From Orlando, Florida, USA to Jakarta, Indonesia, May 2020
My Odyssey – From Deland, Florida to Jakarta Amidst COVID-19 Chaos
Flying home to Jakarta during the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly the most daunting journey I’ve ever undertaken. With tensions high and uncertainties looming large, every step of the way was riddled with challenges and unexpected twists.
My parents, deeply concerned about my safety amidst the global crisis, made the heartfelt decision to bring me back to Indonesia until normalcy returned. Thus began a rollercoaster of emotions and events that would test my resilience like never before.
I spent two months at the gracious abode of my friends in Deland, Florida. Their generosity knew no bounds, and I’m forever indebted to them for opening their hearts and home to me during such trying times. Their unwavering support was a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.
As my mom attempted to book my flight, we encountered a barrage of obstacles. A sudden disappearance of available tickets, save for one outrageously priced option, left us dumbfounded. Who would shell out such exorbitant sums for a single ticket? We had no choice but to wait for few days patiently for more reasonable options to surface.
Eventually, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a ticket from Japan Airlines (JAL). With a sense of relief washing over us, my mom secured the booking without hesitation. But fate had other plans in store.
On the day of departure, a cruel twist of fate left me stranded at the check-in counter at Orlando International Airport. Japan’s strict policy against non-citizens with overnight layovers dashed our hopes of a smooth journey. With no JAL representative in sight and customer service lines inactive, panic began to set in.
Thankfully, my friends rallied around me, offering unwavering support and a shoulder to lean on. Despite the setback, we refused to give up hope. With everything that had happened, my mom was a bit traumatized of buying tickets online. She preferred to buy tickets via travel agent, but no travel agent was open during that time, and prefer to fly with US airlines, so incase of anything, we can still reach the airlines counter at the airport. After a grueling search, we finally secured a ticket through United Airlines, with the invaluable assistance of a kind-hearted airline officer.
The journey itself was no less challenging. A solitary night spent at an empty Chicago O’Hare International Airport during my layover, devoid of amenities and human presence, felt like a scene from a dystopian Zombie thriller. Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, the warmth of my loved ones’ voices my mom and my friends kept me company, bridging the distance between us. My friend even face time me just to join her watching TV.
Arriving in Soekarno Hatta Airport, I expected a sense of relief and joy. Instead, I was met with a tense atmosphere and bewildering regulations. Mandatory quarantine measures imposed by the Indonesian government added another layer of complexity to an already arduous journey.
Days turned into nights as we awaited test results in cramped quarantine facilities, devoid of basic amenities and answers to our myriad questions. The experience felt surreal, akin to being treated as criminals rather than returning citizens.
But amidst the darkness, there were glimmers of light. The unwavering support of my friends, family, and community reminded me that I was not alone. Their prayers and encouragement sustained me through the darkest hours, reaffirming my faith in humanity and the power of love. My senior pastor, Apostle Daniel Henubau even took the time to blessed me with his prayer through Zoom video.
As I finally received a negative test result and embraced my family after six long days, a wave of gratitude washed over me. Despite the trials and tribulations, I emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before, buoyed by the love and support of those who stood by me.
In retrospect, this journey was not just a physical odyssey but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It taught me to cherish the moments of joy amidst adversity and to never lose hope, no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
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