Randy and Katy Smelser

Americans living in Germany but citizens of heaven

April

Our county is still with high Corona numbers but we were only number one in the state for one day. Whereas many places in Germany have seen a small opening in the Lockdown, our Lockdown remains in place with a curfew added. From 9 pm to 5 am we are to be at home. The government asked that the churches all close for Easter. Most in our county were not open for “presence” church and only had something on-line. We did have church following our “hygiene” concept approved by the county. The over 60 year-olds are up for the vaccine starting mid-June. So we still have a long way to go.

Lockdown Explained…We have noticed that many people do not understand what the lockdown since December (and partially November) means. Here is how we are living: The schools have reopened only for grades 1-4 and for those who are to graduate (grades 9, 10 or 13 depending on the school). Each class is divided into two and half come one day and half the next. All other children have been homeschooling. Our English classes have been put off again. Peine has had a curfew from 9pm to 5am. All theatre, cinemas, zoos, museums are closed in our area. The stores are all closed except gas stations, grocery and drug stores. After about 3 months the hairdressers and garden shops are open again. All other stores can only be ordered from and many offer pick up at the door. We have to wear masks while in parking lots and always indoors in any public place. Many churches have been closed even though the courts said that we have a right to hold church services. We had to jump through hoops to get a permit to meet and we are allowed only 16 people in our building (including two week old Liam). All restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and hotels are closed (take out is allowed). Only businessmen can stay at hotels. We can only have one person over (household + 1) whether inside or outside (including walks and bike rides). Even with all this for over 3 months the numbers are going up in Peine. The county directly to the south of Peine is much worse. It is like the prohibition when there were “Speak-Easies”, secret parties keep getting busted. This is basically what God has tried to teach humans through the law: law doesn’t work, we need a change of heart. People find ways to ignore or go around the laws and thus the numbers keep climbing. Please pray for our endurance.