Wednesday, October 8, 2008

SURVIVOR PALAU




And now, my prayers are answered. God gave me chance to work abroad. After a long wait. We applied September 2005 we scheduled to flight March 2006. I went to Palau for contract employment of 2 years. I worked as an Accountant in a trading business. Actually, I feel that I’m not working overseas. It’s just a province surrounded by water. No cinemas, no big shopping malls. Koror, which is the capital of Palau, is part of Federal State of Micronesia, it's an island with 20,000 plus population and most of them are Filipinos. It’s a diving destination particularly Japanese and Chinese because of its white and virgin beaches.

By that experienced, I realized I’m thankful that I’m still single. I just went to work. To gain an experience abroad for additional professional points. I don't have children or boyfriend to worry about. I have a co-worker who is a mother of two. She and her husband worked together in our company. Everytime she calls her children in the Philippines, I feel what she feels. Living far without your children on your side, it’s big a sacrifice. But now, they are already in Bangladesh together with their children and I am happy for them.

I’ve learned a lot of things in my experience in Palau. First, I’ve learned to make myself active particularly in playing badminton three times a week. I really enjoyed the games and I gained a lot of friends. I’ve learned to play the holla hoops which is my exercise if we don’t have game schedule. I’ve learned how to swim in a deep part of the ocean. I overcome my fear in the water. I’ve learned to adjust their cultures.

By staying for two years and one month in Palau is a long time for me. I celebrated two Christmas time, New Year and my birthday twice. I decided not to renew my contract because I want to change my environment. I consider Palau as my second home. That place thought me a lot of things particularly about struggles how to survived homesickness. He thought me the feelings of an OFW working far to earn a living for his family. Palau thought me to become more mature person and to live simply.

But sad to say, the time came, April 30, 2008 I have to leave the place, the place which was became a part of my life. I feel sad because I don’t know if when I gonna see the people that I met their again. They are just a part of my life. I’m really thankful for their kindness that they showed during my stay. I feel happy because I finish my contract without any hassle and I’m excited to see Manila and my family again. I consider myself as a winner. I’m a “SURVIVOR PALAU”