
I landed a job in Hong Kong on 24 June 1999. It has been 24 years that I worked with one employer. Being far away from my loved ones, homesickness prevailed and I had encountered some challenges in the beginning that caused me to think of going home for good after my first contract. But God has his own way of intervening into our lives. I began to see his goodness in my employer’s personality. They were so good, thoughtful, full of concern and very supportive to me. They treated me like family. That is why I gave years of service to them. As it is says in Psalm 145, “The Hands of the Lord feeds us, He answers all our needs.” God answered all my prayers. I was able to support my three children in all their needs specially during their school days until they graduated from college. I am beyond grateful to God, through his divine providence, my three children obtained their degrees which I am very proud of, because as a mother this is our main goal of working overseas. They are now working with the profession they got.
As a devoted Catholic, I went to church every day off. I attended Mass in St. Matthew the Apostle parish, Tuen Mun, a few times in St. Peter and Paul Church, Yuen Long, Annunciation Church, Tsuen Wan, St. Joseph’s Church, Central. When I found the Holy Redeemer Church, Tuen Mun, there was no English Mass yet that time. So when I had time during weekdays, I just took a visit to spent quality time praying in front of Mama Mary’s grotto and the Blessed Sacrament inside the church.
Time came that an English Mass started in the Holy Redeemer Church, Tuen Mun in 2014. I joined the English- speaking community in the choir group and apart from singing, I was also assigned to monitor the powerpoint presentation during the Mass and rehearsal. As years gone by, the English community grew in numbers. I met many friends. Most of them were sweet, and respectful. They used to call me “Ate Cha”, since I am the oldest among them. Our singing during the Mass was always heartfelt and may have failed sometimes. The group bonding after Mass in lunch time was always full of joy as we shared foods we got. Every activity on special occasion was full of fun. These memorable events at the Holy Redemeer Church have always been a part of me.
I would say that I was so blessed to be a part of Holy Redeemer Church English-speaking Community for eight years, serving the community in my own simple ways. Happiness and contentment in my life are dominant feelings within me.
I am now reunited with my family in my home country, living in our beautiful home which is my second achievement of working abroad— a three storey house.
I hope and pray to our loving God that may all of you, dear overseas workers, will be strengthened in all aspects of your life through God’s grace. When things seem to fall apart, bear in mind always this passage, “Be still and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10). Through our faith — the greatest treasure we are holding, we can overcome any huge trials that may come along the way. May all of you continue to serve God and put him at the centre of your lives.
I am grateful for giving me this opportunity to share to you all my simple and amazing life in Hong Kong. All I ask of you is to pray for me as I pray for you all.
Above all, I am forever grateful to our loving God for the strength he has bestowed on me to endure the difficult times, and all the blessings. To God be the highest glory!
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

Charlene Pascua Santos
Holy Redeemer Church, Tuen Mun