I usually release an update every 3 months, but since my previous update, not a lot has happened in my life. India struggled with a massive second wave of COVID-19 and we were sequestered to our homes. After the first wave, Goa became a place where all the Indian tourists were travelling, thus instigating a huge rise in cases in the tiny state. Packed out beaches, night parties and a complete disregard for safety by people in holiday-mode became the norm, and before you know it Goa had the highest test-positivity rate in all of India – 50% of people tested were positive for COVID.
For me, church services stopped, teaching face-to-face stopped, and I retreated to my apartment to stay safe. I came up with a system of teaching via worksheets and videos, so the kids wouldn’t miss out. Mondays I send the keyboard lessons out, Wednesday is for drums & Friday is for guitar. Church services are all online now, so I record some worship, edit it and send it to Dan who adds the preach and uploads it to YouTube.
I’ve also been recording for my next album. It’s sounding great & I have a big plan for it. Let’s see if anyone actually listens to it.
Living alone for 3 months without an end in sight has definitely taken its toll on my mental health. I suffer with severe depression most days. I can leave the apartment but it’s gotten to the point where I don’t want to. The police here terrify me, so driving around often leads to hyperventilating & panic attacks. The locals aren’t very welcoming of foreigners. The people I love, the kids, I can’t see as they’re protected & I’m still classed as a visitor. The music & videos I create, nobody listens to. Nothing seems to be of any worth any more & I feel almost completely alone.
I know right… “why didn’t you tell us” & “why didn’t you ask for help”, but it’s always so easy to say that while sitting from the outside.
I’m currently working on a way to move out of this. A change is on the horizon. But until then I’ll continue to keep up the work.
Thanks for your prayers, & to my sponsors I send all my love and gratitude. I’m dedicated to the work I set out to do. Always.
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