03/17/2020
My front row seat to a city in a state of emergency.’ How Coronavirus hit our family.
Greetings:
All of us are aware of the current globe health situation. I'll be brief but
want to share how it has effected us in a very real way.
I was in Lima, Peru this past weekend w a couple other Statesmen Project
leaders hosting a leaders conference attended by people from 6-8 Latin
nations. On Sunday afternoon while the conference was in progress we learned
the Lima airport was shutting down Monday at midnight due to the Corona Virus.
It set of an unbelievable response from many here in Lima who were changing
plans to exit the country prior to the 15 day shut down. We went to the
airport that night that was packed from ticket counters to entry doors. My two
friends were able to get flights out departing early Monday morning to the US.
After hours of checking the various airlines & also on line searches I decided
to get a room at an airport hotel & rest for a few hours. After checking in &
numerous on line search I purchased flights from Lima (departing Monday at 1
pm)to Cali, Colombia then Cali to Miami (departing Tuesday morning). When we
arrived app 12 or so 'foreigners' were taken to the side & our passports were
collected by immigration. In a while an airline rep came & eventually led us
back to the ticket counter. As she didn't speak English it was difficult to
communicate & get clear updates. Eventually we were informed we were being
returned to Lima on the same plane as many of our connecting flights were
cancelled. We were placed on the plane & flown to Lima w a few other Peruvians
trying to get home.
When we arrived an airline rep escorted us to immigration where we were
validated to reenter. It's late at night by this time & quite frankly we were
all very tired & dealing with a host of emotions while trying to mentally
develop a plan of 'what next.' The same packed airport a few hours earlier was
now in the process of being shut down. After immigration we went to baggage
claim for our checked luggage. Several of us were told our bags were in Cali &
due to the shut down nothing would be done for at least 15 days. As the rep
was completing my lost luggage report he asked for my passport to copy it.
When he was done I took my copies & hurried to get a taxi back to the hotel we
stayed in for the conf. As streets were very quiet I noticed lots of officers
lining major intersections. I asked a lady sharing the taxi who spoke some
English why they were there & she said an emergency. On the ride to the hotel
I suddenly realized I didn't have my passport. Honestly, I am embarrassed at
the amateurish blunder while traveling internationally! The luggage rep never
gave it back to me & in the confusion & hurry to get a taxi & get to hotel I
didn't realize it. I must confess after a few days off emotions roller coaster
this was a deep punch to the gut. We returned to the airport but were not
allowed to re enter the secured area. I eventually got to my hotel & checked
in for a few hours of 'rest.'
When I woke apx 5:30 the hotel had left a note under the door. By this time in
this journey I wasn't expecting it to say we had two vacate the hotel. It said
the Peruvian govt had declares state of emergency & therefore the would only
offer room service & not the restaurant to limit human interaction. Being a
type II diabetic, my diet & management of food/meals is very important. So, I
am safe here & there are only two other guests at the hotel.
Today has been trying to contact the US embassy to get a replacement pp. I
emailed them & called many times only to get a receptionist. I went to the
police station to file a lost pp report which I am told will need for the
replacement.
I am mentally preparing to be here at least 15 day 'quarantined' for the most
part w mask & gloves.
For prayer our priorities are: My health! I must stay well. My pp replacement.
Safe place w access to food. I have limited meds due to the 2019 heart
situation so we are exploring avenues for refills.
Finally- I asked the Lord to send us a daily encouragement during this. Today
has been many as people I dint know have texted offering help w info, possible
lodging, Lima contacts. etc!
Thanks for praying over this and my dear Deb, Meredith, Kinley & g'kids!
I plan to bend & kiss the US soil upon my return!
Blessings,
Hope Taylor
