Conquering COVID

The Beginning

By the title, you have probably guessed that our squad has experienced COVID in our first month on the field. Four days after touching down in Guatemala, we had our first team member test positive. Soon after, quarantine was put in place, and because I had been exhibiting symptoms was placed with the symptomatic group in a separate room. As this was the first time, for all of us, following the specific organizational protocols, there was a bit of a learning curve and a wide range of emotions. 

The Progression of Events

For me, it was an expectation of mine that it would occur at some point during the Race because of the way things have been playing out in the US, and the world. What was the hardest, was how the physical separation seemed to create a relational separation as well. Our first month, two teams were placed at the same host home together, and in my team only two were allowed to continue in ministry, while the other four of us were quarantined together. 

We were able to take some walks in our quarantine pack, which was refreshing to the soul. But three days later, 4 out of 5 of us tested positive for COVID. My squad leader, Abby, was experiencing shortness of breath, so we planned to travel together to Guatemala City to go the hospital the following day. I was having mild symptoms of congestion and runny nose, but thought it would be worth going to the doctor for symptom management since I had also started having some headaches and facial warmth. 

The City

The three hour bus ride from Chichicastenango to Guatemala City was difficult for Abby, who started to feel very poorly. When we arrived to the hospital, we went to the front desk and explained her symptoms. We were immediately taken to one of the rooms in the Emergency Department. Fortunately, I was able to translate Spanish to English with the Google Translate app and the medical information with my nursing knowledge. I knew that the Lord would use my nursing at some point, but didn’t expect it to be so soon on the Race.

About five hours after arriving, Abby had received scans, treatment, the plan of care, prescriptions, and all of the fun paperwork that insurance requires for reimbursement. After our first meal of the day at McDonald’s, we headed to another facility for me to be seen. The second location was also an Emergency Department. Unfortunately, they were not as quick as the first location. Around 7:45pm we finally left after I got my lab results, prescriptions, and paid for the visit. 

Due to Abby requiring four days of follow-up treatment, we stayed quarantined in a local hotel together until it was completed. We had some awesome time to have deep talks, and for me to ask lots of questions! Fortunately, Abby is one of the most patient people that I know and shares some sweet wisdom. The time seemed to pass well, but we were both ready to rejoin the teams by the end of the four days in the hotel, and I was ready for a home cooked meal.

The Moments

Of course, no difficult experience can come without lessons and sweet moments. With the Lord, there is always hope and love to be found. When it all began with the first positive test, my teammate Abby, asked the Lord why He was allowing this to happen, and the response that she received from Him was PREPARATION.

Throughout the time of many unknowns, quarantining, and medical visits, I sensed the same thing. Although we were not able to be involved in ministry, there was a peace around me, and I knew that the Lord’s timing was right. This could have happened at any time during the 11 month Race, but we started with it: hard lessons, but much wonderful preparation mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, for the things to come.

One of the biggest lessons was that God does not need me. Let me repeat that: God does not need me. He can change hearts, He can bring understanding to even the hardest concept, and He can speak directly to all the people of the earth. But even this God, Creator of the Universe, desires to use me. This big God, He still used us during quarantine, just not in the ways that we expected.

At the hospital, we were able to speak with and pray for a local woman, Mariam, who had been struggling with the symptoms of COVID for 19 days. We were also able to be ministered to and prayed for by May, an Adventures In Missions (AIM) staff member in Guatemala, whom we had met upon arrival to the country. Prayer became natural, a way of life, and often times the only way that we could interact with those around us, due to the virus. Even a spotty FaceTime call with my team brought me so much joy and filled my longing for community. 

Coming out of quarantine, there have continued to be moments, such as praying for a community member who was sick from COVID, that continue to encourage me in the plans, ways, and timing of the Lord.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” 

[Proverbs 3:5-8]

Proverbs 3:5-6