Thank you all for the kind words. My temperature is starting
to go down, although the dry cough remains [intermittently] Of course I haven't been able to have a test, so maybe it isn't the genuine Covid19. But it's pretty grim whatever it is. My cousin, who works in Wilko [aka The Loo Roll Battle Zone]
says in the past couple of weeks she has certainly seen the best, and worst, of
human behaviour. So can I inspire you with some of the best bits?
Here at UCF our Phone Buddy system is working well, and all
the older and isolated folk have friends making regular contact. We are in a
Church WhatsApp group which is sharing info, and positive messages. Bob is
working incredibly hard [from home] keeping in touch with people. He and the
Worship team are planning a "virtual" Sunday service
Steph sent us a picture of the slip posted through their
door from local residents in their street. As she's so close to the baby's
birth, she's had to stay home. This sort of action by her neighbours is such a
lovely thing. I'm glad to hear of this sort of initiative up and down the country right now.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9rTaZTTAHX04ektexe6iIiiMCYLGbEqKHx-KqNV6A515XvsymAKqcTqrYNg08PcIw2sBhVX4Pdg3eLH5cvOhb_kJQzIPeAh6t6lfpMsgLrL4XTzayWjMRUAu1ykr5pBxHaGVU0eLdPpw/s200/raquel%2526steph.jpg)
This is Steph with her great friend Raquel. She used to be
PA for ex-footballer Gary Neville. [I used R's picture because she's more
photogenic than GN] Gary now owns some hotels in Manchester. He is closing them
to the public, but making them freely available to NHS personnel,
who need to keep working but cannot sleep at home if their families have gone
into isolation. I understand that GN is "a good egg, and really
genuine". May God bless this wealthy man who is using his resources to do
good.
The National Trust are opening up the grounds of their properties for free, so that everybody can get out into the fresh air and appreciate the beauty of nature. That's brilliant!
Finally the generous Jack Monroe, who has set up a crowd
funding campaign for the Trussell Trust. The TT and other foodbanks are going
to need even more support now so many folk are losing income. If you normally
go out for coffee on a Saturday, but now you are stuck at home, why not send
the money to the TT instead? [details
here]
I hope this post has inspired you with further ideas about getting through this strange time. I had no idea when I picked my #word365 for 2020 just how relevant it would become! Thank you to these people, and to every one of you, all working hard to help our nation through this crisis.
Great to hear you are feeling a little better. And I agree - I am staying at home (I'm in a vulnerable group) and I am confident in all the support I have been offered. I'm stuck at home so I don't see the worst but I am appreciating the best in people.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you, living on your own, FC - but I know you have many good friends close by. Keep well.
DeleteI am so glad and thankful to hear that you are feeling a little better, Angela. Hope you continue to recover and thank you for inspiring us. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Bless. You must keep safe and keep well too.
DeleteI have just seen your post from yesterday. I am sorry that you are not feeling well and I hope you continue to recover as quickly as possible. Lesley P
ReplyDeletethank you Lesley - temperature down from 101 to 99, so that's the right direction!
DeleteI'm pleased to hear that you are improving : ) We are going to have a virtual service on Sunday too but we are about to close our foodbank due to a) nothing left on the shelves and b) nobody left to run it. Too many helpers in isolation. We want to help but.......
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear of foodbanks closing. And all this makes one realise just how many charitable efforts are mainly staffed by volunteers who are aged 70+. I hope all the technology works for you on Sunday!
DeleteThat is a really important point Angela - one of the reasons we had to shut down two feeding programs was that 2/3 of our volunteers are seniors and we just couldn't risk their health. Bless them - most wanted to carry on - but then the Govt. took the final decision out of our hands - no gatherings over 50 people (and preferably 10) and practising "Social Distancing" is what they REALLY want everyone to do. Hopefully it won't be too long before we can start up again.
DeleteKeep well x
ReplyDeleteThis anonymous is Magsmcc by the way- too many people all logged in to google classroom here to make blogging straightforward this week!
ReplyDeleteHello Mags - is it possible for me to have a link for Als worship thing on Sunday? Would he be ok with me posting it here?
DeleteSo glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better - just give yourself time to rest and really get up to speed.
ReplyDeleteThe Church office where I work shut down on Tuesday morning and I've been at home since. We are also doing a call tree to check on people - I'll do a few emails this morning - just to let people know they can call if they need anything or just want to chat.
The Church Clip Art Co. that we use sent this this morning and just though it might be something of interest to your readers - it is a secure site.
Take care everyone.
https://www.thewiredword.com/covid19-lesson-for-churches
So glad to hear you're feeling better! Our church is also doing a virtual service this Sunday and for the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear of so many 'virtual' services. Sad to hear of foodbanks and feeding programmes curtailed because of lack of both resources and volunteers. Thank you everyone for your kind wishes. The cough is getting better, I think. A good night's sleep will help!
ReplyDeleteJust seen you are not well, hope you continue to improve quickly. Emma is thinking she might be called on to start working early. She says we really need the antibody test, if you know you've had it you can be more helpful to others, although still need good hygiene practise as you can transfer germs still. Take care both x
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with Emma and her friends, all newly qualified medics. She's certainly starting her career "at the deep end". But I'm confident she will do a brilliant job. Her caring nature, loving smile, and total dedication to the task in hand are essential qualities for this crazy situation. God bless you all
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