I finally said “no” to signing another contract with my employer so that I could chase my dream of becoming a teacher. I have mixed emotions now that, in a few weeks, I will finally go home for good.
I am very thankful for the nearly two decades that I worked here in Hong Kong. The everyday battles were really tough, especially for a mother like me who was away from her children and only got to go home for two or three weeks after a two-year contract. I missed many special occasions with my family. We faced so many trials. My husband, children, and I faced many trials, heartaches, sleepless nights, and uncontrollable tears. I thank God for being with us along the way. My children have finally graduated from college, started families of their own, and my relationship with my husband has been restored by God’s grace.
I took a scholarship entrance exam at a school near our home and was blessed to pass. I took this as a sign that it was time for me to continue chasing my dreams.
Saying goodbye to my friends and my second family here in Hong Kong is not easy because I spent half my life here, working with them. There are so many beautiful memories. I thank the Holy Family Parish for providing us with a home during our days off. I was blessed to serve as a lector and commentator, and later as a psalmist. My faith deepened through church activities such as adoration, praise and worship gatherings, and Bible studies. I thank God for my first group, the Santo Niño Crusaders, who helped me encounter the Lord. When I left the group, I knew which group I wanted to join, but God did not permit it.
Instead, God accompanied me in a dream to the Love of God Prayer Group, where I have spent the last few years in Hong Kong. God knows my heart’s desire to play the guitar and sing in a choir during Mass. From the day I joined my current group, my wish was granted. God made it possible for me to learn how to play the guitar. We serve in Mass together with the Christ Our Life group, and I am the lead guitarist in the choir. There are so many blessings to be thankful for. First of all, though, I am thankful for the gift of life, for strength, and for guidance every day.
Although some are treated unfairly at work, I would say that Hong Kong is one of the safest and friendliest countries in which to work. I hope that one day the Hong Kong government will give more annual leave to helpers and strictly implement the regulations about a rest day.
I am very thankful for the five families I worked with. Each family was different, but overall, I can say that I am blessed to have worked with them. I learned so many helpful lessons, especially the importance of patience.
As the saying goes, “Do your best, and God will do the rest.” I lift up all my worries about going home, my plans, and my future to God. I believe that God will finish what he has started in me, and in the end, I hope to be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
再見香港，多謝！ (Goodbye, Hong Kong! Thank you!)
Sheryl Tapel-Reyes
Love of God Prayer Group
Holy Family Parish
