I am the only child of my parents who wanted the best for me. Yet my disobedience and stubbornness crushed their dreams. In silence, I kept my thoughts and feelings to myself. I would rather stay silent than talk for fear that my words will be used against me to bully me. I felt alone and unloved as my mom left to work overseas. Yet my grandma was always around to mind my needs. I didn’t understand many things in my life, and I was always unhappy and angry. I became sickly. During meetings at the counselor’s office, I hear phrases like “low self-esteem,” “silent rebel,” “disobedience,” “poor performance,” etc. I lost interest in going to school. I irregularly attended the classes during my college days. I enjoyed hanging out with friends.
My mom came home to make school arrangements as I changed the course. I was challenged to continue my studies as she needed to go back to work again.
Years later, as a mother of two children, I understand the result of not listening to the advice of the elders. I forgave myself as my mom has forgiven me. My mom’s only consolation for her sacrifices is that I finished a short course on practical nursing and physical therapy. I am glad that she is happy about my little achievements.
I am now a mom and a full-time private nurse to my grandmother, who cared for me. My mom and I share the double joy of rendering services to our family with much love and affection.
— Pamela Perlas
A few years ago, I lost my husband. He was battling a chronic disease. I have questioned God why he allowed it to happen after I had brought my husband’s faith back to God, and he had even served the Church community for some years. After my husband’s death, I became resentful and doubted my faith.
But God was more faithful. He didn’t give up on me. He surrounded me with friends and family. With their prayers, support, and love, I learned to embrace the pain and accept the things I could not change.
I have put my life again to his care, and he put peace in my heart. I am like a prodigal child to my Heavenly Father. Now I have returned to his loving embrace. I felt transformed after I learned how to accept his will.
— Rowena Sabado
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
While serving a community, I can see the different transformations of our brothers and sisters. I can see the fruits of my labour, especially through those who needed my help most profoundly and emotionally. Those are the people who wanted to feel the love of God and those that are all feeling lost. When I share the unconditional love of God to our brothers and sisters and open my arms to welcome them home when I see them move slowly out of their space they are in, and say to you, “I am home,” “This is my home” or “I am back,” that’s the immense joy I have ever received and experienced in life.
— Mitch Saren
I have committed big mistakes on so many occasions. My attitude started to change after I accepted Christ in my life. These changes were necessary, and they made me realise that we cannot stay anchored but need to go out of our comfort zones.
I try to share my experiences with some closest people in my life. In this way, I have created a bond with these people, which has a profound effect in the lives of both mine and theirs. I think my experiences have brought lessons to others and helped to bring out the bravest side of them.
— Arlene Phoda
