A Filipina OFW in Israel

Florita Loresco- Ducusin is a mother of two lovely children; a faithful wife and a daughter who decided to pursue a seemingly forgotten dream.

“When I was still single it's been a dream to go & work abroad until I married and forgot about it. Then by year 2005 one of my co workers in barangay encouraged me to apply and told me that two of his daughters and a sister were already in Israel. I kept thinking about it until l finally decided to try my luck in a foreign country. When my parents learned of my decision they have mixed emotions, they were glad 'cause a great opportunity had come my way but at the same time sad 'cause I will be leaving my children who were at the time 4 years old and 5 months old respectively. My husband and I even exchanged arguments but in the end he understood me and my plans for our future.”

As much as Florita wants to stay and be with her family, she knows that going abroad is something that will eventually help provide for their needs. Like any other overseas worker, Florita embarked on a trip she barely knew; having in mind lots of expectations and high hopes, thinking beyond her own uncertainties. She related the tedious and often long process in applying abroad.

“It's quite hard to apply especially in choosing the right legal recruitment agency. It took me 8 months to apply. You need to process and complete all the required documents, undergo medical examinations to be sure you are fit to work, attend a caregiver's training from a center affiliated to your agency. If you already have a contract, you will be scheduled for a personal appearance and interview at the Israel Embassy along with your spouse if you are married. Once you already acquired a work visa you must attend the PDOS or the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar to get a certificate before your flight.”

Her patience finally paid off. Come May 23, 2006, Florita left for Israel. For this 31-year old Mom, working overseas is a huge opportunity but little did she know that her often neutral and good expectations will eventually be challenged by some unexpected situations.

There, she is like one fish out of water, gaining whatever ground she could to live and adapt accordingly. However, there are still hurdles to face. Below were real-life accounts given by her; past and present dealings with various types of employers.

“…my first week at work so far went well and so l thought everything was okay until the son of my employer who lives with her harassed me by bumping me at my rear while I’m busy at the kitchen. I gave him a sharp look to let him know I was angry. But deep inside l was so afraid that time. I immediately send a text message to a friend who gave me a call right away. I told what happened and how I wanted to leave my job that very moment. She gave me a call card and advised me to call my agency. Afterwards the other son who fetched me from the agency called and told me to come at his house with his mother so we can talk things out. They try to convince me to stay and said they liked me but l decided to go after two weeks of work with her mother.

2nd employer
I was lucky enough to have a new job in Jerusalem given by a friend. I’ve been told the old woman fell from the stairs and sustained body injuries including a paralysis on the right side of the face, and she needs the aid of a walker for mobility. Having the knowledge in physical therapy l started to do her some massage on the affected part of the face and on the legs. She and her daughter were very glad because in less than 2 months she recovered and doesn't need to use a walker anymore. I thought I was already lucky because they were nice to me and they even buy me presents. But then afterwards the old woman became demanding that she wants some massage everyday though she knows I have lots of work to do. She would call and complain to her daughter and sometimes tell things which aren't true. She was so strict that I must clean the house daily. It came to a point when even the daughter would shout at me and utter hurtful words.

They never tried to listen and all I can do is cry. And so after 5 months I decided to leave. The nephew of the woman asked me to give them a chance that they will increase my salary but l answered “no”.

3rd and present employer
Florita was at first hesitant to accept this job as the employer doesn't have a washing machine. "We agreed I will only take my day offs once a month and will pay me with my stay on weekends. After a week, I left because l must do hand washing, and then I realize l would go back and give it a try. I thought to myself what's important for me now is a kind- hearted employer and peace of mind at work. And so l got a work visa for a year. But every time I would do the laundry the blankets and bed sheets included, and feel my back aches, all l can do is stay in my room and weep. It never occurred to me that l would experience such things abroad. I always picture myself having a good job and employer before, but l always tell myself to be more patient. After a year with her, we again agreed to renew my visa. And after a few months, l told the daughter to buy a washing machine or l will take my days off every week, this has alarmed her mother and made up her mind to buy one. Now l knew my patience has paid off.”

Florita's story did not end there as adjustments need to be met. Her indifference to food and language were a learning process. Being in Israel taught her the importance of living up to change, being patient, as well as be reliant to oneself.

“The first and most difficult adjustment is with the language, Hebrew. Most people here are not well verse in English. My first employer was a blind woman and wheelchair bound. I must attend to her all the time.

Funny to tell but every time she ask something, I would browse at my notes given by the training center l attended in Manila. If I can't find the meaning of the words I would immediately send text messages to my flat mate asking her to translate the Hebrew words to English. It was a hard time for me to communicate with her.

Second is the food. They usually eat a lot of bread, soups, and meat particularly chicken, fruits & veggies that I am not even familiar with. In my first week at work, I can hardly eat since I’m used to eating rice especially on lunch & dinner. They always prepare special meals on their Sabbath which starts Friday afternoon till Saturday afternoon, and you are not allowed to do work until Sabbath is over. (Religious people have two separate sinks in the kitchen; one is for preparing dishes with dairy products and the other for meat dishes. Even the things used in preparation of dairy products such as utensils should not be used for meat.)”.

True enough, Filipinos are known for their resiliency. You can always expect overseas workers to thrive and do well. Florita is an example of a hard working Filipina who wishes to strive and do her duties at her utmost capacity. Someone who, in the midst of complexity, proved to be not just good but better. She claims that whenever unfamiliarity sets in, having an open mind is the only key; learn to ask questions when necessary.

Being away from her children is harder as it has always been for any mother. That is why she prefers to busy herself and turn her attention to bible reading, listening to music, and chatting away time with friends and family.

Until now, Florita sees herself continuing her present job. If fate allows, she would choose to work in another foreign land.

“…leaving behind your family, loved ones, and being alone in a foreign country is a very sad situation. Charged to experience, I cried a lot thinking I haven’t even saw my second child when she started to walk and didn't experience her kissing or hugging me as I come home from work. Oftentimes, she’s not in the mood to speak with me on the phone. It breaks a mother's heart to be away from her children for so long…”

For this young mother, Israel served as her platform in gaining independence and acquiring patience; where she learned to trust herself and be wary of others. Yet each time she sees the gradual change in their lives as to sending her eldest to a good school, it never fails to remind her that misfortune or not, she is staying for the right reasons.

Having the will to move on is a concept Florita owns for now. As for her advice, she has these to say, “Never take your health for granted and remember your church life (for God's guidance and blessings). And lastly, once you start to earn it's also the best time to start saving for the future because that is the main reason why we are here.”

“…love your work and learn to love what you do…What l learned in life is, you must put yourself in the situation, get involved, and know the needs of the person you work for. You should be flexible, broadminded and patient at the best way you can. And if you love your work, you’ll seem to be happy and satisfied even at difficult times…”

Florita's experiences made her see the hardships and sadness. Being in the Holy land is one of her greatest experiences, it was because she likewise developed a truer and braver self.