I’ve been wanting to write about the craziness that has been happening in our country, I mean THE WORLD. However, I have hardly been able to absorb it all and the idea of writing about it has been too big. So, I’m just going to get started and try to remember all that has changed in the last few weeks.
December 31, 2019
China starts to notice a strange pneumonia like illness in people associated with Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, Hubei Province
January 7, 2020
Chinese authorities confirmed that the virus is a novel coronavirus.
January 13
First case outside of China was in Thailand
January 20
First reported case in U.S.
January 29
I flew to New Zealand to visit Lex. I noticed that the further east I go, the more face masks I see. In the SLC airport there were almost none, in L.A. I saw about 50% of travelers in the airport with masks (Nearly 100% of Asians I saw were wearing masks.) In Auckland the majority of travelers were wearing them. Traveling around New Zealand seemed very normal and no one seemed concerned about the virus. Although New Zealand was refusing entry to flights from China.
January 31
Donal Trump mandated that no foreign nationals who have traveled to China in the last 14 days can come into the U.S.
February 29
First death in America (Washington state) caused by COVID-19.
March 5
I went to Costco and realized that no toilet paper was to be found but you could still buy wipes, paper towels and Kleenex.
March 8
US cases top 500
March 9
I shared this with Sam when he asked me from Colombia what was going on with Coronavirus
March 11
The World Health Organization classifies Coronavirus as a pandemic. It is now in 114 countries.
The Church of Jesus Christ announces that it’s general conference can only be viewed virtually and that there will be no live audience. This causes everyone to remember President Nelson words from last October conference when he said, “General conference next April will be different from any previous conference.” We all thought it was because the April conference would be focused on the Restoration!
The church also suspends all large group gatherings like stake and leadership conferences. It also discontinues admitting new missionaries to the Missionary Training Center and puts all training online. We are all sad for Rachel Saxey who was due to enter the MTC in June in preparation to serve her mission in Ecuador.
Grant speculated that school closures would happen in Utah within a month. Anna, William and Lizi joyfully danced around in a circle, holding hands and saying in a sing-song tone, “We’re going to be quarantined!!! We’re going to be quarantined!!!”
President Trump addressed the nation and prohibited travel to Europe. Grant wisely suggested that the demand for groceries and other goods might spike. I made the decision to leave at 6:30 the next morning to get some essentials we normally have but that we are running low on.
March 12
I arrived at Winco at 7 and got groceries (I even found some toilet paper which has been gone from stores for some time), the only things that were hard to find here were cheap toilet paper, rice (there wasn’t any) and the generic brand cans of beans. I then went to Macey’s for the case lot sale for canned beans which I found and then headed to Costco, 30 minutes before they open thinking I would beat the crowds. Boy was I mistaken. PICTURE HERE
Instead of waiting in the insanely long line at Costco, I headed to Trader Joe’s where everything seems pretty normal, then back to Costco which was nuts. There were lines all the way to the back of the store and hundreds of people trying to fill their carts. Everyone was kind, no fighting over things and many people were helping one another.
Tell story of baby wipes
After Costco, I stopped at the Walmart near our house. At this point it was 1 pm and all the staples were gone, no rice, pasta, potatoes, paper products. The employees told me that there had been a run in the store by panicked buyers earlier that morning. I had been shopping ALL DAY and was exhausted.
That evening I had a feeling that the church will be closing the temple pretty soon and decided hurry there for some time in the temple. I arrived at 6:30 and walked right in with no wait. Things got busier as the night went on.
Also that night, Governor Herbert announces that group gatherings should not exceed 100 people
Based in part on the Governor’s announcement, Grant realized that things were really getting problematic and that all signs were pointing to quarantine. He announced to the school community that Friday (the next day) would be the last day of school on campus for at least two weeks and that all classes would go online starting Wednesday the 18th.
All pro and college sporting events are cancelled including March Madness.
Most universities closed down and moved all of their classes online including BYU. The good news? This means that Al (living and teaching in Buffalo) and Hani (living and teaching in L.A.) can now be together
The Church of Jesus Christ announces that All church meetings and gatherings are temporarily suspended including church services and ward, branch, and stake activities. Many other church congregations follow suit.
