Being in isolation for a week has been difficult to say the least. My team is in a unique situation of being completely separated. In our room there is only myself and 1 other member of my team. The rest of the 3 members are quarantined in a different room with others who tested positive. So, right now I am in a room with no window with only 1 other person. Feeling isolated is the name of the game for me right now. I don’t know if others are feeling this way but, when you’re in a new place with people you are still getting to know and then having them, what feels like, ripped out from under you is hard to process both physically and emotionally.
One thing that I did not expect after finding out we would be self isolating for a little while is how much of an effect not having a window would have. It’s not like I sat at home looking out of windows all day but, not being able to see the natural light as easily is already starting to affect me in a very negative way. I think the lack of people in my room is also affecting me more than I would have ever expected. I am a pretty hardcore introvert and the thought of sharing a room with multiple people was terrifying (especially since I haven’t shared a room with someone in years). But, in anticipation for this year I tried to prepare myself to be around people all day everyday for 11 months and I was looking forward to getting to know my teammates as well as the rest of my squad. But, now that it is only just me and one other person my brain is trying to adjust back to being in a room nearly alone. I had not anticipated having to deal with these feelings. I thought I would be dealing with feeling overwhelmed and exhausted but, instead I am trying to handle the opposite of what I had imagined.
I know the Lord has got me though. While I was praying this morning the Lord directed me to Psalm 17:7-8, “Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…” I know the Lord is walking me through this and that even though I may feel isolated from everyone else around me, I know that he is still here with me, comforting me.
I was looking forward to seeing a new country and experiencing a new culture and I know I will have time to do that here in Romania but, I was hoping to have a little bit more time to explore this place. I know I will get to explore many more countries over the next year and I am so looking forward to busting out of this isolation in a few days! I know I will never take a good window for granted ever again! In the meantime here is a lovely picture of my view from the plane window of Bucharest!
Katie, (we met in Trinity’s m. prayer). I’m so sorry that COVID has made this time of isolation necessary. And I can only imagine how long the days and nights seem living in a small windowless room. I pray that the isolation is over very soon, and that the Lord strengthens you and gives you His peace through His wonderful Word. He has ministered to me many times when I needed Him to remind me to trust Him in the midst of hardships–through Psalm 42: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Blessings to you–and looking forward to hearing the time of isolation is over!
Yes, life doee throw us out of our expectations. I am so happy and blessed to see you turn toward Christ in these circumstances. God bless you. You remain always in my thoughts and prayers.
A room without a window does sound hard. I know when I was working that there were many arguments over who got the windowless office because no one wanted it! Sounds like that might be hot also. So sorry you feel so apart from everyone else. However, I am so impressed with your positive attitude and how you are making the most of your time. I am also impressed with your photography skills as your picture of Bucharest from the inside of a plane is fantastic! Thanks for sharing what’s going on right now with you!
Katie,
I am Montes wife. Your mom’s cousin.
Your in my prayers
I have been permanently disabled.for many years. Before covid. Much isolation experience.
Focus on what you have. Not what you don’t have.
So many don’t have a bed or roof or safety right now.
Prayer is your best friend in the Lord.
God bless all of you.
Jesus is wrapping His loving arms around you.
I am proud of you??
I admire your self-awareness and your ability to see how God is moving, regardless of the circumstances. Praying full healing over you and the whole squad!