Home for the Holidays

For the past couple of days, I have been thinking of something to blog about the holidays. It is during this time of the year when everybody seems to be merry and joyous. 13^th-month pay, parties, reunions, gift-giving, winter, Christmas and New Year are just some of the blissful stuff that I could think of during this season.

These thoughts also made me think of my family back home. Since I am in the far away land of the sands, this is going to be my first time not to celebrate the advent of New Year together with them. I know that I am not alone to experience this nostalgic feeling. There are a lot of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) out there who have not been together with their family during this festive season, some of whom have been away for a couple of years.

Yesterday, I went to another accommodation so that I can pick-up and drop my uniform for laundry. I get to have a bit of chit-chat to this Filipino guy who is in-charge of the laundry. Kuya Alfred told me that he is supposed to go home for the holidays but since no one could replace him yet, his boss did not allow him to go. He even remarked that they are only entitled to one free ticket every two years. I empathize with him because I know the feeling of being away from your loved ones. Before I left the laundry shop, I told him, “Sa New Year na tayo ulit magkikita.” (The next time that I’ll be seeing you would be on New Year.) I didn’t know what he was thinking that time because he was a little bit confused when I told him that. Thus, I clarified, “Para sa laundry.” (“For the laundry.”)

While walking on the way back to my accommodation, I realized that I am still luckier compared to my other fellow OFW’s here in Doha. Not that I am bragging, rather I am being so grateful that at least once a month (depending on my roster) I get to have a chance to see my family even for just a short time. Right at this moment, I am so full of excitement because in a couple of hours from now, I’ll be able to set my feet again in the Philippine soil. I will make sure to seize each moment of my transient stay together with my family because each second counts.

As the year 2011 is about to end, I want to thank you, dear GOD, for all the blessings that you have given me—my ever-supportive family, my adorable son, my trusted friends, and my dream-come-true job. Indeed, I am so blessed. 

         How I miss our yearly-themed pictorial! This Luau-inspired picture was taken two years ago.