A Slice of the Life of my Immigrant Sister
The unsung hero that is close to my heart is my older sister who left home for her most awaited opportunity. Take a peek into the journey of inspiration by my sister, Charisse Anne, as I unmask her challenges then triumphs as a nurse. Read along and get ignited by the journey of unmasked strength, hope and catch inspiration to reach your dreams!
In Pursuit of Growth and Success
Charisse has one goal in mind, “To pursue a Filipino nurse’s dream, like me: to go abroad and help my family in the Philippines.” It is the very reason why she left home. This is an opportunity ten years in the making. The process was drastic–- she applied to various career companies, got scammed, lost money, then ten years later, she received the most important email from one company she applied for. After a year of training, she now fled to the other side of the world. At first, she felt excited to see places she has never been to. However, while the immigrant journey came with hardship, it was marked by prevailing resilience. She said, “There is a feeling of loneliness when you get home alone, tired, adjusting, adapting and thriving. In learning and teaching yourself, there are ups and downs. Just like a roller coaster.”
Career Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
My sister Charisse started her career as a nurse at a hospital right after her graduation but because of the low salary, she shifted to teaching which became a passion. But when she got the opportunity to be a nurse again, this time in a different set up, a different country, her whole life started shifting. She became a nurse case manager (not a hospital nurse) and she administers care to home patients as a side hustle. Where she lives, it is necessary to learn how to drive. She met different people from all walks of life. While adjusting, she continues to learn from mistakes and overcome failure.
Evolving Values and Character
“I want to stick to my core– love for family and still be ME. I learn to speak up more when I need to, especially in English, haha.” As she journeys as an immigrant, she learns to be independent and to take more risks. When we were young, we depended so much on our parents but like they said, adulting teaches you to grow!
Navigating the Pandemic’s Uncertainty
Life is unfair and when the pandemic happened, we were all deeply challenged. Of course, my sister isn’t an exception. She was supposed to come home in June 2020, my birth month, then a pandemic struck, everything was canceled, everything was postponed… indefinitely.
During the pandemic, she felt loneliness but thankfully, being in the health care service, she was still able to communicate with others, in a safe way, even when isolation is very necessary. This, however, was not the peak of her hardship during the pandemic. She shared, “But the hardest one in all my life is losing my mom when she passed away suddenly and I couldn’t come home to her, to the Philippines. I felt so alone, guilty, pathetic, weak and very sad. I won’t be able to be with my family to give and get comfort, to hold them physically. I got criticized because I did not have my passport renewed and I felt so down. I was beating myself up. I felt so much anger, so much grief. It was the most difficult time in my life and it still is up to now.” Writing this down along with her quote makes me cry. We are only two siblings in our family and losing our mom, without my sister, and handling all the funeral and burial almost alone was grueling and painful. In our family, only me and my dad lived under one roof for a while. There was always a feeling of emptiness and sadness. But of course, like my sister, we just have to get through it.
Coping with Grief Away From Home
My sister and I have similar methods on coping with grief. She said, “I learned how to cry and show emotions. Because I was never a tear-shedder. Some people taught me to hide my emotions but it was eating me up inside. I found strength and solace in God, prayer, family, friends and people who experienced the same grief with losing a parent. The people who also lost mama; because I know they understand the pain and I want to spend time with them so we can heal each other because of mutual hardships and understanding. My boyfriend, sister and my dad are my rocks.”
Lessons from Living Far Away from Home and as a Nurse
When I asked about her life lessons living away from home, she simply answered, “It is hard but family is still the biggest inspiration that will help you get through anything. Always pray and make God your utmost priority and everything else will follow. Be careful. Not everything is rose-colored and good. But never lose hope.” She also cited, “There are also poor people in America. Sometimes I think they have it worse, here, because they are not as close knit as Filipinos. But it depends on the perception and culture and how people are raised differently. And people are people, no matter what the race is. You can always find the most amazing and the kindest of people hidden in all races. Beyond color, beyond state in life.”
“Being a nurse is fulfilling. You get to help people with your job. You meet different people, unique people and learn. Their gratefulness even makes your heart swell. Even with just a little thing you do for them,” she added.
Relish Beautiful Experiences
Charisse had her fair share of beautiful experiences. She shared that she saw beautiful sights she had never seen before like lush mountains, snow, animals such as bears, squirrels and birds. You thought they were only real in movies! “Eating delicious food from different cuisines and jumbo sizes at that. Meeting people from different races and learning from them like my boyfriend, the love of my life. Different but still similar in a way.”
