I never thought it would last this long. Did you? Is there anyone at this point whose life hasn’t been disrupted by COVID-19? When will it end?

I’m supposed to be on a plane today, going back to Canada for vacation. Instead I’m hoping for a Christmas flight – if any airlines are flying then.

My flight was canceled when the government decided international flights could no longer land in Ottawa. COVID regulations. I have no idea why Air Canada didn’t just issue me new tickets with a plane change in Montreal.

Back in March, when Canada’s Prime Minister told Canadians abroad to come home, I felt he was speaking to those on vacation, not people working overseas. I have no regrets about staying.

I will admit though that I expected things to be back to normal by the end of June. I didn’t really believe I wouldn’t be vacationing in Maine as I usually do. Now I have no idea what to do for a vacation – except I know I don’t want to go anywhere that will require me to quarantine.

The world has changed in 2020. It will be a while before we realize just how much. Or which changes are good or bad.

Whenever I next get on a plane, I’m not looking forward to the flight (but I will be looking forward to my destination). I’ve already experienced the joys of wearing a mask on trains – and an international flight will be longer than any of my masked train trips.

It is going to be very interesting to see what air travel looks like in five years’ time. Will there be much business travel, or will it have been almost completely replaced by video conferencing? Will the extra COVID safety precautions be the tipping point that kills leisure travel?

Or will a vaccine be developed that will allow a return to 2019 normal? At least until the next pandemic.

I will admit to feeling a little out of sorts today. Partly sad, partly frustrated, missing Canada – while at the same time happy to be in Germany.

One feeling though has been consistent throughout this pandemic and the challenges it has at time raised. God is in control. He knew this was was 2020 was going to look like, for me – and for everyone else.

That is a huge comfort – because right now I am wishing I was on that plane.