March 13
William and Lizi go to the temple fearing it might be the last time for awhile.
This same day the church announces that the temples will be closed starting Monday the 16th for everything but live ordinances and groups are limited to 10 people for live ordinances. Many couples move up their sealing dates because of almost certain closure of all temples soon.
Italy’s death toll tops 1,000 and cases exceed 15,000
The World Health Organization said Europe “has now become the epicenter” of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, beyond China.(NBC)
March 14
Most ski resorts in Utah announce that they will be suspending operations until further notice. This was one of the most tragic announcements for the Beckwith household.
Temple square is closed to all visitors
March 15
All 152 REI stores close nationwide for and undefined amount of time.
Utah has 28 confirmed cases
March 16
Utah has 39 confirmed cases
All church historic sites are closed
The New York Times starts allowing free use of their online coverage.
March 17
VASA closes its doors along with many other Rec Centers and gyms across the state and nation. Working out is a source of emotional well-being for so many that this is particularly difficult. My physical therapist offers his equipment for free for any of his patients who wants to come and use it.
Governor Herbert orders all restaurants and bars to close down their dining rooms and provide takeout and delivery only. I seriously considered becoming a driver for Grub Hub, Door Dash or Uber Eats
Utah has 51 confirmed cases.
March 18
We wake up to an EARTHQUAKE! At 7:09 a 5.7 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Magna, 4 miles from downtown Salt Lake! The shaking wakes up William and me, the girls sleep right through it and Grant, who is in the middle of showering, turns off the water to see what is going on.
The shaking caused the Salt Lake Temple’s angel Moroni’s trump to fall out of his hands.
This earthquake really pushed some people who are already skittish and fragile because of all the changes, fear and disruptions from the pandemic.
We start school online. The kids are pretty excited about it and SO HAPPY to see their friends.
Lizi goes shopping to the outlet malls and discovers that they are closed for the duration of the outbreak. This is a real blow for her as she was excited to add to her spring wardrobe while school was out. (PUT PICTURE OF HER LIST HERE)
All casinos in Las Vegas close (and all U.S IKEA stores)
Utah has 63 confirmed cases
March 19
Utah has 78 confirmed cases
March 20
This Friday we talked to Sam, not on his P-day, because he is about to go into a three day state mandated quarantine and won’t be able to talk to us on his normal day to call (Monday). He didn’t think he will have to come home.
Utah has 112 confirmed cases
A news release from the church states:
- In the coming weeks, based upon world conditions, substantial numbers of missionaries will likely need to be returned to their home nations to continue their service. This will be done in a systematic way based on the urgency of travel restrictions, the level of COVID-19 concern, and other considerations.
- Returning missionaries will go through a 14-day period of self-isolation and then may be assigned to serve within their home country, based on local conditions.
- The term of service for missionaries returning to or serving within the United States will likely be reduced to accommodate the large number of missionaries returning from around the world.
- Missionary training centers worldwide will not receive new missionaries. MTC training for missionaries will take place through technology, and missionaries will be sent to their assigned mission as soon as possible.
March 21
Governor Herbert limits gatherings to no more than 10 people. This is trouble for some of our friends who have more than 10 children!
The new kind of posts I see in my inbox from Tripadvisor
March 22
I, along with all the other moms of missionaries serving in Colombia had a day of fasting for the country, and for our boys. I think in the back of my mind, our faith will be enough to keep our boys there. However, just as I am going to bed I read on the Cali, Colombia Facebook page that Sam’s mission president sent out a letter saying that all the missionaries in Colombia will be going home within the next few days to few weeks depending on when they can get permits to leave the country despite closed borders and quarantines in place. I can’t sleep. This is what I read:
Dear parents,
This afternoon we received word from our Area Presidency that all missionaries will return to their home countries to complete their missionary service after a 14-day quarantine period in their own homes. It is sad for us to consider having to send off your sons in the coming weeks but we feel blessed by this opportunity to know and work with them.
