The impact of an epidemic

Bombay grew at our home.
He was a happy kid, here in 2006.
Today, working in a farmacia.
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COVID is having a powerful effect in Mexico. A family member of Erika, our director, passed away due to COVID in late July. It is very personal.

Mexican Pandemic Timeline

February 28. First positive COVID case from Mexico found in Mexico City

March 17. Baja California’s first cases of COVID: two women who trace the infection to Washington state.

March 22. Borders closed between U.S., Mexico, and Canada for non-essential travel. The borders are still closed until at least October 21. Many U.S. friends and visitors had scheduled trips to our home that were canceled. For friends excited to finally meet our new children after two years, this has been devastating. These visitors were planning to bring support and complete work projects. The impact of these canceled trips has been felt deeply on both sides of the border.

March 26. Mexican government suspended all but essential activities. Individual agencies have designated which activities and personnel are deemed essential. This has dramatically slowed children being brought to us. It has also delayed the process of having our children returned.

April 20. Nearby city of Ensenada set up initiative “Vamos Juntos.” To protect citizens from nearby high-infection areas of Tijuana and southern California, checkpoints are set up across and around Ensenada to verify that people have a valid reason to enter. Entry is permitted only for emergencies, medical appointments, essential workers, and obtaining food and medicine. Checkpoints are set up near the El Sauzal Home on the Ruta del Vino. Face masks are required in public spaces. Public and recreational spaces are still closed. Schools are closed and public gatherings are not allowed, including church services. Maria is praying with the kids and teaching them about God’s Word by reading the Bible. The kids are memorizing Bible verses, too.C

Specific changes our home has made:

  • New children are checked for symptoms and tested.
  • No family visitations are allowed because of the pandemic; only a monthly phone call is permitted.
  • We have new signage—wash your hands, wear a mask, don’t touch your face, etc.
  • All donations are unloaded in the parking lot. Then the workers clean and sanitize everything—toys, clothing, etc. They are also sanitizing the food they purchase.