Stuck in Lima

As some of you know, I find myself literally stuck in Lima, Peru.

I had planned to spend most of March in my beloved birth country to celebrate my parents' milestone birthdays—Dad’s 80th and Mom’s 70th. Although my return flight is scheduled for March 31st, the uncertainty of what will happen next is understandably unsettling.

People often say, "everything happens for a reason," or "be careful what you wish for," and many of us believe that "God works in mysterious ways." These words have never felt more relevant.

Jean and I had organized an incredible tour package here in Peru, complete with 5-star hotels, thrilling adventures, and visits to historic sites and museums, from March 12 to 22. Fortunately (now we realize), we had no takers. We do have people lined up for 2021, but this year, no one signed up. In hindsight, we couldn’t have predicted what would have happened had people been here when the borders closed. There are over a thousand Americans stranded, waiting for their government to repatriate them. Some have already made it back home, but many are still waiting.

A couple of years ago, I realized that I have lived more years than what I have left to live. Time becomes shorter, and the remaining time is a treasure that must be used wisely. It has been my heartfelt wish to spend as much time as possible with my parents. Little did I know that the universe would fulfill this wish in the most unexpected and comical way.

Peru’s borders are closed until March 31st, but it’s not just the border that makes things challenging. The curfew (toque de queda) starts at 8 pm and lasts until 5 am, during which time we are not allowed to leave the house. In case of an emergency, you can wave a white flag and drive under 20 miles per hour with your interior lights on. I hope we don’t have an emergency because, quite frankly, I haven’t driven a stick shift car since 1992! Between 5 am and 8 pm, only one person per household can leave to buy medicine or food. While not everyone follows these strict rules, I do. My mom has diabetes and my dad, though in good health, is 80 years old. This brings me to "God works in mysterious ways." He made sure I was here with them.

Had I not made the trip, my parents would have had no one to take care of them. Mom is very much involved in the community, and whenever there is an event, whether it's an accident, a death, or a crime, people literally knock on the door to speak with her. Now, I’ve become the “door keeper,” refusing to open the door to anyone. If they need to speak with her, they must call. Call me crazy, but if that's what it takes to protect my parents from unnecessary exposure, I will do it.

I’m also the “personal shopper.” Since we're not allowed to drive, we must walk to the local market. To minimize the number of times I leave the house, I buy as much as I can carry. While this may sound like an inconvenience, I am grateful to be here, helping and caring for my mom and dad.

Although I am far from Jean, my boys, and my sister and her family, I know I am in the right place right now. I’m not suffering; I’m happy and trying to make the best of it. I’ll keep you all updated, and I urge you to STAY HOME. As I told the kids, "This is not about being the strongest, it’s about caring for the weakest."

Stay safe and healthy!