Follow Your Dreams
If you want something in life, she advised, “Just Do It.” Yup, just like the shoe brand’s tagline! “Gauge yourself and your abilities, sometimes you can do more than you thought you can’t handle. But be careful. Never lose hope. Show gratitude sincerely the best way you could,” she added. My sister and I were raised in a Christian family and we were taught to pray and be close to God. We continue to do that until now. Never lose faith in God and yourself. Charisse added encouragement through these words, “Talk and spend time with people you trust and value you and accept you for who you are. Always think of your inspiration, family. Take care of yourself before you take care of others. Still God should be number one and rest will follow. He will lead you.”
A Message to My Sister
Thank you dearest sister for agreeing to be part of this blog! I am forever grateful for all that you do for us. The sacrifices and hardships would never go to waste. You have always been my rock even though we always fight when we were kids. As we grow older, our relationship became stronger than ever and I realized how much we have in common. Even when you were still working here in the Philippines, you never ceased to somehow provide for me despite the low income that staff nurses receive here. You always make sure I would have funds for my expensive school projects and that I won’t get hungry because I have this recurring Gastritis. Thank you for your understanding, being a good listener, my foodie buddy and my soul sister on everything like books, Marvel Cinematic Universe and other movies that we geek so much about! I wish you well! I always pray for your strength, courage and safety. I love you. Hugs and kisses! – your baby sister.
This story is an entry to COMCO Mundo’s “UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3”. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities. “UNMASKED” aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope and wonders to share with others, as well as why it is important to tell their inspiring journeys in life. The “Write to Ignite” Season 3 is made possible by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, with airasia, Babyflo, PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz, Lamoiyan Corporation, Rémy Martin, and Uratex Monoblock as brand partners.
“If you want something in life.. just do it!”Very inspiring.. ☺️
As I read this piece, I placed myself in the shoes of Rae as well as the shoes of Charisse. Definitely, life is not always a bed of roses even if we are given roses as bed. I have shared my sympathies with these siblings and love just topples everything life throws at them. Being away and far from your loved ones is hard. Sharing my sentiments with Rae, I also have a sister who, after five years get to come home, and go back to another country to accomplish normal routine. We do not know what lies ahead but we definitely knows that God always has a plan and His plans are always to give us hope and a future. For our sisters, it is our great joy to know that you are in that promise of hope and a bright future as we also do our part here in the motherland. We love you and can’t wait to see you soon.
Very inspiring!! I look up to Charisse and Rae very much. They both inspire me to be the best version of myself. Never give up and keep going! They remain to stay close with each other despite the distance. This taught me that obstacles and struggles are always worth it in the end. They are both my role models ☺️
Aww, my cousin, this made me cry! <3
An inspiring story indeed. We bleed yet we hold on to our healing both through time and through faith. Hugs! 🤗❤️🙏🏾
Life is a journey. It is full of obstacles and challenges. In this case it has a happy ending. Migrating meanse adopting and letting go of a lot of things. Its an opportunity but for others a curse. I am happy for her, she has adopted to her new environnent without loosing her roots. Keep the faith.
Thank you for this article iamraedient! This is a big help for me as I am also in the process of leaving the country. Reading through this, I felt your sister’s struggles and yours too being away from her. It made me realize this is going to be me and my family when I leave. But it also convinced me that, just like Charisse, my family will always be my support system. Whether near or far, just like you to her! Please continue writing, never stop doing what you love! You’ll never know who you’ll inspire next 💜
You are welcome and thank you! <3 To greater heights, as always, cheers! <3
I was one of the most happiest when your mom shared me the great news when your sister Charisse(my goddaughter)had been accepted in a US based company!
As you know, like Charisse, my daughter Tanya, also left the country in 2017 with the hope of a better & secured future amidst the uncertainties of life & still coping with our loss too! Like Charisse, she too had a lot to cope with…
It was only through prayers & HIS grace that kept us going day-to-day!
I miss your mom sorely, and your keeping in touch overwhelms me! I know your mom from another dimension must be happy seeing us still connecting!
I pray for your success in all that you do!
God bless you forever & all the best in this endeavor!
The reality of “LIFE”, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes we have to conquer the storm to see the beauty of it. You and your sister (your whole family) are very strong after what you have been through. Being away from family is not easy but having them as an inspiration will surely help. Thanks for sharing this 🫶
Thank you Rae for sharing your sister’s journey, and how your family bravely coped with the overwhelming challenges of living away from loved ones. May this article be an inspiration to those who are still establishing a new life abroad. Like diamonds being honed to perfection, no matter how hard it gets, life will always get better. Love for family indeed empowers us to not only survive but thrive.
I shed tears and smiled throughout the story. Such an inspiring journey! As a fresh graduate of nursing, and preparing for the board exams, I can imagine myself in the shoes of Charisse because I too am planning to pursue my career abroad to provide better opportunities for myself and my family. Thank you for sharing this!
