Hello everyone, I would like to start by saying that the purpose of this blog is to inspire my friends who want to volunteer but are still hesitant to take the leap, just like I was before. We tend to overthink things, wondering if we will fit in, if we will be scolded when we don't understand something, and so on. However, once I took the plunge, I realized that everything was the opposite of what I had imagined. I gained friendships, made new friends, and even discovered my own self-worth. This is my story, told through the lens of my experiences.
Our destination is Ban Pa Ka Yae, Phetchaburi Province, located within Kaeng Krachan National Park. We are traveling with Mr. Nirut Busada, also known as "Pee Waen." You can follow his Facebook page for updates on his regular trips.
The designated meeting point was reached, and the group boarded a van. Upon arrival, the van stopped at a meditation retreat center, as it was unable to access the village directly. From this point, the group had to walk to their destination.
Upon arrival, we gathered our belongings to be loaded onto the Phoview vehicle driven by volunteer Note, while the rest of us proceeded on foot.
How do I get there?
Along the way, there are houses of villagers that are not close together, but rather quite far apart.
Keep walking, we're not in the village yet, it's still a long way to go. Hehe.
Initially, they acted seriously, but later... (laughter)
A journey that requires us to cross water.
Is the water clear, friends?
The four-wheel drive vehicle, owned by Mr. Note, served as the workhorse for carrying luggage, making it the star of the event. Its impressive design truly stood out.
This is the chef who cooks for us. His food is delicious!
The chef's daughter, a young girl, is still able to go. Whoever said she couldn't go, please provide evidence.
After a long and arduous trek, we stumbled upon what appeared to be a remote Border Patrol Police school. However, the actual village was still a considerable distance away.
This is the football field at the Border Patrol Police School. It's my dream field, I must say. It's beautiful… with trees like an amphitheater.
Once you pass this sign, you've reached the village. It's truly remote, but the people here seem content with their simple way of life. Perhaps that's all that matters in life - to find happiness in what you have, without yearning for more.
Contentment with one's possessions is the essence of happiness.
This is a domestic pig located at a kindergarten. The children here understand Thai and are very familiar with us.
This is the bespectacled senior who organized this project. He is kind and caring towards his juniors. I am very impressed by him.
This is the story of other volunteer's sleep.
I slept soundly in Yaya's house by the river.
The children were very cooperative with us. I like that the children here speak politely, using "ครับ/ค่ะ" after every sentence. As a native Thai speaker, I am even embarrassed by their politeness.
You look handsome, young man.
Upon arrival, the team members divided the tasks, including snacks, colors, and food, based on their individual strengths. However, I was unable to contribute effectively in any of these areas.
This is a true family, as the parents and children of this house are volunteer chefs with excellent cooking skills.
Oh, friend, you look sad. Come on, let me give you a bone. 55+
Ms. Ao is a very talented artist.
Our eldest brother, Song, is very kind and friendly to his younger siblings.
Aor sleeps in the same house as me. She is a quiet person, but I talk to her more than the other siblings because we share a house. Aor has given me a lot of good advice.
This team consists of professors, so there is no need to mention them.
This is Bow. I really like his style. He's very cool, skilled, and easy to talk to. It's a lot of fun talking to him, Bow.
Older sister
Taking shape, thanks to the seniors' work. Mine is much worse.
Oh my god, what are you guys eating? It's yellow! 55
Even the smallest gesture from us can leave a lasting impression and become a cherished memory for them.
It's time to eat, everyone! When I'm with Brother Glasses, there's no such thing as going hungry. We're full every meal.
The children are happy.
After a hearty meal, it's time to get back to work. Keep up the good work, everyone!
Great job, Mr. Phu!
Let's see how skilled Note is before we give in. Hehe.
Wow, Bow, you look absolutely stunning!
The rain poured down in sheets, forcing us to stop our work and sit there watching the dreary scene. It was a real bummer.
Mischievous Mack 55
How frustrating, ask the seniors. 55+
Their work is nearing completion... Great job, everyone!
The sun sets, preparing to pack things, bathe, eat, and rest.
This is a group of bikers who have joined us as volunteers for this event. They look amazing!
Waking up at 5 am to go to Pha Daeng. Anyone who wants to go will have a local villager guide them.
I've been waiting for a long time, brothers. 555
Are you okay, friend? 55+
With the help of the red leader, Rawal is a stack of five breads.
Wading through water, the uphill climb was so steep it felt more like scaling a wall. 55+
After climbing up, I saw my younger sibling sitting there waiting for me. I was panting heavily, but they didn't seem tired at all.
The view is absolutely breathtaking.
The sweat on your face shows how exhausted you are. 55+
The brakes on this downhill section need to be top-notch! 555+
He walks like he's strolling through a mall, so relaxed! 55+
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Look at your younger brother, how long will he stand like you guys? 555++
Then continue to collect the work...
"Wow, the motorcycle gang is amazing! They even cut hair for children. I should probably learn how to do that too. Hehe."
This is the work of Bow's team and others.
This is the work of P'Pu, P'Note, and their friends.
This part I did myself, haha, I'm so embarrassed. P.S. But the horse and the centipede, I colored them, haha.
His skills are truly impressive.
We are done, let's go home.
My older brother, P'Jorn, once told me, "If you travel for pleasure, you only get to travel. But if you volunteer while traveling, you gain both nature and value." He was right.
Jack, the laid-back one
Big brother Song is kind-hearted.
Farewell, my dear students.
As we were leaving, we encountered other volunteer groups heading in the opposite direction. They greeted us with warm smiles and camaraderie. The volunteers...
The story I shared is my own perspective on the events that unfolded. Through this experience, I discovered a newfound passion for volunteer work, a stark contrast to my previous solo backpacking adventures. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to "พี่แว่น" for providing me with the opportunity to contribute to bringing smiles to the faces of children and villagers. Should the opportunity arise, I would be honored to join another trip with you. Until we meet again...
Please excuse any errors.
Note: I am glad that the reader has reached this point, which means that you are not someone who only reads 8 lines.
"Even if people think I'm putting on an act, I'd rather put on an act that makes others smile than do nothing and just talk... You know what I mean?"
You can talk to me on my Facebook: https://wwfacebook.com/profile.php?id=1000093488...
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Diary Backpacker
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:27 AM