Hello, Everyone.
First of all: We are well, and we are at peace.
Mexico is experiencing a swine flu outbreak that the World Health Organization on Saturday called "a public health emergency of international concern." (I know there have been a few cases in the US, too.) The President called it a national emergency, which gave him the power to cancel all kinds of things in Mexico City, impose quarantines if necessary, and so on. It's all happening so fast; only God knows what course this will follow over the next few days and weeks. There have been at least a couple of cases in this state of Zacatecas including one in a nearby rural town, and at least one school here in Jerez announced that classes will be suspended until May 6th. I expect that more schools will be closing in the next few days.
Interestingly enough, every single person on our ministry team read or discussed Psalm 91 sometime in the last few days -- before we were aware of this outbreak. As soon as we heard the news, verses from the Psalm came to each of our minds. "Surely He shall deliver you... from the perilous pestilence." "You shall not be afraid... of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday." "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you." We have been thanking God and claiming these promises.
My dad and brother are stuck in the States; they were due to start driving down here today but for various reasons they couldn't. (The van, which has been a wonderful gift from God, finally had its first breakdown since we got it and is in repair.) My sister-in-law, Marcela, is due to have her baby possibly as early as next week.
My mom, Marcela and I feel at peace about the whole situation. We are of course taking the recommended precautions, but we are not really worried.
Please continue to keep our health and safety in prayer, and pray for wisdom to make decisions as unforeseen situations come up. Thanks!
Ingrid
