- If you don’t want more COVID-19 in your life feel free to skip to the bottom (I recommend going to “IJM Continues”)
I’ve gotta be honest, this is the third time I’ve written this post and I have a feeling by the time it’s published, all of the information will be old. Things are changing that quickly – I’m sure you feel it too.
IJM’s Most Complicated Intern
We’re not encouraged to go to protests as IJM interns… but this was the International Women’s Day March (I apologize for not having any purple to wear nor for realizing in Peru green is a symbol of the feminist movement, the clash is killing me too)…
The most complicated intern – that’s what I’m calling myself. Not only was I evacuated from my first location, but now they’ve tried evacuating me again. Apparently, being evacuated twice wasn’t exciting enough. This time, I’ve evaded a second evacuation by being in a state-mandated quarantine. Let me explain.
Peru
Shortly after my arrival to Peru, COVID-19 presented itself. Then there were 3 cases. Then there were 22, then 28, 71, and now over 100. Unfortunately, most are in Lima and Sunday night the Government called a State of Emergency here in Peru and closed all borders.
“Quedan restringidos los derechos constitucionales así como la libertad de tránsito, solo podrán salir para la compra de alimentos.”
Constitutional rights and freedom of transit have been restricted. You can only leave to buy food.
The president announced the right for the government to enter houses and test suspected individuals as well as the closing of all businesses. The only things open are supermarkets, banks, and pharmacies and we must stay at least 1 meter apart when in public. Starting today, only one person from a household could leave at a time to gather supplies.
IJM – Peru
I’ve been thankful for my boss and the head of security for Latin America for being in direct contact with me this entire time. We created an action plan last week and my boss has remained aware of how stressful this is – especially considering what happened in Bolivia. We had to alter my living arrangements to maximize space and social distancing and are continuing to monitor the situation.
Bolivia
While I’m not in Bolivia, I am still in contact with my old coworkers. When COVID-19 first appeared, there was more civil unrest as citizens stopped patients from accessing the hospital. Their fear that their healthcare system couldn’t handle the outbreak led them to protect the sick and elderly in their own way by isolating suspected cases from healthcare facilities. Now, IJM Bolivia is working from home and the country is under a half-quarantine.
IJM’s COVID-19 Task Force
Last night all of IJM’s interns and fellows got a frantic email calling us home. While I’ve continued to express to my boss that I feel more comfortable in Peru (especially away from airports), we got a the order from the “higher ups.” The only thing working in my favor? The Peruvian Government. Due to the 15 day mandatory quarantine, I will not be able to leave. What comes next? I have no idea.
IJM Continues
One of IJM’s spiritual disciplines is daily prayer. We have a half hour of solitude built into our daily schedules as well as a half hour of corporate prayer. In Bolivia, we would get together as an office and share prayer requests. Since it is just my boss and me here in Lima, we log in and join headquarters’ prayer virtually.
It is beyond encouraging to hear about all that IJM is doing around the world – even now. Just today we were able to celebrate not only more rescues, but also convictions amidst the chaos that has taken over the means by which we work. Although I’m stuck in my airbnb, I’m still translating, researching, and helping further the work of IJM Peru.
We are learning to adapt.
As the sign in the photo at the top of this post says, Machismo kills more than Coronavirus. My research has been focused on femicide and domestic violence in Peru which has been heartbreaking. Even now, because there are more people staying home, there are increased numbers of OSEC cases (online sexual exploitation of children) and an increased demand for online pornography (click here for the link between porn and trafficking). Bored through social distancing? Take a break from COVID-19 and educate yourself on the realities of injustice in our world today.
Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will do the same for you as you face your own uncertainties in this crazy time of COVID-19. I appreciate you keeping in touch and commenting. Stay in touch and stay healthy!
Interested in supporting my work? Links for online giving below.