Almost all of the mission is currently under a “shelter in place” order that will become a nationwide quarantine starting Tuesday night and running through the 13th of April. The process of sending missionaries home will begin as soon as possible but will depend on quarantines, border restrictions, and flight availability. It will likely take several weeks or more. Please be patient and know that in the meantime, the work continues from missionary apartments as outlined in our previous letter.
We will update you as more information becomes available. Please know that missionary health and safety continues to be our priority. Thanks for your support during these challenging times. May the Lord bless and protect each of you and your families.
Sincerely,
President and Sister Whitesides
Colombia Cali Mission
March 22
First death in Utah from Coronavirus. (60 year old man with underlying health issues)
Utah has 181 confirmed cases
March 23
Sam calls and says he is coming home. He is in good spirits and resigned to the fact that he most likely will serve the rest of his mission in the states. He was really sad to leave his wonderful trainer from Equador, Elder Vega, his investigators, the people he has grown to love, and Colombia. All the missionaries from North America are assigned together so they can evacuate together so he has a new temporary companion. Sam seemed intrigued and unconcerned by all that was going on in the world. He also showed a lot of faith. He also had no idea what was going to happen or when or how they were coming home. Then country had 12 hours between a three day quarantine and a 19 day quarantine to prepare. Sam saw a man pull out a knife on someone so he could steal a large bunch of bananas and chaos reigned all around.
Utah has 257 confirmed cases.
Most national big box stores close their doors like TJ Maxx, Kohls, Apple and Best Buy. Many offer free shipping or curbside pickup
March 24
Tokyo Olympics are delayed until 2021
I can’t stop checking the Colombia mom’s Facebook page to see if anyone knows what is happening. The mother of an elder who serves in the mission office in Colombia shared more information than anyone else and although it is not from an official source, most of the other missionaries from the missions in Colombia that called home over the 24 hours either knew nothing or corroborated some or all of the story. It is this:
I just got word from “Star Command” (her son who is an office elder in Cali) and want to update those who haven’t been able to hear from their missionary yet.
They are working very hard collecting and gathering all US missionaries back to Cali from outlying areas. ie: Pasto missionaries flying to Cali today, taxis being taking from other areas etc.
They have been granted government paperwork to allow travel during this time. Foreigners are being allowed to travel and leave the country. (As long as they have the correct paperwork-which they have).
All 5 missions in Colombia doing the same thing. Gathering all US missionaries into the main city. Once they (all 5 missions) have collected their US missionaries a chartered flight will first stop in Bogota, then it will fly to Cali, then onto Medellin, Barranquilla, then to SLC.
Because they have to wait for all missionaries in all 5 missions, it is most likely they will not all be ready to go til Friday. But they could take longer if they don’t have them all gathered by then, but they believe they should have everyone by Friday.
I know Cali mission is still working on the gathering—my son took many calls from missionaries while we were talking today—all working on getting to Cali by different means of transportation. And making sure they have the paperwork to travel.
The office missionaries are in good spirits and completely confident they will get all the missionaries together without problems. It’s just going to take a bit of time.
It seems to me that the Colombia government and church officials are working together to let these foreigners leave.
I really hope this information helps. The information I shared is as accurate as possible at this time, but things change quickly, we know, but, truly, all seems well. Hang in there everyone!!
Utah has 298 confirmed cases
March 25
Number of cases worldwide: 471,060, deaths: 21,283, recovered: 114,218
All temples are temporarily closed even for live ordinances including sealings.
Things are getting pretty dicey nationwide with the economy as businesses are laying off employees due to closures and lack of business.
Utah has 346 confirmed cases
More than 50,000 Americans are reported to be stranded abroad as borders are closed. The U.S. Government is considering deploying military planes to get them home.
The Facebook Colombia Mission Mom’s group has been my lifeline. No one knows exactly when the boys are coming home, we just know that they are. I’m guessing Friday or Saturday?
March 26
The U.S. leads the world in number of cases
The church announces that missionaries serving in the U.S. and Canada will end their service three months early and elders and sisters serving foreign missions will end at 18 months and 15 months respectively.
At 10 am we receive this letter from Sam’s mission president:
Dear parents of missionaries from the United States who are serving in the Colombia Cali Mission,
We love your sons and want you to know how much our association with them has meant to us. We’re sorry they are having to leave earlier than we had planned but we know the Lord’s work will move forward.
