Amazing God in Amazing Thailand (Day 1 in Bangkok)

Pre-departure.

On April 30, when I went back to work after a four-day vacation in Iloilo, I was told of a news that shocked and excited me at the same time. Kuya Shok and Ate Junie told me that I'm going to Thailand for mission, specifically for Princess Diaries. Thank God I was able to come up with a team in less than a month. There are really a lot of SFCs who are generous of their time, talent, and treasure. :)

On May 30, two days before my scheduled flight, I went home with high fever and terrible headache. The following day, I didn't report to work and just stayed home to get some rest. The whole day of the 31st, I was feeling okay but during the night, I felt a little sick again. On June 1, I woke with high fever and terrible headache again. I wasted no time and went immediately to the doctor. She gave me medicines and advised me to return after two days, especially if the fever is persistent. I told her I'm going to Thailand for mission so she required me to undergo urinalysis and complete blood count. The results were pretty good except for the abnormal count (not within normal range) of segmenters and lymphocytes. The doctor advised that if the on and off high fever will still persist in Thailand, I would need to repeat the blood test. And so I went to Thailand with thermometer, paracetamol, and antibiotics.

[June 1]

Departure.

I arrived at the airport quite early that the check-in counter for Bangkok is still closed. And so I paid for the travel tax first, went up to have dinner and take medicines, and went down to withdraw. On my way up, I decided to take the escalator because I passed by the Airport Chapel. Unfortunately, the escalator going to the third level (departure area) is broken so I had to take the stairs. And yes, the travel tax, they say, is for improvement of airport facilities and tourism. Oh well. With all my might, and with the strength that can only come from God, I carried close to 20 kilos of baggage (one backpack, one luggage bag, and a bag containing a box of Flame products and some of my personal stuffs). When I arrived at the check-in counter, I felt a little sick again. But praise God everything went smoothly and I was able to board the flight with not much hassle, except that it was delayed (again, due to air traffic).

[June 2]

Arrival.

I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport chilling from the cold temperature. Thank God I got a very warm welcome from Lawrence and Kuya Nemboy who patiently waited for me at Gate 3. We then headed to Fortune Condotown where the SFC Coordinator for Bangkok resides. There (here) we will stay for the duration of this mission trip. :)

Day 1.

I woke to a high fluctuating fever ranging from 38.1 to 39.8 but when I drank my medicines, it subsided. And so by 3pm, we went out to explore the city. Kuya Benjie and Ate Veron brought us to Siam Paragon where we marveled at the beautiful orchids showcased at the 6th Siam Paragon Bangkok Royal Orchid Paradise.

The Little Buddhas :)

Love at Siam Paragon :)

After exploring every floor of that huge and elegant mall (they say it's a property of the princess), we walked all the way to MBK and had a sumptuous dinner at MK Restaurant. While we were there, I have a recorded temperature of 38.9. We went home by public transports, the BTS and the BRT.

And day 1 ended with high fever again, but a very beautiful glimpse of Bangkok and Thailand itself. :)

It was also an all day encounter with the Lord as I was in constant communication with Him with all the "wows" in all the beauty that I see and all the "Please heal me, Lord." that I pray.

Most importantly, it was a glimpse of what missionary life is all about. Nothing but by God, nothing but with God, nothing but for God. :)

I'd like to share the second day as well but I guess I'll just do tomorrow as I am really sleepy now, must be the effect of the injection and the medicines. But I'm feeling a whole lot better than the previous 3 days.

Good night Thailand, good morning Philippines!

May God be praised. :)

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