Guam’s small population makes it seemingly easier to to get by when trying to limit social bubbles.  for example - most socialize with only their families and most of the time friends are considered a natural extension of a family. this extended “bubble” makes it hard to not go against recommended social distancing  protocols.  during my stay i had to appease my mother by reluctantly tagging along with her to church or accepting reassurance from a group that a family gathering of thirty people could only be benign. such pleasures are sadly what fueled the spread of COVID-19 since the start of  August and arguably as far back as mid-July when restrictions were slightly eased.  the mitigating efforts of the pandemic have gone against the very fabric of this island’s culture that thrives on maintaining close-knit ties.

yet most alarming of all are the rise of deaths and the toll of patients at local hospitals.  it is my hope of that the peak numbers will start to decline soon while i make my way back to the mainland.  California is no better than where i left it 10 weeks prior.  businesses have opened up but the lingering fear of possible infection has become greater.  i have not come close to securing a job and am constantly reflecting on what lies in the days ahead.