2020 has taught me a lot especially during the pandemic. I learned to love, listen, care and respect others more. I learned to love not only people but also the simplest and smallest things I have. I became more appreciative and more generous in sharing to others no matter how little I have.
I also learned to value what I have at present because I never know what may happen tomorrow.
This year has been a reminder for me to be grateful to God for the gift of family and friends. They are blessings in my life. I will always remember that life’s lessons are learned when we make mistakes and during hard times.
— Edna de Guzman
With all the trials in 2020, it has taught me some lessons. My family is the source of my strength. It is a cliché but with their support I manage to overcome all the trials, hardships and homesickness that I’m experiencing every single day of my life as overseas worker here in Hong Kong. Adversity of life came to test how strong my faith was. I survived every dark moments of my life because I always sought God’s guidance and protection. My work as a domestic worker is the source of my income. Though this type of job is not an easy one, I’m sure that every suffering that I encounter here will give them a better and comfortable life.
This year I decided to join the English-speaking Community in St. Jude’s Parish and I found a second family. Being an active volunteer in Information Desk and Lectors’ Group strengthens my faith. My strong faith helps me become a better mother, employee and servant of God. Serving God is not a competition. I always remember God’s teaching that what we did to our neighbour is what we did to him.
— Ronalyn Jimenez
Sad but true that year 2020 was not really good for everyone due to the pandemic but I believe God has good purpose for all of us. For me and my family, it is a test for our faith in God to grow and our belief in him to become firm and strong.
In July 2020 I was devastated when my sister met with an accident and her lower back spinal cord was severely damaged. The doctor said my sister may have no chance to walk again. I think he only warned us about the worst case and since then I have learned how to properly interpret the statement of a doctor. Anyway the bad news brought us brothers and sisters together. I learned one truth that the strength of a united family is really powerful when the members are bonded in faith and love of God. We all learned that miracles are possible. My sister can now sit up by herself now and we believe that she will be better in due time.
During the troubled times in the year I learned the importance of acceptance and forgiveness. I learned how to comfort others and give them hope through my support and encouraging words.
— Angelica Niebres
Like so many of you, every day I spent hours on my work, goals, communicating with my family and making good plans for myself and every person around me. Life was good and we were all blissfully unaware of the fact that our world would be completely turned upside and down. Many typhoons came to the Philippines and towns were devastated by floods and landslides. Lives were lost.
We were all frustrated before the Covid-19 coronavirus. In a matter of days the whole world went into panic mode. 2020 is the year which teaches us that nothing stays forever with us which forces us to slow down, help those people who need the most help, love and care one another.
We realise that we can give up many things, and the most important thing is to have faith in God. I have also learned to look at the brighter side of my life of which I am thankful to God for blessing me with my job.
—Regina Rodriguez
The year 2020, despite the pandemic, has been a fruitful one. As a domestic worker I learned the importance of hard work and self-help. I also learned obedience and patience in waiting for the right time to go out or to attend social gatherings. I became more aware of my social responsibilities and limitations.
In the past year I received a number of warning notices when I served as a family driver. These issues taught me how to become more law-abiding while driving. I became more careful about other’s safety.
— Dolores Tamingo
