“I was twenty-one when I first left the Philippines. My father...

“I was twenty-one when I first left the Philippines.  My father had just passed away from cancer.  We had a big family: four brothers and four sisters.  And there was nobody to support us.  There was no work in our province, so I had to leave.  I’ve been working abroad for fifteen years now.  I’m a domestic helper.  I’ve been lucky because my employers have been kind.  But I’ve been away for so long.  It’s been a hard battle for me.  It’s been a sad life.  Sad in a way.  Sad because of what I’ve been through.  But victorious in a way, too.  Because I’ve seen my family better than before.  Three of my siblings have graduated from university with my help.  And I’ve paid school fees for loads of nieces and nephews.  Being a domestic helper is a tough job, but it’s a clean job.  It’s an honest job.  And I worked hard at it.  I’m proud of what I’ve done.  I don’t want to seem like I’m boasting.  I’m not proud in that way.  But proud in a way like I did my part.  I finished my goal for my family.  And when I’m finished with my current contract, I’m going home for good.”
(Hong Kong)