Quarantine
On January 11, 2021 by Keturah HaferkampWhen we landed in S Korea the immigration authorities tried to separate our family at the border, citing a regulation about visa entry that required individuals to quarantine separately. There is a 14 day mandatory quarantine in fact for all passengers entering the country. We entered with the hope that the officials would permit us to stay together. No guarantee.
They did permit us to stay together.
Quarantine photos:
But quarantine was different than anything we’d ever experienced. We thought we were quarantining in the states– we toss that word around so much not realizing how exaggerated our feelings about being imposed upon to maintain social distance can be.
We had been misusing this word quarantine, mistaking brief periods of mostly, sort of separation from our friends, coworkers or family for actual periods of government imposed isolation. 🙃 COVID has been hard on so many people.
When we began our actual 14 day quarantine we learned quickly how hard it could be to have zero human contact for 2 complete weeks. The threat of fines and deportation looming over our heads and tracking us on our devices made us think twice about crossing the threshold of the apartment front door. We were not permitted to leave—not even to take out the garbage! I’m so thankful we had each other. For those who have had to endure the 14 days alone it must have been even harder. And I say this as an introvert. Introverted or not, isolation is hard on humans. We need each other.
Glad that’s over. Not especially looking forward to doing it again. But it was sweet to have concentrated family time. That was definitely a treat.
The other treasure of quarantine was the International Faculty community support. Folks brought us coffee, baked goodies, notes, dinners including Thanksgiving Dinner, and other necessities as the needs came up (including fetching and disposing of our garbage!). Such a blessing to be cared for like we were. We are very, very thankful.
More quarantine photos: