“Let the peace of God rule in your heart…….and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

That is good advice for these changing times as we live through these days of uncertainty and new rules and legislation. There are many things to be thankful for. Number one is that we live in the United State of America. Many men and women have traveled to other countries and have said, “America is the best country in the world.” Our Grandfather Pollreis said, “I kiss the ground of America.” “No, I will not return to Austria,” and our mother, Ida, felt vehemently the same when invited to visit Europe. Oh, readers, aren’t you grateful that you live in the USA, where we have an abundance of everything?” Strangely, this week we have been hearing of some shortages in the stores all over the country, which is probably due to panic and people listening to too much news. However, President Donald J. Trump had informative, encouraging news on Friday morning television.

Spring is coming. Little tufts of green grass are pushing through the leaves and snow. I discovered five budded daffodils outside my art room door! Our land in southeastern Colorado is desperately is in need of rain or snow for our winter wheat and grass. Please pray for moisture.

Mason Lytle is a new employee for the Sand Creek National Historic Site. His position is Community Ambassador. He is offering an opportunity for people of the community to apply as volunteers for the National Park office on the corner of Maine and 13^thStreets. Last Wednesday, many men and women in Park Service uniforms carried equipment, furniture, and files into the office building. Some people have been privileged to tour the facility, which is next to the future senior citizen center. The second floor will also have offices, archives and museum pieces. We will wait for the announcement of their open house, which they hope will be in late April. 

Glen Smith, Superintendent of Eads Schools, sent letters to the families and guardians of students to announce that their spring break will be longer than expected by several weeks or more depending upon the pandemic. After a survey of the family’s availability to internet connections and computers, equipment will be sourced, and the teachers are currently preparing lessons to be sent to the students. Monday of this week, students could go to school at certain hours to get their belongings from their desks and lockers. Our teachers have been working on lessons to be accessed on the internet or packets for some younger students. Mr. Smith’s letter encouraged students, parents, and guardians to work together to complete the educational requirements for the months of the school year depending on the future weeks. For the parents or guardians who work with the students at home, we are told by experts on television to be organized and disciplined. I think the suggestion to start with math and reading subjects first and then divide the time with activities, arts and crafts, and time outside sound like great ideas. This could be a great opportunity for parents to interact with their children to give them more attention and family time.

Around Eads, all the eating places are closed for seated dining, but customers can call ahead to get food ordered and handed to them at the door. Until school begins again, Charlie and Mary Vasquez will set out the “open” flag at the Maine Scoop. Customers can eat out in the sunshine or pick-up boxes of southwest foods. Other restaurants in town are open for take-out foods by calling ahead.

This is a good time for us to remember to care for our neighbors, especially our older neighbors who may need some groceries, water, or medicines. A pastor’s wife called me last week, my “helper friend,” Robin, called several times. The idea of youth and teenagers who would take the time to do errands for elders is a good one as proposed by President Trump. 

Among those attending Georgena Gray’s funeral those were Opal Miner’s children, Scott and Tina Miner, and daughter, Susan Torchia, from Texas. They reported that Opal is feeling well and adjusting to life in a senior assisted living center in Amarillo, Texas.

Our church family at Trinity Lutheran-Kit Carson, and the community friends of Eads and Kit Carson, are mourning the death of their friend, Sherri Emmert, whose funeral is scheduled for April 4.

Students in colleges and university housing have had to pack up immediately and leave their dorms this week. That must be catastrophic to some. 

Readers, are you aware that Weisbrod Hospital and Extended Care and Prairie Pines are not open to visitors until further notice?

American people are tough, although I have often said, “many Americans are spoiled, including myself.“ However, our concern now is, and should be, the safety of Americans as we readjust our schedules and life styles. Let us work together for the good of the nation and the world. My housekeeper often quotes Romans 8:28. There is a reason for everything.

“Not all heroes wear capes, many wear scrubs.”