Just like the weather here that can turn from sunny and blue to torrential downpour without much notice, life shifts quickly presenting new prospects. When I had to cancel my flight to Portugal, I changed my focus to returning home. Peru entered Phase 2 on June 30 which seems to be going well enough that Phase 3 is moving forward a bit earlier than expected. Tomorrow domestic flights will resume making it possible to get from Lima to Cusco by air.
This is the development I’ve been waiting for to ensure I wouldn’t get stuck in Lima if I took on a repatriation flight. Today I heard international commercial flights could resume in August, possibly the 1st but more likely on the 15th, creating a quandary: If there is a repatriation flight in July should I take it? Should I buy a commercial flight in August hoping it will be allowed to land?
If I’ve learned anything in these last four months, I know it’s precarious to plan with any sense of certainty but also important to nimbly move forward. I used my Jetblue credit to book a ticket to Lima for August 19, knowing it can be cancelled. In the meantime I will live day by day enjoying what presents itself, including a possible repatriation flight in July.
Without much notice, my mom’s assisting living facility has allowed visits to resume. Dennis and I got to see Mom in the garden for 30 minutes on Saturday and we’ll return on Thursday. I am grateful to still be here for that possibility. It was heartwarming to see her eyes light up when she recognized us.
As I watched the sunset last night, I invited whatever prospect for returning home to come in it’s time and way, grace-filled and easy — allowing of course, for the possibility that the best laid plans can change at any moment.
July 13, 2020