Kuya Thom Finished his Long Walk
On 25th May 2023 Kuya Thom arrived in the center of the city of Cagayan de Oro (CdO) in very poor health, after 21 months of walking. The extreme and humid heat, as well as two slipped disks from the past, caused him serious problems during the last kilometers in his adopted Country. But only few knew about it. In his usual brave way, showing no mercy towards himself, he participated in the festive receptions held in his honor.
Even in the pouring rain, children and adults did not stop celebrating the arrival of “Kuya Thom”. At certain meeting points they waited for him in large groups and accompanied him waving little flags. More and more groups of IKP kids and staff in white “Kuya Thom Goes Home-T-Shirts” joined the walking group which towards the end counted several hundred participants.
On the square in front of the schoolhouse, several hundred more children, adolescents, parents and staff jubilantly welcomed Kuya Thom. While they could hardly stop chanting his name, Thomas Kellenberger, overwhelmed by emotions, lost his composure for a moment and burst into tears. Later, he said that this moment was one of the happiest in his life.
Unfortunately, Thomas› health deteriorated very soon afterwards. After extensive investigations, the possible causes were the after-effects of an unclear viral infection, a fungal and parasitic infection in the blood that was detected under the microscope, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Despite a very difficult time, Thomas is grateful that his health has gradually improved over the past few weeks and that he is currently able to work again – albeit at a reduced rate. Thomas has a positive attitude; he is determined to get completely well again and firmly believes that he can overcome this unexpected hurdle with the patience that is now necessary.
In view of his condition, a return trip to Switzerland is not an option at the moment. The active doer finds it difficult to be present at PIKIFI but hardly able to participate. We wish him much strength and endurance to tackle and get through this challenge as well.