The Peer Counselor Course began early today. It was a great relief that I have completed one course. Some of the participants who will not be attending today’s course left for their countries respectively yesterday. Three were from Malaysia and two from the Philippines. The rest of us will be here for another eight-day course. Peer counseling is another component that is crucial in allowing disabled persons to regain their dignity and self-worth in preparation to their independent living in the community.
Yesterday being a free day, I went to the famous MBK shopping mall in Bangkok. Bargaining is a skill that I do not possess and I guess that I must have paid too much for some of the items that I bought. Now I know the feeling of foreign tourists being sharked in Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur and at Kek Lok Si Temple bazaar in Penang. What I like most about are the distinctly unique Thai fabrics. The elephants motif are creatively integrated into the design. All said, many of the items available here are quite similar to those back home.
The good thing being in Bangkok here is that I get to speak to Wuan almost every night. She calls me at 10pm every evening. That solves some of the feelings of missing her to some extent. I have made it through eight days of hectic schedule. Another nine days more before I will be back to the comforting arms of Wuan. Nine days more…
Blogged at APCD, Bangkok.
Aunty:
That is more than one line. What do I get for the extra effort.
You could have just said that all in one line what?
“8 days down, 9 to go, missing Wuan.” ;P
Whatever you do, don’t buy me Nuts & Raisins.
Peter:
How about nuts or raisins?
The days will fly and you will be back with Wuan in no time 🙂 MBK is a nice place but very crowded. Did you try those cute little fruit like desserts? Very colorful. I wonder if the stall is still at ground floor near the escalator?
Peter:
Err… Didn’t see that but there are a lot of cute stuff to buy. Tomorrow…
Hi Peter!!!
Sounds like you didn’t miss us that much =))
YOu’ve run off to shop as soon as we left 😛
But seriously though, it was a pleasure and such an inspiration ( an understatement, know!!! ) to have met you…and of course, the rest of the ILC training participants.
As the training progressed, I’m amazed how brilliant, genuine and accomplished you and some of the ILC participants are. Not discounting the fact that you are one talented and hilarious bunch!
Thank you for sharing yourself, your life and your whole being with me and the rest of the world.
Accompanying Gigi as her PA proved to be a much more enriching and gratifying experience than I imagined. It has totally blown away my expectations out of proportions, but in a good way!
Hahaha…I thought it was just another free travel and shopping in BKK! Being that structured and strict never did cross my mind…..much more having a curfew at 10pm! But I would not trade my APCD stay for anything else. Not only did I have soooo much fun, I also learned so much and met such remarkable personalities.
This experience has validated my belief in the goodness of people, optimism amidst great challenges, the resilience of the human spirit and the love of God for each and every person, able or disabled. More importantly, it made me more appreciative of what I have…to count my blessings each day, be grateful to my maker and to live each day as a blessing to others always.
Thank you for making such a significant contribution in this memorable experience and as I journey through life.
Do continue to be a blessing and an inspiration!
You’ll always be in my prayers and I do hope that one day, our paths shall meet again.
Till then…take care and live life to the fullest!
CARPE DIEM…..SEIZE THE DAY!!!
warm regards….anjela;-)
PS. Do extend my regards to all whome we left behind 😉
But again…..we may not
Peter:
You are an inspiration yourself – full of energy and humour. It was great meeting you and Gigi and the rest of the Filipino team. Till we meet again, soon hopefully. Take care.
photos! we want photos!
Peter:
I am the wish genie and today is your lucky day.