All of the U.S. missionaries who were serving in Pasto, Popayán, and Buenaventura are now in Cali. The missionaries in our other cities will leave directly from their current locations to the airport when that time comes. We do not have confirmation yet but believe the missionaries will be flying out of Cali tomorrow (Friday) evening. We also do not have confirmation on the entry point into the U.S. nor any information about connecting flights. The travel people in Bogotá and Salt Lake are busy at work on these details. We will let you know as soon as we have more information.
We understand your concerns but want you to know that your sons are in good health and in good spirits. Please be patient as we work through the logistics associated with their return.
Sincerely,
President and Sister Whitesides
March 27
Governor order to stay at home (write more about this)
In Mexico city the first missionary tests positive with Covid-19. It is a mild case
All missionaries serving outside of the U.S. are going home except for those serving in Europe, Europe East and Taiwan.
We receive this email from the Sam’s mission president:
Dear parents,
It is after midnight in Cali and we wanted to update you on the status of travel plans for later today. All missionaries will arrive at the Cali airport by 3:15 P.M. and board a charter flight to Bogotá. We expect that flight to leave Cali around 6:30 P.M. and arrive in Bogotá about an hour later. In Bogotá, the missionaries from all five missions in Colombia will board another charter flight that is scheduled to leave Bogotá at 1:00 A.M. Saturday and arrive in Los Angeles at approximately 6:20 A.M. From there they connect to other commercial flights unless L.A. is the final destination.
Some of you have already received connecting flight information for your sons. We are receiving that information one by one and my secretary is forwarding the itineraries to you as they arrive. We hope to have them all by fairly early in the morning but that is not something we can control.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the logistics of this experience.
Regards,
President and Sister Whitesides
Colombia Cali Mission
At this point, we have received confirmed itineraries for 42 of the 54 missionaries who will be departing this evening. We will continue to forward the others as they come through. There has been no change to the rest of the information I provided late last night. However, we have been asked to share several important reminders with you.
First, there are to be no “homecomings” at the airports where your sons will arrive. Only the parents should be at the airport and even then, social distancing should be practiced. Your sons will need to enter a 14-day quarantine period. During this time, they should remain at home and have limited contact with others.
Second, for those who are within 180 days of completing their missions, you will need to coordinate their release with the stake president. Those who are not within that time frame will not be released but you should contact local priesthood leaders for information on reassignments to other missions.
For us, your sons will always be “our” missionaries. We love them and have seen their potential. But just as you have been willing to share them with us, we are happy for others at home or in other missions who will now be blessed by their light.After they have returned home, please encourage them to view Elder Uchtdorf’s message that is available through their missionary portal. It will be an inspiration to them and to you.
All the best during this time of transition. We will be leaving for the airport soon but after we get home tonight, we’ll send another update.
With sincere appreciation,
President and Sister Whitesides
Colombia Cali Mission
Dear parents,
This afternoon all 54 missionaries arrived safely and on time to the Cali airport and all went smoothly with check-in and security for their flight to Bogotá. Their next step is the flight from Bogotá to Los Angeles which is flight number LA1258. It departs Bogotá at 1:00 and arrives at 6:20 in the morning. You should have all received confirmed itineraries for connecting flights from Los Angeles. If you have not, please e-mail me directly to let me know.
We miss the missionaries already and are so grateful for all they have done to bless the lives of the people in Colombia. We pray for their continued success during this time of transition and as they move forward along the covenant path.
With love and appreciation,
President and Sister Whitesides
March 28
Sam come home for a two week quarantine and to await a temporary re-assignment stateside as soon as things calm down a little and missionary work can get going again. Our whole family went in quarantine with Sam so he does not have to be isolated in one section of the house.
Worldwide infections surpassed the 660,000 mark with more than 30,000 death
Utah has 602 confirmed cases. Total U.S. cases 124, 464
March 29
This Sunday is a worldwide day of prayer and fasting for physical, spiritual and other healing and relief from Covid-19.
March 30
Utah has 602 confirmed cases and four deaths. Total U.S. cases is 158,571. Total deaths is 2,938
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