Outside My Country.

Filipinos are known to be great in all things especially for being resilient in times of setbacks. We are also known for being passionate in our works. We sacrifice even our health just to provide something to our family especially when it comes to financial needs. Filipinos are dominating the whole world, invading various countries, trying to survive despite being new there in order for their family to get away from the curse of poverty. Being a hardworker is our asset in neighboring countries but sometimes we are taken for granted and end up to a situation that's not included in our plan.

I'm a Filipino, an individual who can sail the ocean full of monsters just to become successful. In this world you need to try everything, finding every opportunity in each doors and luckily I find one. It is an opportunity that can make our life a better one but it needs a lot of courage in order to do it. It's a door which you can enter and you can turn back once you're in. If you're a parent you can understand what I'm saying. There's a huge amount of money in the opportunity I found but the sacrifice is also a huge one and that is to be away from my family. Leaving them behind in order to to make a single penny is not that easy because I can feel sick , missing them and the vibe inside our home. This is the power of a parent that needs a salute and a lot of respect. Well not all parents can do it so their son or daughter will have to do it instead.

Before I leave.

I woke up so early in the morning, stretching my body and feeding my eyes with wonderful scenes of my family that I can put into my pocket which I can reminist anytime when I feel lonely. I called all the members of our family, relatives, friends and we had a simple celebration regarding the opportunity I'm about to take. I need to save every single smiles and pictures in my phone as a remembrance of my happy simple life. I received hugs, kisses and goodlucks from them. Wishing me that I have a good state while I stay there, a place that I'm not familiar with. Tears had poured down from their eyes showing concerns for me especially my safety out there. This is a normal scene to us Filipinos when one of our family member who will go to abroad and will work there.

Two days after that celebration, I packed my things in my luggage and I also packed a lot of courage for me to use it when I'm there. I also prepared the pocket money to be use for my personal expenses while I work there. There's a heavy feeling in my chest while preparing my things. It makes me nervous. My hands are trembling and my heart beat is racing like a ferrari. Well that is just normal for me to experience because I can't see my whole family within 2 years.

Flight

Together with my husband, we took a ride going to the airport where I will take a flight going to the other side of the sea. I was very nervous but I have to do it for the sake of my family. I called my children to say goodbye to them and to remind them to study well. My time has arrived and I bid my kiss to my husband. I remind him not to find another woman while I'm away.

Arrival to a new land.

I arrived to a new land which I'm not very familiar. I don't have any friends there or any individual I know. What's on my mind is my family, they give me enough power to conquer my fear for being away with them. I pampered my eyes with the beautiful sights just like in my homeland. Upon arriving I knew that I will start immediately so I have to prepare myself for the upcoming trials I may encounter.

New home, new task, new pain.

I arrived at the house of my boss. My boss looks so kind but I know that it's only in the first day and I'm right about that because as the day passed by her attitude towards me changed a lot. My workload increased and my body can't keep up with it. The true color of my boss showed up and I didn't expect her to belittle me for being a Filipino and for being a maid. I didn't know that foreigners can be this cruel just because they are the one who give salary to the likes of me. I endured all the words thrown at me even if it hurts my dignity. "I can endure it for the sake of my family. I can't go down without a fight that's why I will get through this and will survive it." That thought runs on my mind and I didn't say a single word to my family because I don't want them to worry.

I missed them a lot but I can get through this road with the help of our God and with the smiles of my family everytime I call them. My life has been challenged many times already so this one I can overcome it. Hoping I can go home safely and to be with my family again. Being an Ofw in abroad is full of uncertainty that's why I salute all of the Ofw all around the world for being so strong to face off the waves with all their might.

Thank you for reading upto this far. This article is all about the life of an ofw if the thought is vague. I'm hoping and dreaming for a country where we can work here without being separated from our family. Many ofw's out there are struggling just to provide the need of their love ones. They are the true hero of our country and I hope each and one of us can appreciate their huge contribution to our beloved country. This is from the story of my mother who was a ofw back then.

Lead image: I made it in Canva same wth the image above.

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