In the waiting room

Friday, February 4. You don't believe it, but I'm still stuck at my hotel! After testing positive on January 26, I was totally satisfied with a few days of rest in the sun. I had still another week, plenty time to visit the people I love. I didn't feel well for a couple of days, but soon it got better and I was ready to take up my plans. Unfortunately I still tested positive on Monday. The people I was about to meet, belong to a high-risk group, like heart issues or lung issues. I had to reschedule. Canceled the car and the visits again, booked the hotel for an extra 3 nights. From that day on, I tried to replan and replan to make things work: if this, then that etc. What if I even can't fly home on Monday, what if ...I didn't sleep well. I felt like all my plans fell apart, no control. Wednesday February 2, Lottes 26th birthday. Her 9th birthday in the States. And the first time I was able to join this! Yay! She worked from home, so I surprised her with breakfast and cake;) She was about to invite Ryans family over for dinner, but ...too bad, still positive. She canceled the restaurant, convinced me that it was not a big deal (she is such a sweetie) and we had dinner with only the 3 of us. Which was a really nice, funny and intimate evening btw! Meanwhile, only 4 days left. Thursday, still that annoying red line on the test. 3 Days left. Finally, I capitulated. Accepted that it wouldn't go my way. Rest.

Sleeping in                                                                                                                                                                                                                           I spent some time at Lotte's, yesterday evening and went to bed early, I told her not to wait for me for the dog walk because I would take a sleeping pill. Sometimes I need that, to catch up some sleep. And indeed I didn't show up at 7.30. She started checking on me at 8.00, called Peter asking if he had heard something of me, he called too, nothing. She started worrying more when I didn't pick up even at 9.15. I'm a morning person and she knows. Tried again at 10, at 10.05, at 10.10.. She began to fear I'd never reached my hotel yesterday night, that something was really wrong! Desperately she dialed the frontdesk, who called my room... that was the moment I woke up.."I have Lottie on the phone".  Wow.. Slept for 11 hours and would still be sleeping I guess;) Lotte was so relieved she heard my voice and I was touched by her heart and worries for me. 

The American culture                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparing to our Dutch behavior on the road, we can learn from (at least the Californian) Americans since they are much more patient, respectful and polite. If I only approach a street to cross, even without a crosswalk, even not waiting yet, a car stops. He waits, smiles. Most Dutch drivers take every chance to go first, right? Me too. No time to waste. I see the same patience as if they're standing in line, they can wait. Can keep distance. No rush. If someone accidentally bump into my shopping cart, he goes: "oh, I'm so sorry about that!" and makes room for me immediately. But Americans here are also sensitive, I mean they can feel opposed quickly. We, Dutch people are direct, don't try to be nice but just say what we want to say, ask what we like to ask. We don't intend to be rude, but an American can feel it that way. I was sitting in public with Lotte and Ryan and I touched on topics like "gays" or "afro Americans" without any judgment, they looked startled at me and whispered that I really have to lower my voice. I don't have a loud voice and I didn't say anything wrong, but this is a difference of culture, which I have to respect and I'm glad they tell me. 

Practicing what I learned at the Ministry School                                                                                                                                                          I'll tell you more about that in my next blog, because it's too much for now, but I feel the things God was teaching and asking me at the course and what I answered with a yes, are now in practice. Giving up control (more than I did before) and just trusting that He is in charge and He is good. That's an adventure as well. And because I believe it, I want to choose it. But yes, it goes against my nature;)

Despite getting stuck in Redondo, I'm so grateful for Lotte and Ryan, for the beautiful weather, for my nice, big hotelroom with fridge and microwave and housekeeping and for the opportunity to walk and bike along the ocean or to sit at the pool. Tomorrow (Saturday) I'll be testing again. If it's negative, I can meet my friend in San Diego. But I won't visit aunt Willy:( since she just had surgery a few days ago, that would be too risky. If I'm testing positive again, I can't but staying here and I'll need to prepare Peter for missing my flight, because the very next day will be the test for traveling.     

I'll keep you posted! Thanks again for reading and the supporting comments, I can use some connection:)     

love, Marieke