Memory Lane: Miraculous Summer 2017 (1/2)

Before coming to a new country, unlike most people, my preparation for the Netherlands was no preparation at all! Everything was sudden and literally came together last-minute. As someone who comes from a family that barely has anything, my admission was a miracle! In fact, all these were miracle upon miracle. So I want to share with you what happened before and after I got admitted at Radboud University and my last day in Indonesia.

Firstly, the most important thing when going abroad is your passport. Am I right? Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that my passport was expired, a week before the application deadline. Imagine that! To get a spot at the immigration office was extremely difficult. But third time’s the charm and voila! I got the last spot that day.

As I said before, money is a huge deal. But as a believer in Christ, I know nothing is impossible. Not only did God allow me to get admitted, but also a scholarship for my first year was also given to me as well. Double miracle!

However, I knew I couldn’t join the Intro-week. Because the first day of class started on September 1st whereas my visa would be ready at the 4th, the latest. To make matters worse, I couldn’t book any ticket unless my visa was done. I seriously thought I couldn’t make it! But miraculously I did. The Embassy emailed and it was finished after 3 days or so. No Intro-week for me but I made it to the Last Minute Intro.

Afterwards, we checked for cheapest flight to Amsterdam. As tricky as it was, we found a not-so-very-cheap ticket. But it’s not like I had a choice, for I had to be in the Netherlands ASAP. Still, somehow every payment, from tuition fee to plane ticket was covered at the end.

Try to count how many times things turned around so quickly. How it flowed, although not the way I’d expect, yet was done and settled. All was made possible by Jesus Himself and His impeccable timing!

Sunday was my last day, the flight was at dawn on Monday, just a few days after the visa’ s done. My friends at church didn’t expect me to leave so soon. On Sunday night, my family invited them over for a small get-together. I’m so grateful and blessed! They gave me a farewell gift and I burst into tears. However, at the airport, I didn’t dare to cry cause it’s gonna be too unbearable. After the last hugs and kisses to my grandpa, parents and sister, I embarked on my journey to the land beyond.

Gave Indonesia a goodbye kiss and off to the Netherlands!