OFW Christmas in Papua New Guinea

It was November 21, 2007 when Ana Abalos and son endured the 2-hr traffic en route to the international airport. It has been a long wait before she could re unite with husband Bong. Amidst the cloudy skies and rains, she even thought of backing out, all the while thinking of everything as a bad omen.

Barely a month after leaving the Philippines, Ana Abalos, an accountant, is presently working in Papua New Guinea. It was a plan on hold for quite some time now since her husband left in November 2005. As much as she wants to follow right away, they had to consider the availability of medical facilities in Papua New Guinea, as her son was just a year or two that time.

Ana still recalls her first Christmas without her better half as she spent it with in-laws in Navotas. “It was hard and I cried remembering Bong,” Ana said, but now it is different in a sense that she will be celebrating the holidays away from her parents and siblings. Ana admits that the idea has not sink in just yet, that probably her being with her husband and son relieves her of homesickness yet Ana claims, “Come to think of it, I’m sure I will be sad for my folks won’t be around.”

Especially that since she got married, December 25 is a date always reserved for family. It is a yearly event that she should not miss. “When I was still single, it is a must that everyone was together on Christmas Eve. We go to church and eat Noche Buena together.”

Having gifts is also memorable for this 30-year old Mom, “I will miss so many people- friends, officemates; I usually receive a lot of gifts during Christmas.”

Meanwhile, Ana tries to relive the holiday spirit in her humble abode in Papua New Guinea as she bought her first Christmas tree and decors to the delight of her 4-year old son Kurt. Her itinerary also includes a party with new found friends, mostly Pinoys working in the company where she and Bong also works.

It is always difficult finding oneself in unfamiliar ground. The locals for one and their culture are apparent reasons to brew apprehensions yet she finds it as a welcoming challenge at hand. She aptly knows that being with her family is enough at least a worry inexistent for now. Still, Ana knows she will surely miss everyone. More than the gifts and good food, she will always yearn for the times when everyone valuable in her life is just a text or phone call away if not a few jeepney rides.

Ana is never just another face, leaving all because of money. To her parents, she is a daughter who brings joy and pride. To her brothers and sister, she is a friend; a confidant. To her friends, she is the ever gracious happy spirit bringing warmth and affection in their lives.

Papua New Guinea will be her second home …for now. It wasn’t long since she left but memories of old remain in her heart. For Ana, her reason for leaving was to be with her loved ones. It is indeed a viable thought to live by though for someone who is also a daughter and sister, Ana will always reminisce days when she was still in her family’s arms.

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