So much...

After about two and a half years, the Sillik family finally succumbed to COVID-19. It started with my eldest and eventually we all ended up symptomatic and testing positive. The children did really well, mild course for sure. Randy and I were pretty miserable for a large portion of our family quarantine. Throughout the week, family called, friends texted, and two friends and colleagues made house calls, dropping off snacks and making Starbucks runs for us.

Better Omicron with vaccinations over Delta with nothing. I am so grateful for the protections that vaccinations have provided me and my family and I pray that there will be no lasting effects.

It is winter here but we were bundled due to the COVID fever chills. Each child tested positive at different days. First Micah, then a few days later, Makayla. Once she was also positive, she was able to quarantine with her brother. Kai was the last one to become symptomatic and test positive, after testing negative at least 3 times. Whenever we had any child in their room, we would do WhatsApp chats with them during meals, so we still had meals "together" and were able to still chat and laugh.

I truly felt loved. So grateful for the delivery and unexpected visit from my dear colleague and friend. She even went and got Starbucks for me after I ordered it on the app. The next day my other friend and her daughter, who is classmate and good friend with Makayla, also picked up Starbucks for Randy and me and added some scones and other baked goods for the kids.

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Ten months ago I left the United States. Every day I am reminded that I made the right choice. The entire world is saddened to see what is happening to the country. Here in New Zealand, the right questions are being asked. How can we make sure that the regression of human rights and progression to fascism happening in the United States doesn't happen here? No one is resting on their laurels or sitting in a naïve belief that things couldn't change where we are. It is so heartening to see that here on the news, in social conversations, everywhere.

I know that one of the recurring themes in my blog is my constant struggle to balance caring about the ails of the world and basking in the deep sense of safety and security that I feel here in Aotearoa.

I still speak my mind on social media as a provider of reproductive healthcare. I also did a zoom call with my neice's sorority back in the States, educating them on the real- life tumultous environment of caring for women before Roe v Wade was reversed as well as how their health and safety is affected now.

I am thinking of ways to no longer think of activism centered around the United States, but how to be a global citizen and align with organizations that are no longer begging to be accepted by racist, misogynist systems but those who are paving a new path of new systems of our own. I am on a fascinating journey, trying to be as transparent as I can for my children so that hopefully they can grow and mature knowing the importance of feeding one's soul while enriching their minds, constantly seeking knowledge, and speaking up for those who may not feel like they have a voice.

As so many of the reasons on my long list for leaving the US are blatantly highlighted, more private messages come in from friends and colleagues and random people in the US who see my social media profile, inquiring about practicing overseas.

I am still doing choir, and will get back into the pool now that COVID is behind me. Of course I will continue to establish a regular salsa dancing routine.

I thank God for clarity. I thank God for this new life and new world that my family and I are in. I have no regrets.