Kelly H.

I miss my dog. I miss my 42 inches television set which is my graduation gift. I miss the old lady next door who would always scold me for no reason. I miss the girl in pink who used to jog in the park in front our apartment building. And I am really starting to sound pathetic.

I am 23 years old, fresh from college but for reasons unknown, my company, White well Financing Company, sent me to Jakarta, Indonesia as a transfer employee for a year or two. I don't know Bahasa. Heck, I don't even know any other language except English. I was really disappointed when they offered me the job as finance adviser for our clients in this hot archipelago. But I am a person who never back down on any opportunities. I took it never knowing what to expect.

From the airport, I was welcomed by a small Asian chauffeur who surprisingly speaks good English. Much to my annoyance though, the traffic was so heavy; we were stuck in it for 2 hours. I was already expecting a terrible time in this foreign country.

I was driven by my nice driver to a small yet plush office in what seems to be the city center of West Jakarta. The lady who greeted me was petite but very beautiful and introduced herself as Mercy, one of the receptionists of The Peterson Group Bespoke Condo. I immediately thought, "This might not be so bad at all". However, though, I took it back when they asked so many questions from me. It was like I was being interrogated. The only difference is the detainment center is filled with expensive furniture. I also got to wait for two hours before I was then directed that a chauffeur would drive me to my new home.

With the traffic and the places we have passed, I am imagining the worst. However, the car suddenly stopped in front of Grand Madison at Podomoro City. I was then guided through one giant glass door to another, with two bellboys at my feet. I thought I was dreaming. It was luxury at its finest!

I later found out that those hours spent at TPG's office was to get detailed information on the specifications for my new home. They immediately took care of it. I know it may be bland saying it but you should try TPG.

Here's what I think now: being far from home may not be bad at all. I might even have earned more than I have deserved.