Hey all. This week has been a hard week. With what is happening in the world right now involving caronavirus a lot has, quite frankly, gone to shit. And it’s affecting everyone. Everyone’s plans are being cancelled, people are getting sick, and those with compromised immune systems are at severe risk. I am incredibly lucky being here in Guatemala, where cases of the virus have not yet been found. I’m hoping and praying that it stays that way.
However, as of yesterday, Peace Corps Guatemala has banned any international travel for Peace Corps Volunteers unless it is an emergency. This means that my trip that I had planned for May to come home and see my family and go to my best friend’s wedding is now cancelled. Still unsure whether I will be getting my money back on the ticket. But what is most devastating for me is that I will not get to watch Kaylee get married and be her maid of honor like I was so desperately excited to do. To stand by her side and watch her marry the love of her life. And now i’m going to miss it. Which I am starting to accept is a part of being a volunteer. You might miss out on the important things in life. The big things that you really wish you could be there for. That is a price you have to pay for serving and is one that I encourage everyone applying to the Peace Corps to consider before coming. I will miss out on seeing my family too, which was really keeping me afloat and was something I was looking forward to. So, my plans for this weekend are to let myself feel the feelings, be angry for a while, and then let it go. Because, yes, my plans have been cancelled. I don’t get to see my loved ones and experience something that I would give anything to experience. Yet, me not flying to the states and coming back might reduce the risk of someone else contracting the virus. And with that thought in mind, I will accept and move on.
I am sending a lot of prayers and well wishes to those in the states and those all over the world who are struggling right now with the virus and its effects on us all. I am sending prayers to those who can’t afford to get tested. Those who are losing their jobs. Those who have to move away from their schools and universities and may not have another place to live. The kids who no longer get school meals and may be hungry now because of it. Those who are disabled or sick and are terrified. I am here and I am safe and I am thankful. And yet I ache for those who are in these situations.
We must be united as a nation and as a world. As humanity. And that goes for the current situation as it does for politics and the incredibly important upcoming election.
Love you all. Well wishes from Guatemala!
Camille's Peace Corps Adventure 