Bitter-Sweet Goodbyes: Wrapping Up Our UHAMKA Journey and Heading Home

Every incredible journey eventually reaches its final chapter. After weeks of unforgettable memories, deep cultural connections, and life-changing experiences at Uhamka Boarding School, it was finally time to pack our bags and say goodbye to Jakarta.

Our final 24 hours were a whirlwind of emotions, heavy suitcases, and the comforting anticipation of home. Here is how we spent our final day saying sampai jumpa to Indonesia and halo back to the Philippines!

The Final Rush: Souvenirs and Suitcases

You can’t leave Jakarta without a little piece of it to take home! Before we could even think about checking out, we had one final mission: hunting for the perfect ole-ole (souvenirs).

We headed straight to Thamrin City, a bustling paradise for shoppers. From intricate batik shirts and traditional snacks to beautiful trinkets for our families back home, we put our bargaining skills to the test one last time.

Once back at our lodgings, the real challenge began: the baggage puzzle. Trying to fit weeks' worth of clothes, teaching materials, and a mountain of new souvenirs into our luggage required some serious engineering skills. After a lot of sitting on suitcases and praying the zippers wouldn't break, we were finally packed and ready to roll.

From Soekarno-Hatta to NAIA Terminal 3

With our heavy bags loaded, we made our way to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Walking through the terminal, reality finally started to sink in. We were leaving the place and the beautiful people who had become our second family over the past few weeks.

After checking in, passing through immigration, and boarding our flight, we watched the lights of Jakarta fade beneath the clouds.

Flight Check: A few hours later, the familiar coastlines of the Philippines came into view. We officially touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, greeted by the warm, humid Manila air. We were finally home.

A Warm Welcome and Safe Travels Home

Stepping out of the arrival gates, tired and slightly jet-lagged, we were met with the most comforting sight. Sir Paul and Ma'am Laarnie were right there waiting to fetch us!

Seeing their familiar, welcoming faces immediately eased our travel fatigue. They graciously loaded us into the vehicle and took the time to drop each one of us off right at our doorsteps, ensuring we made it home safely to our families.

Home, But Forever Changed

As we finally lay down in our own beds, looking at the ole-ole stacked on our desks, the gratitude is overwhelming. Our UHAMKA immersion may have come to an official end, but the lessons we learned, the friendships we forged, and the memories we made will stay with us forever.

Terima kasih, Jakarta. It's good to be home!