Our journey began on February 27 while the coronavirus chatter was just beginning to ramp up in the United State. My husband, myself, and our grown son, along with our three dogs piled into our camper for our trip from Texas to North Carolina. Having spent the last eight years in Texas because of work, we were ready to get back to the Carolinas, family, and home. Except the timing appears to be a little off, at the moment. But this is when everything began falling into place like our house selling in Texas. So, we grab onto God’s timing and here we go again!
Now, traveling in our camper is not unusual for us. It has been our usual mode of transportation for years. When you have a rare auto-immune disease like me, public restrooms, hotel rooms, and other possible germ-infested areas are places to avoid. And we also found it easier to bring our pets with us rather than to board them or have sitters at our home. They have adapted quite well to the traveling lifestyle.
After being on the road for three days and with a few obstacles thrown our way, i.e. flat tire, we made it to the campground in the Carolinas. It is cold, rainy and we have not found a house to buy. The dismal weather and my spirit seem to be like-minded and building. I see the going in and out of everyone, increasing the dirt and congestion in our camper. {So, let me explain I like things clean and tidy. My family says I am a little OCD.} The dark clouds circling our camper and my own head are thickening into a rumbling, lightening filled masses. This is quickly becoming a very unpleasant experience and we need to find a home!
With my own stress level rising, admittedly of my own making, we ventured out to find a home. All the while in the background is the advancing wave of Covid-19. Knowing of our impending move, we had been searching the Charlotte market since November. But Charlotte is in a real estate bubble with not a lot of inventory and prices through the roof. Being older and wiser, my husband and I know not to get caught up and yet, we need a home! I want to throw myself on the ground and kick and scream like the tantrum of a two-year-old. And then, we find a house! The sky opens full of sunshine, the birds sing, and a rainbow appears in the background. Not really, but it sounds good and my own relief felt that way.
God is so very good! While we have been focused on getting a home, the impending tidal wave of Covid-19 was about to come crashing down on America. And it did! Now with my autoimmune disease and type 2 diabetes, I am one of the ones who should stay inside and have everything brought to them. As you can imagine, at 57 I am not exactly used to being told what to do or have my wings clipped. I have endured the decades of my diseases on my own terms and lived life to the very best I could, God willing. Until now and the Covid-19.
My good sense makes me realize the time for personal responsibility is now. Our situation is not exactly perfect for quarantine and maybe my camper can feel more like a box at times, but there are those who are homeless with nowhere to go to shelter away from others. I have a bathroom, a small kitchen, and a family doing everything they can to keep me safe. No pity for this girl! Once you have been in a confined space for a period of time, the space itself does not appear so small. We have even discussed what we will have to do if someone tests positive to try to keep the others well.
So, life will never be the same during and when the pandemic is over, and I should hope not! It is through this time that as individuals, communities, and countries we should grow in understanding, knowledge, and compassion. I cannot stress enough that the very glue that binds us is LOVE! And we must use love in an overabundant amount concerning people, and situations! Think about the changes it will bring into your life and grab on to the very best parts! Thank God for this day and all you have been given. Ask for grace in everything and pray for others!
God Bless You!
Joni The Tent Maker Quarantined in My Camper!
The Tent Maker Blog 