As we are finishing up Day #11 of the stay-at-home order in Kansas City, I am still seeing great things.
For example: The University of Kansas Medical School is allowing more than fifty students to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce. This is a new program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residencies for medical schools begin July 1. These students already had to have their "match day", which is a hugely exciting day for those who have worked so hard to find out where they will serve their residency, at home. And now, those who choose will be allowed to serve in areas around the country that are desperately in need of help until their residency begins.
The kids have started their online schooling in our school district, along with many others this week. The teachers and administrators have worked so hard in a very short period of time to make this happen. At my house at least, it is going relatively smoothly. Zach gets done what he needs to, attends his online zoom meetings for classes, is even tutoring a kiddo in algebra, and then spends as much time out at the soccer net in the backyard (by himself or with Anna) as possible. Arrangements have been made for his AP exam, and this is just the new normal, at least for now.
Sarah has done her assigned assignments, had a couple of zoom classes, and spends a lot of time drawing and creating. She has made pictures and cards for people celebrating their birthdays during this time (mainly kids), and has enjoyed being outside while the weather is gorgeous.
I made lesson plans for Anna loosely based on the "Choice Board" provided by the district for each day. Other than an occasional question about where to find something, she just gets her work done. Beyond that, she spends time every day out with Zach and the soccer ball, plays games online with her friends, and also has been in charge of drawing cards and pictures for birthdays. One of her lessons this week was to read about acrostic poems and then write her own. Here is hers:
I know it is hard on the kids to not be with their friends. Heck, this week it has been hard on me to not be with mine. It was fun on Sunday when we walked that we got to visit with some friends in the neighborhood (from a very responsible distance). Until then, I didn't realize how much zoom and texts and phone calls just weren't cutting it. I cannot wait until we are past this and I'm able to see and hug people again. But, even in this, I have noticed great things. Teenagers are out walking and talking with their parents. People are getting fresh air and exercise way more than before (granted, they could usually work out at a gym, but the Vitamin D is good!). People are waving at their neighbors. People are offering help and to pick up supplies when they are out for people that shouldn't go out at all.
I encourage you to not get caught up in the negativity that is going around. Yes, things are different, and hard right now. People are very ill and dying. Allow yourself to mourn...not just the illness and loss of people, but the loss of graduations, concerts, trips, job uncertainty or changes, loss of sports seasons, and everything else that goes along with it. But don't allow yourself to get stuck there. Remember the positives and the good things still happening.
Finally, this Sunday is Palm Sunday. It is the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people shouted "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Not to spoil the story, but these are the same people who 5 days later would shout "Crucify Him!" when asked by Pilate what he should do with Jesus. But don't worry...that isn't the end of the story either! In case you don't know, 3 days after that, Jesus was risen from the dead! But, these words from Luke 9:51 touch me every time. "As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." (Luke 9:51, NIV). Jesus knew what was waiting for Him. He knew He was going to be put to death. And yet, He didn't grumble or complain or try and bargain with God. Resolutely means in an admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering manner." It does not mean begrudgingly or accidentally. The words in the original Greek say "he steadfastly set his face".
These stories can be found in the following verses
Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem: Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44
The Last Supper: Matthew 26: 17-30, Luke 22:7-34
Jesus' Death: Matthew 27:11-66, Luke 23:1-56
Jesus' Resurrection: Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12
If you need a Bible, please let me know. If you want to read online, Biblegateway.com is a great site as you can read in different translations. And there are also Bible Apps on your phone. If you need help with any of this, please reach out.
So, as you prepare for Palm Sunday, Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, reflect on each peace. And remember, Jesus purposefully chose to go to Jerusalem for you and me, in spite of knowing what was going to happen there. I urge you to not skip over the days leading up to the resurrection, but to study each part.
And, as always, I ask you to choose joy, spread joy, and continue to do great things.
