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Homesickness isn’t just a passing feeling—it’s a deep, lingering ache that sneaks up on you in quiet moments. It comes when you’re eating alone after a long shift, scrolling through photos of family gatherings you missed, or hearing your younger sibling’s voice over a video call and realizing how much they’ve grown.
I remember my first year abroad. It felt exciting at first—a new job, new surroundings, and a chance to build a better future for my family. But the excitement faded fast. The first Christmas away hit the hardest. I was used to crowded family dinners, loud laughter, and music playing until the early morning. That year, I spent Christmas Eve watching my family celebrate through a grainy phone screen. I smiled, told them I was okay, but as soon as the call ended, the silence in my apartment felt unbearable.
Homesickness doesn’t go away, but I’ve learned to live with it. Over time, I found ways to stay connected—to keep the pieces of home with me no matter where I am.
1. Video Calls & Messages: Keeping Family Close
I used to think homesickness would fade the longer I stayed abroad, but I was wrong. The only thing that helped was staying actively connected. Now, video calls are a lifeline.
I make time for even the smallest things—a five-minute chat before work, a late-night call just to see my siblings being silly. These moments remind me that I’m still part of their lives. I send random messages throughout the day:
- “Musta ang ulam niyo?”
- “Pa-send ng pictures sa bahay!”
- “Tulog na kayo, ang late na dyan.”
The conversation doesn’t have to be deep. Sometimes, even a simple “Kamusta?” is enough to keep me going.
2. Bringing Home With Me
When I first moved, I tried to adjust quickly—new routines, new habits. But I realized I was missing something: small pieces of home.
Now, I keep Filipino snacks stocked in my kitchen. There’s always a pack of SkyFlakes, Choc Nut, or even instant sinigang mix for emergency comfort meals. My playlist? Pure OPM classics, because nothing makes me feel at home like Eraserheads or Rivermaya playing in the background.
Even my apartment reflects my roots. A framed family picture sits on my desk, and I keep a blanket my mom gave me before I left. On tough days, just seeing those things reminds me that home isn’t as far as it feels.
3. Finding a Filipino Community
Loneliness became easier to manage once I found people who understood exactly what I was feeling. Meeting fellow OFWs changed everything.
There’s a group of us here who gather for meals every Sunday, sharing home-cooked Filipino dishes. The first time I went, I almost cried when I smelled freshly grilled bangus—it felt like I was back in my childhood home.
We swap stories, offer advice, and remind each other that we’re not alone. During Christmas, we cook traditional dishes. On fiestas, we talk about street parades and the way food stalls in the Philippines somehow have the best barbecue.
Having people around who understand—who get the sacrifices, the struggles, the homesickness—makes all the difference.
4. Sharing My Culture with Others
At first, I kept my culture to myself. I wasn’t sure if people here would understand. But then, little by little, I started sharing.
I brought lumpia to work one day, and my coworkers loved it. I taught them simple Tagalog words—”Salamat,” “Kamusta,” and “Masarap!” Before I knew it, they were asking questions, wanting to know more.
Sharing my culture made me feel proud. It reminded me that even though I’m far away, my identity—who I am as a Filipino—stays with me.
5. Focusing on the Future
When homesickness gets overwhelming, I remind myself why I’m here. This sacrifice—being away from home, missing birthdays, holidays, and milestones—it’s all for a reason.
I dream of the day I can book that one-way ticket home, knowing I’ve built something meaningful for my family. Until then, I focus on goals:
✔ Saving for the future
✔ Learning new skills
✔ Making my time here count
Homesickness never fully disappears, but I’ve found ways to live with it. It doesn’t control me anymore. Instead, it pushes me forward.
Holding On to Home
Being an OFW means carrying home in your heart, no matter where you go. It means making time for video calls, finding comfort in familiar flavors, and creating new connections that make life abroad a little easier.
Some days, the distance feels unbearable. But through the small things—messages, community, traditions—I remind myself that home isn’t just a place. It’s in the people who love me, the memories I hold, and the future I’m working toward.
Homesickness never leaves, but it becomes a little easier to carry. Homesickness is a secret battle all of the OFW needs to fight.
Internal Links
- How OFWs Can Manage Stress in a Foreign Country
- Budgeting Tips for OFWs to Secure Their Future
- Building a Successful Career Abroad
External Links (Helpful Websites)
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