The Most Unforgettable Lesson I Learned While Traveling Alone

Hi, my name is Menchie. I grew up in the Philippines, but now I live in Michigan with my husband Zech and our beautiful, energetic three-year-old daughter, Abigail. Life has been full of surprises and lessons, but nothing prepared me for the unforgettable adventure I had when I traveled internationally by myself for the first time.

Let me tell you the story of that journey, one filled with twists, humor, and a lesson I’ll never forget.

The Adventure Begins

It all started when Zech bought me a ticket to visit him in Michigan. We were about to get married in two weeks, and I was traveling to the U.S. on a fiancé visa. Zech was working hard and couldn’t come to the Philippines to fetch me, so he thought it would be easier for me to fly into Canada. He figured he could simply drive across the border and pick me up. It sounded like a simple plan… until it wasn’t.

When I landed at the Hong Kong airport for my layover, I hit a snag. Immigration officials wouldn’t let me board my connecting flight to Canada. Apparently, Zech’s idea didn’t quite align with immigration laws. The officials politely but firmly informed me that I couldn’t enter Canada without a proper visa.

I felt like a deer caught in headlights. What was I supposed to do now?

A Comedy of Errors

I called Zech in a panic, and his response was as calm as a cucumber. “Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll figure it out.” Easy for him to say—he wasn’t the one stranded in a foreign airport with no plan and no clue what to do next.

I also called my mom and family in the Philippines, hoping for advice. “Just come back home,” they suggested. But I knew returning home wasn’t an option. If I went back to the Philippines, I might not be able to leave again anytime soon due to visa complications. So, I stayed put, determined to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, Zech was frantically trying to book me a new ticket directly to the U.S. But tickets were outrageously expensive, and we couldn’t afford one. That’s when Zech’s dad stepped in with perfect timing. On the fourth day of my airport ordeal, he bought me a ticket outright. It was a tremendous help, and we were able to pay him back after a couple of years.

The Waiting Game

Here’s the catch: the next available flight wasn’t for another four and a half days. That meant I had to stay in the airport—yes, the airport—for nearly five days.

At first, I thought, “How hard can it be?” I had some pocket money and figured I’d just hang out in the terminal, people-watch, and maybe browse the shops. But by the second day, reality hit me like a ton of bricks. Airport food is ridiculously expensive, and my funds were running out fast. I started rationing my meals, cutting back to one proper meal a day and snacking on crackers and water the rest of the time.

As if that wasn’t enough, I realized that sleeping in an airport is a whole new level of uncomfortable. The chairs were hard and cold, but at night, at least they dimmed the lights a little and things got quieter, so people waiting for their flights the next day could try to get some sleep, but it still wasn’t very comfy. I felt like a character in one of those survival shows—except my jungle was made of duty-free shops and overpriced cafés.

The Hidden Treasure

On the last day of my airport ordeal, something miraculous happened. While wandering around, desperate for anything affordable to eat, I stumbled upon a 7-Eleven tucked away in a corner of the terminal. How had I missed it all these days?

The moment I saw the store, I felt like Indiana Jones discovering the Holy Grail. The food was reasonably priced, and I finally had a proper meal without worrying about running out of money.

The Power of Hope

Through it all, one thing kept me going: a song. I kept humming the chorus of an old hymn, “God will take care of you.” It became my mantra, a reminder that no matter how bad things seemed, I wasn’t alone. Singing that hymn gave me a sense of peace and hope that helped me push through.

When my flight finally boarded, I felt like I’d conquered Mount Everest. As the plane took off, I looked out the window and whispered a quiet “Thank you.”

The Lesson in Disguise

Now that I’m back home in Michigan, with Zech and our daughter Abigail, I often think about that experience. What if I’d given up and returned to the Philippines? What if I’d let fear and frustration win?

That journey taught me lessons I’ll never forget:

• Stay Resourceful: Sometimes, survival means thinking creatively and making the most of what you have.

• Keep the Faith: Whether it’s a hymn, a mantra, or just a belief in yourself, hope can keep you going in tough times.

• Always Look for affordable store like a 7-Eleven: Life is full of hidden treasures. Sometimes, you just have to keep exploring to find them.

• Ask for Help: Zech’s dad’s generosity reminded me that it’s okay to lean on others when you need to. No one gets through life alone.

A Word to the Wise

To all the kids and young adults reading this: Life is an adventure. It’s filled with unexpected challenges, but those challenges are where you’ll find your greatest lessons. Don’t be afraid to take risks, face problems head-on, and trust that things will work out in the end.

And remember, no matter where you are in the world, there’s always a chance you’ll find a store like 7-Eleven that's affordable when you need it most.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story brought a smile to your face and maybe even taught you a thing or two about resilience and resourcefulness. Until next time, safe travels and happy adventures!