Living a life abroad is a path of many sacrifices, yet it also opens up a lot of opportunities and experiences that aren’t available to us otherwise. Some of us are meant to take that journey. It requires a strong will and an anchor. Your sister is blessed to have support there and at home, even though she’s far away. Thank you for sharing her story with us.
It really is very difficult to be apart. I know since I am going through the same thing in life. Thank you for sharing such an enlightening story. Pretty sure that most people who will read this blog will truly be able to relate.
I could totally relate to how Ate Charisse feels. It’s a roller coaster of emotions… It’s always hard to be away with family but just the same you do what you do for you, your dreams and family. Those will always still be your biggest drive. that what it is like living abroad. beautiful article 😍
As someone who also lives abroad as an expat, the story of Charisse resonates with me. It’s tough having to leave home, but it’s tougher not being able to provide for one’s family. I admire both Rae and Charisse’s resilience and how they both go for what they want to do in life. God bless you both. You two are wonderful and purposeful women. I know your mom must be so proud of both of you. May you keep up your willingness to inspire!
A very inspiring story. Thank you for sharing, Rae. Tagos sa puso yung last paragraph. I am in a stage where I thought it’s too late for me to follow my dream. I will keep these words in my mind. Thank you. 🙂
Woooow.👏🏼 Saludo po ako sa lahat ng mga nag tra-trabaho abroad para sa kinabukasan ng pamilyang naiwan dito sa ‘Pinas. Mabuhay po kayo.🙏🏽
Salute to your sister and to all nurses! I love this line – “Being a nurse is fulfilling. You get to help people with your job.” – such a selfless lady!
thanks so much, girl! <3
The letter personal letter in the end sums up all the feels! thank you for writing this very personal piece and sharing it for us to be inspired ✨ all love 💕
That is such a nice piece to read. I can relate with you and your sister especially when your mama passed away. That is the hardest challenge to face, Me and Bekah felt the same when we lost our mom. Big hugs to you and Cha. I’m glad I met with your sister when we visited the US a few weeks ago. Hope we could all meet again. Indeed, faith, family and love is our source of strength. God bless Cha and Rae and Tito Steven. ❤️
Thank you so much for taking time to write this, Ate! <3 So glad you were able to meet up with Ate Cha. She got a little less lonely! 🙂 Thank you and God bless, too!
This is a lovely piece Rae! I’m even amazed at your Ate Charisse’s courage and i can still remember her stories as a hospital nurse. Going to another nation to fulfill her dreams is even more amazing! But i’m truly proud of Cha because she still remained true to herself and her roots.
It is also beautiful to be a witness to your bond as a family and as sisters ( nalaman ko kung san galing Rellazel).
This is a great way to honor your sister and your beautiful bond:)
Being away from family and loved ones is so difficult especially in trying times. But these beautiful siblings , even though miles apart , kept themselves close to each other and gave support to one another unconditionally. I do admire the strenght and the love you have shown everyone. Truly Family is love .
I would say I grew up with Rae, we became friends in highschool.. really good friends. We basically watched each other and became ladies together. I know how close their family is, how her mom and dad raised her, how ate Cha was really close to Rae. I know the values that Rae grew up with, how much she respected and made sure to follow her parents. I am really proud of my friend, for all the accomplishments she reached. I admire the closeness of Rae and ate Cha. I remember Rae would talk about ate Cha a lot, she is a proud sister. I loved hearing about ate Cha’s stories too. We went to USA same year, a month apart. Rae sent me off the night before my flight, she went to our house while we were packing up, I really appreciate her.. Then a month after she’s sending ate Cha off too. It was really hard for her, being the only daughter to take care of her parents and doing the “adulting” thing, especially she misses ate Cha so much too. We would regularly message each other and she would always mention how much she misses ate Cha and how proud she is of her. When tita passed away, I felt a heaviness in my heart knowing ate Cha won’t be able to grieve with them. I was far to comfort Rae and ate Cha…. I know how hard it was especially for ate Cha. I was worried about tito too.. But that’s just how life plays, and they were strong apart. We don’t message each other a lot anymore or call each other, but I know we will always be tight. 🤞🏼
And then the wedding, Rae was too busy, but I love her wedding, ate Cha was there. I was so happy! Excited for both of them, excited for my bride Rae..
I loved seeing ate Cha’s photos of the places she went to. I can relate to her Being a nurse and I love how she achieved her dreams to be a USRN. Hoping she would move to Cali too 😉 I’m always rooting for both of them. I’m pretty sure ate Cha would love to travel with Rae here in the US too, then we can all meet! lol
Distance is not a hindrance when love is stronger, sisterhood is rooting for each other forever. ❤️
Aww Ly! This made me cry buckets of tears! Love you so much! <3 hope to see you soon!
Aawh Lycka, I super appreciate you, especially when you sent flowers when our mom passed. Tears in my eyes, right now. Thank you, Lycka.
