Lockdown

Hello, all. Given the current circumstances, I think you all need to be updated on what’s going on. 

Firstly, wherever you are reading from, I hope this blog post finds you well. There seems to be no one unaffected by the pandemic. I read a story today that the U.S. received 3.3 million unemployment insurance claims, and has also just surpassed 1,000 deaths due to Corona virus. I wish health and safety for you all and your families.

Last Sunday, I received word that Peru was entering into a 15 day nation-wide lockdown. Citizens were given a 24 hour period to prepare, before all non-essential business shut down, including the closing of the border.

A few day’s later, YAV announced it would be canceling it’s international program, returning all of it’s roughly 15 internationally placed volunteers to the United States, as soon as possible. This, however, left me and the other two YAV volunteer’s in Peru, not only unable to return to the United States, but unable to even get to Lima. 

Right now, we are all currently quarantining with our host families, not sure exactly when or how we are getting home. The U.S. Embassy here in Peru is working closely with the Peruvian government to help the hundred’s of U.S. citizens stranded in Peru return to United States, but the process has been slow, and mainly afforded to those in either Cusco or Lima. Our best bet was originally thought to be waiting until the lockdown ends, which would have taken place on March 30th, but while I’ve been writing this blog, it was announced the lockdown will be extend to April 13th. We’re hoping that the embassy will organize something before that.  

While on lockdown, I haven’t had much to do besides pack, play with my host brother’s and keep an eye on the global COVID situation, especially in the United Sates and here in Peru. As China’ seems to have the virus under control, the situation throughout the west is rapidly spiraling out of it.

In Peru, the President decided to shut down while still below 100 cases nation wide. This has entailed a series of laws, including families being permitted to one person leaving the house per day for essential needs, and an 8pm curfew, strictly enforced by the police and military. Now, 10 days into lockdown, the case count has remained below 500.

Looking at the global situation, once the virus enters the country, it seems like the decision to completely lockdown is the only way to flatten the curve. It is a hard decision because it comes with a harsh set of economic consequences. In Peru, the unavailability of work has left the many people who depend on their daily earnings to eat, unable to afford enough to get by. In Huanuco, many are going hungry, and it’s even worse in the poorer regions of Peru. People all over the world are feeling the effects of the corona virus, as well as it’s solutions. 

While all this is happening, I’m now am having to suddenly say goodbye to everyone here. Two Sunday’s ago, I went through a normal day at Granja Lindero Ecologíco, and now I’m realizing I won’t ever be going back. I feel like I’m abandoning my family. I will always remember my time there as one of the highlights of my life. I met some of the hardest working and humblest people, and I am undoubtably a better person for having been here. I hope to have even left half the impact that was left on me. 

Thank you to everyone back home who made this experience possible. It could not have happened without your support.   

Final Thing, I am currently working on a series of 4 short promotional videos for the farm. I will be posting the links to them likely to my facebook, and also likely to one final blog post. Keep and eye out for them, and please take a look. It’s an amazing place!