Learning to “Go with the Flow”
Posted on Aug 20, 2020 by Shari Van Baale
This would have been the first full week of school. Instead, our summer vacation has been extended to September. I really consider it a 6 month summer break at this point, since very little was accomplished academically after spring break. I call it a break, not a vacation; though we would like to have a summer getaway (we haven’t had a family vacation in 5 ½ years), I just don’t feel safe doing that right now.
My kids are in the Olathe School District. On Tuesday, the Johnson County Health Department recommended that schools should be all remote at this time due to the number of COVID-19 cases in the county. Shawnee Mission decided to go all virtual for the first semester, Blue Valley is still deciding, and Olathe chose all-remote for older kids and hybrid for elementary. (I only mention the three largest districts in Johnson County. Sorry if I left yours off.)
Who knows what this school year will bring. We could go back to school and shut down immediately, or continue all year with little issue.
What is known is this will be a school year like no other. There might not be fall sports (still being decided), so most likely no pep rallies or Friday night football games. There probably won’t be a Homecoming game or dance. Who wants to dance with their date while socially distanced wearing a mask? There might not even be winter basketball, or even prom.
One thing this whole experience has taught me is to slow down and go with the flow. Plans are made, then changed, then canceled, and that is OK. Life isn’t always planned out, and things happen.
Who knows what the fall will bring for Salem? What we do know is we will soon say goodbye to the only worship space we have known and meet somewhere new. This Sunday will be our last time worshipping in the sanctuary, as next week we will meet outside of Koinonia Hall. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop by our new worship space at the Central Baptist Theological Seminary (6601 Monticello Road in Shawnee) on Aug. 30 after worship. It will be a great way to preview what’s to come.
Change can be scary, but it can also be good. With so many other things changing right now, perhaps it is a good time to change things up.
Shari Van Baale
Communications Coordinator