Listening service

It's Palmpases. Dunya is still asleep. I'm sitting in my pajamas reading a cup of tea under the lamp. In front of me is the tablet and I looked up the website of the Dominican Church. I am a little early. “At the moment there is no broadcast” sounds a voice. When I refresh the page there is very soft music that slowly swells. “Come Creator Spirit, You who illuminate the night” and I suddenly have to swallow. Then I hear the familiar voice of Eva, our pastor, who tells us that according to tradition there is a children's service. But a service without a church. No one's in the Dominic today. Everything is recorded from home.

Social

This is the result of the Corona crisis. 'Social' is the new word we've learned. Keep one and a half meters away, only outside when you really have to, no school, no sports, no activities, no church, no choir and no meeting with friends. The commemoration of the death on 4 May will not take place, the ballet performance in June has been canceled. Contact with the big sister goes through the app and friends Dunya sees through image bubbles. Education goes remotely, through the laptop. And even the church services we follow via the Internet. Singing in the choir is not possible, coming to church is no longer possible anyway. There's no one. The doors stay closed.

Palmpases

Suddenly the tears flow down my cheeks. How much I miss singing on Sunday and how bad we can't just go to church to celebrate this together. Today, dozens of children are supposed to walk in parade through the church with cheerfully decorated palm sticks, and on Easter children are supposed to hand out flowers. And I'm supposed to be in the choir and sing “Then I will live”, but I can't. I miss the kids at school, the routine, the work, the occasional drinks with colleagues, and the pancake boat has been canceled again. And right now, I just feel the pain of things that can't.

Homework guidance

Fortunately, I am generally optimistic and positive. We get through it at home, despite the complicated situation. Just the two of us in a small house, that's not easy. Well, then it's a good thing I can break out once in a while to go to work. I have a vital profession because I work in education. Things need to be arranged, copied, laid out, handed out. Our school caters for children from the region whose parents have to work. So there is always someone needed for homework guidance. Then I can also regularly take a breath of fresh air on the ferry. I still love that and I only appreciate it more now.

Video calls

Teachers at my school are teaching via video calling, and we need to keep an eye on whether there are any worrying situations. It is generally spoken of children who have a hard time at home, that they can warn people from school if there is something. Or find an outlet. But at the same time, I'm afraid there are children who don't have the freedom to call someone to get their story. Who sees these kids and how do we find them? It is unimaginable how this form of education has been arranged for such a short time. Both at my school and Dunya's.