We never think about it until it came.
It was March 17, 2020, Tuesday, when COVID pandemic news shocked the daycare center I am working with. The government of Canada, decided to close all the schools, and that includes us.
I have no idea that day that news regarding coronavirus was circulating. It was because we just moved-in in our new place and we still don’t have internet connection at home. No clue about happening, I went to the Center to do the usual activity for that day. But the moment I step in, I felt something was off. In the mid of my shift, our director announced, “we are closing until further notice.”
I am shocked and worried. We just moved-in, and our saving was running low.
I went home sad thinking about what will happen to us. We just used our savings to buy stuffs we need in our new place. Our rent increased, with additional pay for utilities. We just got a new car, and car insurance. I am doomed. My mind went blurry during that moment.
My husband went home with the same news. Although, their store didn’t closed, his hours decreased by half, so his pay.
During that time I am still not sure if I will get pay from our Center, so I asked my boss if I have to apply for Employment Insurance (EI), she said we don’t need to. Yes, with the help of the government, our boss was able to give our regular pay during the pandemic.
Doing nothing for weeks after that closing, I am glued at Nova Scotia Works to look for possible employment. I did find one. I applied at High Crest for a part time position and was given a chance to work 20 hours bi-weekly. That was a blessing. I earned 16/hr on top of my regular pay in daycare. That was able to cover for the lost on my husband salary.
And as days past, I still glued myself looking for possible job. For me, it was not time to fear the virus, but it’s time to look for new opportunity. Again, through Nova Scotia Works Facebook account, I saw that Nova Scotia Health Authority was hiring. I applied my husband not him knowing.
All of his family was against it. That was understandable because of the virus. But I saw that as a good opportunity for him to work in the agency owned by the government. I pushed him, while praying that he don’t get exposed with the virus.
I’m playing tough, but really little worried inside. We are both exposing ourselves in possibilities of getting that virus. I am confident that I have good immune system, but I am worried to bring home that virus, risking our kids.
But yes, my husband agreed and was turned out excited to his new found job. That was a good opportunity because as everyone I met said, “it was so hard to be part of that organization.” He is now happy working as “Way Finder” in one of the laboratory run by NSHA. He is on second week at work as of writing.
On top of all those new opportunities mentioned above, we also received the Canada Child Benefit during the pandemic and it was a big help. I applied it February, and was approved April. God really know a good timing because we been waiting for it, and it came during the time that we really needed it.
We survived and that was because of faith. We made it because of God. He give strength when we are weak.
And on Monday, June 15, after three months, our Center will be back in business. My husband is still working on his new and old jobs. And our kids will continue receiving their CCB.
How great is our Lord? He is greater and powerful than the pandemic that stops the world.
