2020: The Trump administration asks Congress for $1.25 billion for coronavirus response. Iran emerges as a second focus point of the virus.
February 26, 2020: Latin America reports its first coronavirus case.
February 28, 2020: The number of infections in Europe spike. Sub-Saharan Africa records its first infection.
February 29, 2020: The United States records its first coronavirus death and announces travel restrictions.
March 3, 2020: U.S. officials approve widespread coronavirus testing.
March 11, 2020: President Trump blocks most visitors from Continental Europe.
March 13, 2020: President Trump declares a national emergency.
