A COVID-19 Update From Paris

Life has changed for us all and many of us are now living with limited face to face contact with the outside world. President Macron has addressed the nation twice in the past week, each time issuing orders for decreased human contact. So here's a little update on where we stand.

This is a street near our house that is almost always packed with cars and people.
 A very different scene now. 

     1. All public events and schools in France have been cancelled and closed. All activity at The American Church in Paris has been cancelled. The staff are joining together to create connecting activities and online worship experiences for our community. It's quiet. But it's not all bad. We are grateful that we live and work in the building so meeting the other pastors is easy and frankly, a blessing. Our learning curve on being tech saavy is large but we are doing what we can to remain a connected, committed community of God's people. Our mantra is that the building is closed but the church remains alive and well. If you are interested in seeing the videos and resources we are putting out, please visit the ACP website: acparis.org. I am preaching this Sunday.
     2. The government did indeed issue a strict home quarantine directive yesterday. All bars and restaurants are closed. You are asked to work from home if you can. Food shops remain open but they are limiting the number of people who can be inside at any given time. It is unclear if the outdoor markets, which are such a big part of how the French shop, will continue to be open. Boulangeries are open so getting fresh baguettes is not an issue. Parliament actually debated whether or not boulangeries were essential and decided, bien sûr, they must stay open! In order to enforce the quarantine, you must carry a paper with you that states your business.

Our permission letter to be outside.
You must carry this with you every time you leave the house. 

You can shop for and medicine, go to the Dr., get some exercise, and walk your pets. But you must do so alone or perhaps with one other family member. It is not yet clear to us if we can walk Maddie together given that we are already spouses and sharing space. We'll find out I guess if we get stopped on our walk and told that we are breaking the regulations. Either way, we are so grateful for Maddie! She remains a lovable companion. These strict regulations are in place for 2 weeks. But we all expect it to be extended.
     3. There is plenty of food and other products in town. While the shelves are emptying out, mainly from people all shopping at once and doing a bit more stocking up than normal, (The French tend to shop a bit each day), there is not chaos or hoarding going on. I've been able to get everything I've needed/wanted each time I've gone to the store. It's all been very civil and polite. I'm very impressed with how the public is behaving during this time. There is a quiet acceptance that life as we have known it is finished for a bit. I'm grateful for the atmosphere that surrounds me.

What else would you buy on St. Patrick's day during the COVID-19 quarantine?
Guiness and anti-bacterial spray!

     4. All European Union countries have now closed their borders. No one can travel in or out without an extraordinary reason. Flights are being cut back and people are pretty much being ordered to stay put. Many people have had travel plans interrupted. I was supposed to go to Copenhagen for a couple of days, leaving tonight but alas, I will be here in Paris. My ticket was refunded immediately which was very nice.
     5. It is indeed a new normal. It's actually kind of nice that Paris is quiet right now but also a big bummer that you can't enjoy the city. We are thankful that we have a dog that needs to be walked.

She has taken to looking out the window and perching here outside the window. She is such good company.

We are grateful that our colleagues are our neighbors and that we enjoy being together. We will figure out how to Facetime others, keep in touch, gain some level of social contact in the midst of not being able to meet.  I am trying to clear space to make a list of all the things I have always wanted to do if I had time, and then work at doing some of them. I am not in a state of panic but taking it a day at a time. I believe the science and the advice of doctors and the World Health Organization that limiting social contact defeats the spread of the virus and will ultimately save lives, especially to those most vulnerable. My advice is to breath deeply, exhale slowly, be in prayer for yourself and others, and try to lean into this quieter, less social season that all of us are facing.
We do not yet know what this whole season will yield...but what time in history we are living through. It will become an immortal question...Where were you when the coronavirus swept the world?
Since today is St. Patrick's day, I commend to you the prayer of St. Patrick.
Stay safe people and do your part to help others stay safe too. And wash. Often. With soap.