I am most thankful for the ability to provide for my family. Being a breadwinner is difficult, but I feel happiest when I can help them. Seeing their smiles and feeling their relief reminds me of my purpose. I know I can succeed with God’s help; nothing compares to having him by my side.
— Dolores G. Balayong
I am thankful to be alive and to serve as a mother and as God’s apostle. Motherhood is challenging, but it is also the most fulfilling role I have ever held.
— Rosario G. Balayong
When I face difficulties, I am most thankful for God’s presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I surrender everything to God and pray for his Spirit to lead me; his presence comforts and strengthens me in my struggles. I am also thankful for his forgiveness, which reminds me that I am not alone and that he heals me. Most of all, I am grateful for God’s love and purpose—his love brings hope, and his plan works for my good even when I don’t understand. I focus on the Lord’s promise in Matthew 28:20: that he will be with me until the end of the age.
— Teofila Dote Kudemus
My pregnancy during the pandemic was both a blessing and a difficult trial. My husband could only come home every three months, so I often felt alone. On my due date, I started bleeding, and the hospital almost didn’t admit us. Thankfully, I gave birth normally to a healthy baby. When I held my child, I felt God’s comfort—after every trial, my baby became my greatest reward.
— Laureen Labiscase
As an OFW, I am thankful for the opportunity to keep learning despite my challenges. Not everyone is blessed with a kind and supportive employer. Even when I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I remind myself that these struggles help me become stronger, more disciplined, and more determined to do good. I am also grateful for the support system around me that motivates me to keep serving the Lord. God is good all the time.
— Edith Ringor
As I journey each day as an OFW, positivity and prayer help me stay strong. The road can be bumpy and the struggles can feel heavy, especially with my family so far away. However, I am thankful for the gift of resilience God has given me. Even with internal scars, I continue to stand firm and grow braver every day for my children back home.
— Haidee Dumaboc-Testado
Waking up each day—with the ability to move, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of life and the people around me—is my greatest blessing, even when I face difficulties. I believe that when I trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, the impossible becomes possible.
— Genelita Tomaniog
