Finding work when I got to Los Angeles was not really difficult. It was finding the right employer that proved to be elusive. I was not choosy with work. I was willing to try on jobs even those that I have no experience on or jobs that Filipinos won’t ordinarily do in the Philippines. In spite of this mind set, my first two were disappointing and disheartening. First, I found myself working in the company of co-workers who were abusive to the patients in the facility. Then, I worked for a Filipino who took advantaged of my immigration status. I was not just overworked. I was underpaid.

The Filipinos’ devotion to the Virgin Mary never waiver or wane even after migrating to another country. Our relationship with God gets stronger and deeper for it is with Him that we find comfort and solace whenever we get homesick, or when we find ourselves on the verge of giving up or, at times, when we are ready to give in to our vulnerabilities.

There is no loneliness we cannot take or any situation we would not be able to handle if God is on our side. It is only with Him that we feel safe, sound and secure.

On my days off, I joined the 2000 Hail Mary prayer group. Composed mainly of Filipinos, this was one group where I did not only get moral support but most importantly, spiritual strength and guidance. “If I am meant to stay here, please find me an employer who will treat me like family,” was my only prayer request. It took a while but one day, the light of dawn appeared. My prayer was answered. My stay in the US was finally affirmed and confirmed, so I thought.

“Sonia, you are here not to work for us but to live with us,” were the welcoming words of my Jewish employer. Right there and then, I knew that I have found THE PERFECT EMPLOYER. I was ecstatic. I was in cloud nine. But little did I know that the true test of my faith was still to come, that the fiercest battle of my life was still to be fought. Little did I realize that my perfect employer will have the greatest impact in my life.