Klement Backpacking and Ministry: KBM 2012: The Trip to Bangkok, Thailand

25 July 2013

KBM 2012: The Trip to Bangkok, Thailand

by Ephraim Arriesgado

Time rolled so fast. This month, we are celebrating Klement Backpacking and Ministry's first year anniversary! Wow! A year had passed since we had the first edition in Thailand and Cambodia. This backpacking and ministry program was organized by my college batch mates who share the passion and desire for traveling and service.

This trip to Bangkok was ever memorable. Actually, it was a trip of first times! All the way, from my home in Ormoc City to Cebu to Clark and to Bangkok, I experienced firsthand God's marvelous providence.

With ambivalent feelings, I left my hometown. I thought, "I will be going to another country and I will be missing my family." Yet, behind those "sad" thoughts, I can feel the thrill and excitement burning within.

Then, I found myself in Mactan, Cebu. I arrived early at the airport, took some photos of it, and strolled around.

While I was walking inside the airport terminal, I happened to see Kadaugan sa Mactan's painting exhibit where I saw an abstract piece by a family friend, Sir Julbert Marañon.

Then, a few minutes later, we were flying. And it was my first domestic flight!

Seated beside the window, I had an amazing view of the island below. While we were traveling onwards, I had a fleeting glimpse on the islands of the Visayas. Then slowly, the thick clouds covered the beautiful scenery.

Now in Clark, Pampanga. And I had set foot in Luzon! Finally!

While seating outside the airport, I had the chance to talk to two backpackers from Europe who had a wonderful time in the Philippines. They said that they had surfing trips in Siargao, Cebu, and Palawan. Now, they are heading to Indonesia.

I spent my Sabbath in Angeles City, where I met a friend who has been pastoring some churches in the area. Thanks Paz Wacay for your hospitality!

The time of my first international flight has come and I am ready. I confidently approached the immigration officer and after so many questions, my passport was stamped and I was headed to the "Land of Smiles."

We arrived in Bangkok almost midnight. And it seemed so surreal that we were actually on a foreign country. We were then warmly welcomed by our batch mates now based in Thailand spearheaded by Regin of Regin's Travels.