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Dear Friends,

This isn't what we imagined 2020 would look like, and we're sure you feel the same. When the Coronavirus begun it's warpath in China, Paris and I felt it's effects immediately as our students in China (on the VIPKid ESL platform) and their families were quarantined. Chinese New Year was cancelled and the school year was postponed as students moved to a fully online class system. We felt deeply for China and what they were going through, but as close as we are, the virus still felt very far away.

Working with the government by making masks and sanitizing the property

Fast forward to the last several weeks. The world feels crazy; people are either panicking or ignoring the chaos completely. As we've followed the news it became more and more obvious that it was a matter of time before this virus touched everyone in the world in one way or another.

Thailand

Here in Thailand the storm is beginning. Although our numbers are still low in comparison to the rest of the world (around 600 positive tests and 1 death) Thailand has shut it's borders and is closing all gathering places like gyms, theaters, bars, and massage parlors. The government has limited groups to 30 people or less, which means most programs and classes are cancelled for the foreseeable future. Mae Sot has not performed many test, which limits our knowledge of whether the virus is here or not. Logically we know that there is probably at least one case in Mae Sot, so we are moving forward with caution. Today we will prepare our home for a possible quarantine, although we hope and pray it does not come to that.

Programing

Our foundation took the initiative 2 weeks ago and cancelled all programs until June to protect our students and parents and prevent the spread of the virus. We unfortunately had to send our intern, Brendan, home on Tuesday due to fear of border closings and flight cancellations. He has made it home safely, so please pray for him as he navigates the reality of the situation in America.

The timing of this whole thing is unfortunate to say the least. In our last newsletter, we were preparing to launch our campaign for Seeds. The good news is that we launched our campaign! The bad news is that it went live the day the markets crashed. How can we ask for support when the country is in such a financially volitile place? In the discouragement, there is still a glimmer of hope. Our God is big, and we believe in this ministry and how it can impact this community. Please pray with us as we continue to seek financial support for not only our family, but to help keep the lights on in this place of blessing called Seeds.

We are praying for the world, for America, for the leaders and big decisions that have to be made. We are praying for each of you and your families and friends. We pray that this virus is brought under control and that the world heals. For our family, we are praying for protection and wisdom as we adjust to the new reality of missions during a pandemic. May God continue to give us all the grace to make it through.

Love,

To learn more about our Seeds Campaign, visit bit.ly/Seeds2020vision

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