Day After the Storm

My first days in Champaign, after my short trip back to Jakarta, were unbearably hot. I couldn’t believe that summer in the States was crazier than the hot humid weather in Jakarta. The sun was really strong, and as Jamie Cullum or Radiohead would say, it was really ‘High & Dry.’ To make things worse, the apartment I’m temporarily staying in (just for this month) has no air conditioning! So you can imagine how that felt. I tried not to complain, and made the best out of the worst situation. I bought a box fan to make things a little cooler (although it didn't help much). Nevertheless, for me, staying at Nevada is still a much better alternative than staying at my air-conditioned apartment at Armory!

Then came the day of the thunderstorm. That day, I was working on my research project at the Union. By 7.00 pm I was ready to head out, grab some dinner, then walk back home. After packing my laptop, books, and other belongings I walked to the door. Suddenly, heavy rain swept the area. The rain was soooo heavy that you barely could see anything. I was like thick fog. Then the building alarm system went off and the main doors of the Union were guarded. Nobody was allowed to leave the building, and everyone was advised to seek shelter in the basement. Although it didn’t seem like a big deal, crazy ideas swept through my head. What if the storm lasted for some time, and we were left starved in the basement? What if the building was hit by a tornado, and things became a wreck? How was I supposed to get home? It’s wet, raining, cold, and I don’t even have an umbrella with me! I tried to stay calm, but so many “what ifs” were racing across my mind. Fortunately the storm didn’t last long, and within less than an hour the building administrators informed us it was safe to leave the building.

Amazingly, the days after the storm became much much cooler. It was great. I even slept soundlessly without turning on my box fan. It’s a miracle! Now all I have to worry about is the minimal lighting in this room. But ‘temperature’wise, I’m not complaining anymore.

The moral of the story? Sometimes it does take a storm to make things better. You need to be hit by a tornado, struck by lightning, fall to the ground, and shatter into shambles before you to learn to pick up the pieces, mend yourself, stand straight, and walk with dignity again. This time you walk a stronger wiser and better person. Hopefully :)