together apart.

There is a phrase that I have used over and over in my lifetime.

Life can change in an instant.

Until this point, I have used this most when discussing moments of tragedy in the lives of my friends and family members.  

However, over our school's spring break during the first week of March, we started to hear more and more about the Coronavirus crisis in our country. 

Within a few days of the original mention of the virus, we had extended our spring break into the next week...and then the following week...and then through the rest of March.

Just four short weeks later, we are now under a state-wide "stay-at-home order" and we won't be returning to school in the foreseeable future.

Just. Like. That.

School.  Gone.
Church.  Gone.
Track season.  Gone.
Piano lessons.  Gone.
Dance class.  Gone.
Family trips to the grocery store.  Gone.
Eating out at restaurants.  Gone.

Yes, life can change in an instant.

And just like that, we're navigating the world of "home-schooling".  The girls have some assignments from school they are working on and we are really getting back to the basics of reading books for fun, exploring outdoor play, and being creative "just because".

Just like that, we're worshipping via Facebook Live on Sunday mornings and connecting with believers all over the country.  We're watching sermons cuddled up on the couch and taking communion with homemade bread made by our daughter.  The girls are spending over half an hour every morning studying God's Word together...an opportunity they would not have if it weren't for our current situation.

Just like that, we're practicing softball outside in the evenings, riding the ranger around the gravel roads, and having art class with sidewalk chalk under the sun.

Just like that, our house is clean, laundry is caught up, and we have decluttered more unnecessary belongings than I ever would have thought possible.

Just like that, we are eating out of our pantry and freezer, only going to the store for necessities.  We're making meals at home and sitting around the table every single night.  We are laughing and telling stories together and taking time to enjoy each others' company.

Just. Like. That.

Just a little over a month ago, we were meeting ourselves coming and going every night. 

We were leaving the house at dark and getting home at dark.

We were running kids from one activity to another every single evening.

Yes.  Life has changed.  

There are many challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  

There are many scary aspects of this virus and I am thankful that there are so many people in our country taking it so seriously.

As we work to get through the current crisis, I hope and pray that we can be intentional in continuing to connect with people. 

And maybe...just maybe, we will be able to use this time as a reset for our families. 
A reset for our communities.
A reset for our country.

Maybe when we again have freedom to congregate, we'll remember what this time felt like. 

The simplicity. 
The togetherness.
So many stories of people helping people.
The everyday miracles that are coming to light during the time we are spending "stuck" in our homes.

Feeling hopeful in the farmhouse tonight, as we spend our time together -- apart,
Hannah

♥️🏡​♥️