Let’s start with the good news: the birthmark that was removed from Marco’s face was not harmful. We weren’t really concerned about it, but it’s nice to hear that there is nothing to worry about. The dermatologist then immediately checked Marjolein and took a biopsy of a spot on her nose. Due to the lack of suitable materials she was given a ‘clown’s nose’. We expect the result of this next Friday. With our fair skin, we regularly stay under control. 

There are still no cases of Corona among the Wajana and Trio, even though there are significant outbreaks in the countries around us! We are very grateful.

In Paramaribo we notice little of restrictive measures. In the shops, hardly anyone keeps to the 1.5 meter social distancing. The cashiers are behind a plastic sheet, but they touch the money and groceries with their bare hands. Restaurants are open again. 

Every Thursday our grandson Quinn visits his grandparents for a day. How wonderful that we are given the opportunity to build our relationship with him. He loves to assist us: grandpa in the garden and grandma hanging the laundry. 

Ascension Day we could join a worship meeting in the evening. It was the first time in 2 months that 50 people could meet again, so all needed to register and with 50 people, no more visitors were allowed. Fortunately, exactly 50 people showed up and we could enjoy a wonderful service together. 

Last weekend were the last days to campaign for the general elections. There were road shows, which are long lines of trucks and cars decorated with flags from one political party or the other. People were packed together in the trucks and buses, and by the side of the road. It was a great party. 

Last Sunday we celebrated Marco’s birthday in Corona style. Our daughter Elsbeth came with her husband and son to have coffee and eat our famous Dutch apple pie. 

Then we had lunch with Surinamese noodles, chicken, long beans and fried banana. The children in the Netherlands visited virtually. One family sang Happy Birthday, and our grandson Jayden played the piano after two months of piano lessons! We enjoyed ourselves! Jayden piano

General election day was last Monday and President Bouterse’s National Democratic Party seems to be the losing party. We now are waiting for the outcome of the elections and which  new government will step up. The big winner is the United Reform Party, but whether they have enough members in parliament to elect the president is still unkown.

The travel ban to and from the interior was lifted just before the elections. We wonder if this is permanent, so that we can fly to Apetina again soon. Perhaps the domestic state of emergency will return the coming weeks. We still have a lot of things to do in the city, so for now we will see which way the wind blows.