We've emerged from a two week isolation. Elizabeth tested positive for Covid and has since recovered from it. Here's a little more about our Covid experience and what we learned from it...
Two weeks ago we told you that we were going into self-isolation because we were a contact of someone who tested positive for Covid. Elizabeth became symptomatic and then tested positive (the rest of our family tested negative) and we reset the isolation clock. Elizabeth shares her perspective this week. Here's a few things about how the time went and what we learned...
Symptoms
After being exposed to Covid, I (Elizabeth) ordered home tests for our family. I had a few mild symptoms at the time, but really just thought it was a cold. When our tests arrived I administered the tests for the whole family. Let us paint the picture: throat and nose swab for 15 seconds each... it was quite an experience! We packaged up our tests and dropped them in the post (this is the only time a member of our family left our house during isolation, postmen do not pick mail up from your home in the UK). While waiting for our test results I began to feel more Covid symptoms, like a bad cold.
Results
We received our test results via email. Positive for me and negative for the rest of the family. The UK has strict isolation laws for anyone who has tested positive or been in direct contact. I was instructed to continue to self isolate for 10 days from the when symptoms started. Thomas, Perry, and Shepherd had to start over their 14 day isolation... as you can imagine Thomas was less than thrilled. I was contacted by the NHS and had to give a detailed account of where she went and who she was around on the days leading up to our self isolation. We also had to cancel our half term holiday to The Cotswolds. This was such a disappointment for us. The company that we booked with really kind and refunded all our money. We are hopeful that we will be able to go over the Christmas break (fingers crossed).
Isolation
Here's a little glimpse into what our days of self isolation looked like. Thomas did breakfast with the kids in the morning allowing me to have a little lie-in. I and the kids spend time doing school work. Perry and Shepherd missed being at school with their friends, but did enjoy getting spending some extra time in the pjs. Thomas would work in the tippy top room in the afternoon, once again our house turned into Redeemer HQ. We made the most of our Disney+ subscription with lots of movie nights, had fun putting together a 1000 piece London puzzle, and played lots of board games. All in all, we got through it.
Support
This experience made us even more grateful for the neighbours who live around us. Friends brought pies, coffees, treats for the kids, and someone even brought a whole Sunday roast! Even though we hated being sick and sidelined it opened the door for us to experience the kindness of neighbours and friends. This feels extra special since we live a long way from family and in such a big city. We are very grateful for the kindness that God showed us through other people.
We also faced the clear reminder that we were not made to live alone - in isolation - but in community. Being shut in as a family for two weeks provides some sweet highs that are to be enjoyed but also some tough lows and discouragements. It's in times like these that we know we need each other. We are ready to band together with our friends and neighbours for whatever Winter has in store. A friend of ours named Lori texted us Isaiah 38:16-20 and it ministered to us in a special way. We know God is working out His purposes in every situation that we find ourselves in.
What Else?
It's half term for school so Perry and Shepherd are out of school and Thomas is taking a few days off so we can all make some memories. We're unleashing all the family fun that we can manage for this week. We've had a couple of day trips already and a few more fun things planned over the next few days. We'll share more in a couple of days. We're glad to be out, and about, and making memories together.
Thank you for your prayer and support. We are glad to be on this journey with you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
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