It feels a bit surreal to already be at the end of September but then on another hand, it also feels like August was a lifetime ago. So much has happened since the last Share Four Somethings post. I’m so glad you’re here though and that we all made it. If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s to take nothing for granted.
Something Loved
Schools in the UK resumed 3 weeks ago and it’s been great to see my kids happy and excited to go in and see their friends. It’s also a big relief that I no longer have to homeschool – woop!
School runs now look very different though due to the pandemic – different drop-off and pick up zones to prevent each learning bubble from mixing, frequent handwashing, parents cannot during pick up and several other things to maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe.
Initially, I struggled with this new normal but since then I’ve chosen to focus on the positives. A big one for me is that school runs are now very efficient and take less time than before. This is a plus for me because I usually do the school runs during my work day and so I’m able to get back home and log back on all within 20mins.
Having said that, I do miss being able to chat properly with fellow mum friends – now we barely have time to wave at each other as we drive in and out of the school. Unusual times indeed.
Something Read
I haven’t done much book reading this month but I’ve developed a big interest in reading devotionals. I use the YouVersion bible app and they have lots of great bible plans (devotionals).
I’ve found that they have a plan (or 10) on pretty much every aspect of life. If you are struggling to get into a consistent bible habit, I highly recommend the app.
A couple of the several devotional plans I completed this month are:
“Eve’s Daughters: Life Lessons from Women in Scripture (parts 1 & 2)” and “Come and see: Life Lessons from Women in The New Testament”.
I chose these two because I realised that I mostly knew about the men in the bible and didn’t know a lot about the women. And even then, it was the more well-known ones like Esther, Ruth, etc. So I wanted to improve my understanding and also learn from them. This devotional was great for that and it blessed me so much.
Something Treasured
Drumroll please! This month, I got to spend time with my parents for the first time since January – woop! They had gone on a visit to Nigeria at the end of January and gotten stuck there because of the global lockdown.
Even when the UK opened its borders, the Nigerian borders still remained closed for a long time. My parents eventually made it back at the end of August and after a 2-week self-isolation period, my kids and I were able to visit. In person and with lots of hugs. It felt so good, y’all.
Numbers of COVID cases are on the rise here in the UK again and the government have tightened the rules (max of 6 socially-distanced people allowed to meet) and so we’ve had to put our plans for a larger family get-together on hold. So for now, it’s video chats for all. Praying for a divine turnaround in this pandemic, please God.
Something Ahead
I’m looking forward to the school half-term break in October. We’ve planned a family break in a self-contained cabin, somewhere near the Cornish coast. We haven’t visited before but it looks really idyllic. It’ll be good to get away and slow down for a while.
This post may be linked up here.
(Image credit: from the top and left to right [excluding devotional screenshots] Link Hoang, Markus Spiske and Deleece Cook from Unsplash)
Hi Lovely to read from another UK blogger and hear how you are adjusting and coping with our restrictions! Hope you manage to get away for your holiday next month and see more of your family, love and blessings! #4
“I’ve chosen to focus on the positives.” So important during these trying times! I love Heather’s link-up for that reason. It prompts me to reflect on the positives for the month.
Yes, focusing on the positives is one of the keys to making it through challenges like the pandemic. Glad you’ve been able to find so many positives to rejoice in! So glad your parents finally made it home – what a long time to be stuck and have your travel plans delayed!
None of us could believe that it took that long for them to return – I’m just happy they are back and no health issues.
I’m glad you’ve gotten a little more normal with school returning to in-person. My kids will start going two days a week this week and we’re all excited about it. Glad your parents are back in-country!
Yes, happy to have some sort of normality back. Good luck as your kids go back this week!
Oh my – I can’t believe your parents were “stuck” after traveling. I know of one other person that happened to…and I can only think that would be a nightmare (for me!) I’m glad they are home…and that you were able to visit! Hooray:) Thanks for the devotional links. I use YouVersion every day but have not come across those specific devotionals yet. They sound great. Will definitely check them out! Have a great week ahead!! God bless –
Thanks Jennifer! They were ok to hang on for a while but then after some time, they became really anxious, understandably. None of us are going anywhere outside the country for a while – not worth the risk of getting stuck! YouVersion is great isn’t it? Blessings x
Yay for being able to see your parents!! And double yay for a get-away in October! Hope you have the best time!!!
Thanks for commenting Heather and for the link-up!
I’m so glad you got to see your parents! I haven’t seen mine since March, either–but mostly because it’s too hot where they live to visit right now (and they were in the northern part of the country all summer). I’m glad school is back in session–I think kids have really missed it!
Yes, my kids have been so happy to go back! I hope you get to see your parents soon. They’ve tightened restrictions again, so not sure when we’ll see again but happy they are back in the country.