Diarynigracia Says, Expatriates, Filipino, Kuwait, Love Moves, OFW Journey, Philippines
An OFW’s All Saints’ Day
It has been several years since I first came here in Kuwait as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). I was able to have a surprise visit to my family in early December 2012. If there is one very important occasion I’ve been missing that would be All Saints Day on November 1st.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) like myself definitely miss important Filipino customs and traditions personally celebrated with their families. Being in a foreign land is our choice and we have all the reasons behind this. Wherever we may be, let us not forget to practice good things instilled in us.
Remembering my dearly departed grandparents is precious for me that is why even if I am far away, I still observe All Saints Day through prayers and lighting candles (aroma therapy ones make my room conducive for meditation). I pray for their eternal peace and express my gratitude for all their love and care.
For more about Filipino customs and traditions visit social media in Kuwait http://kabayaninkuwait.com/
A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books. Read more: About DiaryNiGracia
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It’s nice that you still do these things (light candles and say a prayer) for your grandparents even if you are far away <3
It’s really tough to be away from home. But your prayers would definitely be heard by your dearly departed grandparents even if you’re miles apart.
May your grandparent’s soul protect you at all times.
I wish you a good day. Always.
Thanks!
I hope that OFW can also have a gathering in order to commemorate their dearly departed ones.
Our prayers and the candle lights guide our departed loved ones. So, its best to spend an ample time to remember them.
I can really say that I know what you feel. My parents are also OFWs and they really miss out a lot of occasions. They actually do the same; they just light candles and offer a prayer to our loved ones who have passed away. They send money so we can buy flowers to their grave. There are different ways we can still practice these traditions but there comes a point you’d be really homesick.
My dad works oversea and it’s hard to be far from him. And I sure he misses everthing or every occassion here. I know that their prayers will guide their beloved ones.
Lighting candles and offering prayers are always part of our tradition in remembering our late beloved ones, wherever they may be.
It’s really hard being away from one’s country. There are definitely a lot to be missed. Good to know though that you’re still doing what you can to remember and honor your departed loved ones even when you’re so far away.