My experience of staying in another country

Why do Filipinos want to work abroad? Some say because there is a better opportunity; thinking that they will get paid more and that they will be able to provide what the family they will leave behind needs.

I used to be part of the admissions department of a certain college. We screen students who will be applying and go to different high schools to promote the college. As we did career talks from one high school to another, you will be amazed by the number of students who are all dreaming of becoming a nurse and there is only one major reason why. It's not because they really want to become a nurse. Yes you guessed it --- they want to work abroad. But I have to admit I was one of those Pinoys who dreamed of working in another country but I guess that wasn't God's plan for me. Years back, I had an opportunity to go to the U.S. and look for a job. The reason why I had to go there because my aunt needed help in taking care of her baby. I was a baby sitter during my whole stay there but I have no complaints because they pay was good. Can you imagine for baby sitting I was paid US$150/week. Not bad huh? So what happened to my job hunting? Well, I wasnt able to find any opportunity. I had to go back home. Though I had an option to extend my stay, I decided not to because I felt lonely already even if I was surrounded by my relatives. This was when I realized that life in Manila is different.

I was in the U.S. for 6 months and I found it difficult to adapt to the changes. There was no outlet for me. No friends, I stayed with my relatives but it was still different, new people and new way of living. The only thing I really liked about being there was the fact that I was on my own and being responsible for everything that I needed. That was it! Maybe because I was still quite young during that time and I needed my family and friends more than a job in another country.

Given this experience of mine, it confirms the fact that God indeed works in mysterious ways. If I opted to extend my stay in the U.S., maybe I wouldn't have crossed paths with my husband or I wouldn't have the job I have right now. I believe each episode in a persons life leads to what they have in the present time. That's why I guess being in another country wasn't what God wanted for me and I thank Him for that!