COVID-19 Week 3 29 March- April 4

We entered the third week of lockdown with quite grim predictions about what could happen and with much harsher lockdowns.  Only 2 people were allowed to meet together and many businesses were closed.  On the Sunday, Sally and the kids made face masks in case they were needed.  We are not sure if the kids actually knew how to wear them

The harsh restrictions meant there were lots of changes.  Parks had their play and exercise equipment shut and stores that were allowed to stay open had to make sure people did not stand closer than 1.5m apart.  Gaffer tape on the floor let everyone know what to do.

As the week began, so did the home schooling. Ed was getting used to the routine and was going a lot better now that he can connect with his friends online.  2 Computers helps.  Ed became his group's DJ playing alot of Christmas Carols and songs on repeat.  There was alot of laughing between Ed, Riley, Hannan and Elliot.  The girls had online classes and still had assessments to hard in. They were given gym sessions by the waterpolo coach of school, and were really diligent (mostly) in doing the sessions.  Those schools bags weigh over 10kg when filled with books- the perfect weights!

We are not really allowed out of the house that much so it can get a bit boring.  The occasional ride or run around the block.  So we are making as many things fun as we can.  The backyard has seen lots of volley ball this week.  Another discovery this week was "drawful" an online drawing competition.  We laughed so much at the random drawings and sexy guesses!! We are hoping to pick up a few skills each over this time of isolation. Another tactic has been the weekly online shopping treat.  We each get about $10 from a different website.  Sal is very excited about the new golden slippers- she is not sure she will be able to wear her high heels again to work.

Mark has been working hard on researching Moral Injury and Psychology study.  When he started he never thought it would be so relevant so quickly.  With the possible decisions that doctors may have to make, they face real moral dilemmas about life and death.  Over the space of a week Mark spoke to 2 sets of doctors about it to an empty theatre (social distancing) but lots of online participants.  To end the week Mark also found out he was awarded a grant from the NSW government to help in the research.

To end the week with a bang we had a fancy party where we made a great meal and dressed up in formal clothes.  Holly and Ed made an amazing cake, while Kate made a perfect potato bake.  We feel a mixture of emotions at the whole COVID thing.  There is boredom, anxiety, frustration, sorrow for people who are losing family, isolation and a little bit of fear.  But we have our faith that sustains us.  God is good and meeting with His people online is good, but we know God will never leave us.  (We all have a different online biblestudy we attend). We also have each other, and we are enjoying doing things we have not done together before and making it as much fun as we can along the way.