Rae, this is an awesome piece! We know that your ate Cha is close to your heart, and telling her story does not only make us find inspiration, rather you took us to an exploration! Indeed, there have been many challenges she has faced until her dream made into reality, and unmasking such boldness and strength to live and to thrive in a foreign land, brings admiration to those who continue to sacrifice their time and lives in order to reach dreams and awaken potentials!
Cha is so close to our hearts, we may tear becauss she is not here with us, but we rejoice with tears seeing her joyfully journeying there as a nurse! Thank you Rae, for as you have written, Cha’s story brought greatee motivation and inspiration to us to not give up!
Cha, you are amazing! More than words can say, we are so proud of you, we love you! Not only are you my best friend, you are also a colleague worth emulating!
I am truly crying while reading this. Thank you so much! <3
My husband’s family and relatives are also OFWs. Most of them who are close to him are now permanent residents at the countries they went to. His only sister is now living in Texas with her entire family after sacrificing years and going through loneliness and doubt for several years. Her hard work and persistence paid off. Their mom recently left for the US to join them. We are now alone here in the PH and praying and hoping we can join them all one day.
This is a very inspiring story, and thank you for opening your personal life story with us. Life living abroad have so many ups and downs just like the people who didn’t take the plunge. You need to be afar so that you can help more of your families. You and your sister will be blessed.
so inspiring ❤️ i got teary eyed while reading.. i was an ofw for 3 years and being away with your family specially during your trying times is really hard. Praying for everyone! more love and blessings for your family rae 💜🙏🏻
thank you dearest! <3
Just to share a part of my story. I have two sisters who I grew up together. We were very close and we have gone through a lot of pains and struggles in life. We share almost everything that is happening to us, and we provide support and help to someone who sometimes are having troubles may it be financially, emotionally and you can name it. We are always there for each other. That is why I can surely relate with ate Cha’s, and Rae’s story. In fact my sister younger than me flew all the way to another country together with her husband to somehow find a better life where they can start their own family. For now, they are still adjusting in some sorts of things. Knowing that they are there, somehow makes me feel at ease for I know they have a better life there compared to where we are (considering the health benefits, environment, etc) But there are times, actually a lot of times when we (my ate and I) are wishing, and hoping that they are here/ or she is here celebrating special events with us. We sometimes think that since they are there experiencing something better, we think that their life is somehow perfect and they do not feel any hardships at all. But contrary to that, they do feel alone, confused sometimes, and they tend to question their decisions in life whether they made the right one. For them, leaving their comfort zone, their home, their family and sacrifice all of those just to have a “better life” is one brave act that I admire. Not everyone can do that. And I am so proud of them for being that courageous taking on an opportunity to be there for the greater good. For me, all I hope and pray for is for them to truly find happiness in everything despite being far far away from home.
and we should pray for ourselves, too so they don’t always worry about us back here at home. Indeed, wherever a person is in the whole world, each person experience different levels of sacrifices, hardships and happiness. Thank you for sharing your story, as well! Here for you always!
Strength comes in a multitude of forms. Having the courage and conviction to step out of one’s comfort zone and sacrifice time with loved ones in order to support them is but one. Holding down the fort at home and keeping things in check by the ones left behind is another. It takes a toll on both sides and everyone has to manage somehow, which is no easy feat.
Our family knows the struggle and longing all too well -with a parent gone abroad, mostly absent during my and my sibling’s formative years. Only recently making up for (priceless) lost time.
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing this inspiring piece that highlights Ate Charisse and your family’s story, Mara! I continue to pray for you and Ate Charisse’s success in all your endeavors. Much love and respect to all our unsung heroes: our OFWs and their families!
Many virtual hugs, Kareena! <3 thanks for taking the time to read this. Our families would always be bonded even when mama's up there. I know she's looking down at us with her sweetest smile.
Every Filipino worker’s story when working alone abroad. But, of course, success would always compensate for the loneliness. They learn to adapt and eventually enjoy. But your sister’s story about not being able to come home when your mom passed away during the pandemic is very relatable to us personally. We were not able to go home, too, when my mother-in-law died because of lockdowns. We had to do the wake (MIL didn’t die of Covid so there was a 3-day wake for her) and the funeral online. It was sad.
Aww I feel for you Ms. Wendy! Hugs!
I love you my dearest daughters!!
I have the utmost respect for your sister, not everyone can and are willing to sacrifice their comfort to go into a foreign country to help out the family, truly hats off to her!🤩
Praying for her safety and strength so that she may always feel fulfilled doing what she does so she can do it for as long as physically possible!💐💛
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Thank you all. I felt comforted. Tears are in my eyes. Miss you all, family and friends back home. Thank you, dear sister, Mary Rae, and congrats!! I am super duper proud of you.