As we listen to the evening’s news from the United States, COVID-19 continues to absorb most of the reporting as well as the question of “when will we get back to normal?”
We may need to rethink normalcy in our time of isolation, because it may not be what the world’s population, including all flora and fauna, need.
Here in our CDCA work in Nicaragua, we are looking at ways to adapt to the new norm. Wednesday we held a Zoom Live Event hosted by Megan Quinn from East Tennessee University. Sarah did a power point presentation and about 75 people attended. Folks joined in from all over the United States and even a dear friend from Belgium, who stayed awake to attend. Becca and Sarah finished up the hour answering questions.
Dr. Jorge Flores, one of our clinic doctors, was going to attend with Becca translating, but he is home with fever and aches...COVID? Maybe. But if he had been able to attend, what a new perspective he could have brought to the 75 attendees!
Besides missing the chance to hug people and enjoy their company, the good news for the earth is that no airplane flights were required for the presentation. No driving needed to attend the presentation, whether in Washington State, North Carolina, Iowa, Pennsylvania...well, you get the idea. The meeting happened with technology keeping the carbon footprint low.
None of us WANT this to be the norm exclusively. For us living in Nicaragua, we miss our children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, nieces and nephews, as well as good friends who live abroad. In 2019, Mike and I made four trips to the States... a record for the two of us... and such a delight it was to be with family. Over our history we each usually make an annual trip north.
Our work raises a great deal more funds when one of us is talking and sharing the hopes and dreams in person. Sarah frequently raises $40,000 each spring, and Becca over $15,000 each trip north.
But in a year or so, as we approach the possibility of a vaccine that allows safe travel for us, may we look at how to keep the carbon footprint down. And until then, we will continue to fund-raise, spread the news, and visit virtually. Please help as you can.
-Kathleen
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