It's happening!

My keen power of observation tells me that things did not go smoothly or easily yesterday. {Equipment not moving, hood open, men tinkering…} But by mid-afternoon there was gutter-work underway and cause for some celebration.

My own heart pulsates with even more cause for celebration with the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine. Very few countries have managed to manage the spread of the virus by behavior modification. Numerically, Oregon has done better than most but the last year has made a strong case for the necessity of additional tools. Like a vaccine.

Many elder care facilities have already begun the vacination process. Hospital staffs are underway as well. The rest of us wait for our turn in the queue.

Marion County has rolled out a 'vaccination station' in Salem at the State Fairgrounds. Marion County residents are being invited in, per State protocols. Only, those folks aren't necessarily showing up.

Paying attention to the news, we know that both serums being used to inoculate against coronavirus demand very rigorous storage requirements. Thus, when they have been removed from refrigeration, they have a limited shelf life. Literally, use it or lose it.

While I am not sitting at the Fairgrounds keeping track, from what I am hearing there is a pattern ~ particular populations are invited, if those people do not show up, the doors of opportunity are flung open for others.

Since mass vaccination is the key to moving back into group and gathering options, getting the set of jabs is how we can find our way out of this season of isolation.

Friends, I invite and encourage you to keep your ears open. Ask friends. Watch the news. And when your invitation or an open invitation comes along, rush into Salem. After all, that's where it's happening!

Pastor Leah