Tuyok and the Pandemic

by Regin Reyno

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Amidst this pandemic that we are experiencing right now, It just hit me, that I was able to accomplish my ultimate travel dream before this whole catastrophe occurred. 

Right now, the world is in a standstill. There are no flights or transportation, hotels are closed, economy is collapsing, people are getting sick, people are stuck. 

And, we do not know when this will end. 

China’s lockdown lasted for 2 months, and they are now in the recovery period of the outbreak. But they had a strict lockdown policy where people stay really stayed at home and cooperated with the government; not like what most countries are doing, right now.

In most countries, the lockdown policy is not as strict as China’s and the health care system, resources, wealth, and manpower is not efficient as China’s. So my point is, despite China’s very strict lockdown policy, political will, an efficient implementation of the law, and their resources, it still lasted for 2 months. How much more for the rest of the world, where our lockdown policy and resources are not the same as China’s?

My point is, this might go for more than 2 months, for the fact, that we, and most of the countries in the world right now, have a less strict lockdown policy; where people can still go out, public transportation is still running, and you have some citizens who are not cooperating, not wearing masks, lack of PPEs for health workers-things like that.

In fact, there are some predictions that this might last for 3 years. Hopefully, not. But, after watching Walter Veith’s video on YouTube, where he presented some facts and not just theories, I don’t know, but there’s a possibility that it might happen. We never know, right?

That made me think and had a reflection. 

For me, to have an around-the-world trip is really something. It’s so important to me. That’s the ultimate travel dream, ultimate goal for me. That if I wasn’t able to do it, I will have regrets.

I cannot afford to not be able to do it. 

We have different travel dreams or goals in life. For some, it may be, to be able to climb Mt. Everest, or for some it may be to step on the Holy Land, or to be able to go the the US, or to be able to have a luxury cruise, or to be able to eat Toblerone at a terrace overlooking the rolling, green hills of Switzerland.

But for me, it’s an around-the-world trip. As, a passionate traveler, this is so important to me, and I want to do it while still young and not married.

Ever since, 2011, it was in my mind. Then, in 2014, I started to have the resources to do it, but I kept on postponing it, citing various reasons.

Then finally, I was able to do it in 2019, just before the pandemic started!

Doing an around the world trip, a long-term travel that involves a lot of resources and time; and comprehensive logistics and itinerary, you would think that I had it planned for a long time.

But, no; it was a very quick decision. I started 2019 without planning to do it. It was always, “There’s always next time.” “I’m not that ready.”  "I’ll do this first, then travel.” Things, like that.

But just suddenly, in September, I had the impression to do it. Prayers were offered asking God for guidance. 

But still, flights weren’t booked and I was still debating with myself if I’ll do it or not.

Then, one morning, on October 11, 2019, while waiting for my breakfast at a diner before reporting for work, I just instantly and decisively booked my first flight. 

And, decided to not continue on with my job: kind of like a gap year, or a sabbatical. 

I departed Beijing on October 18, 2019 to spend some time with my family in the Philippines, then departed Manila on November 8, 2019 to accomplish my ultimate travel goal.

I completed my around the world trip on December 16, 2019.

My ultimate travel dream, my ultimate travel activity, a major accomplishment in my life. Pretty much, like a masters degree diploma for most people.

And, now going back to our situation right now, where everything is so unclear, and we don't know when this will end, I can’t help but praise the Lord for the perfect timing. I do believe that I was impressed by the Holy Spirit to book that flight and just do it, thereby accomplishing my dream.

Esquire magazine PH, even featured my trip.

As I type this right now, I’m in the mountains with my family; hoping, praying, and waiting for this outbreak to end, and my Circumnavigators Club certificate hanging on the wall.

We don't know what's ahead, but we keep on trusting God; the same God of Abraham, the God of David, who promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

I praise the Lord, for guiding me.

Trip Timeline

September 2019: thought of the idea

October 11, 2019: booked flights 

October 18, 2019: departed Beijiing, China for Manila and Bukidnon, Philippines

November 2019: booked hotels

November 8, 2019: departed Manila for the around-the-world trip

December 16, 2019: arrived in Manila, finishing my trip

Covid-19 Timeline

December 31, 2019: Chinese health officials inform WHO about a mysterious pneumonia.

January 7, 2020: Chinese authorities identify a new type of coronavirus called novel coronavirus or nCoV.

March 11, 2020: WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic.

This is part of Tuyok