Being an OFW: A Journey Armed with Prayer and Ink

To be an OFW is to live a life of quiet courage. Far from the warmth of home and the embrace of family, they step into unfamiliar lands not just to earn, but to sacrifice. Their only weapon? Prayer—a lifeline to hope, a whisper to God when no one else is around to listen.

In the silence of foreign rooms, when loneliness creeps in and tears fall freely, their best friends are often a simple notebook and pen. These are more than tools—they're confidants, witnesses to pain, and keepers of dreams. Every word written is a release, every page turned a step forward. Their journal becomes the shoulder they cry on, the space where they pour out longing, frustration, and love.

A Prayer and a Pen

Far from home, across the sea,  

I work alone, but dream of thee.  

No hugs at night, no warm embrace,  

Just silent tears upon my face.

My only shield is whispered prayer,  

A quiet hope that floats in air.  

I speak to God when days are long,  

He gives me strength to carry on.

A pen and paper, by my side,  

Become the friends in whom I confide.  

I write my thoughts, both joy and pain,  

And feel a little less insane.

Each word I write, a gentle cry,  

A way to let the hurt pass by.  

My notebook listens, never cold,  

It keeps my secrets, brave and bold.

Though miles may stretch and hearts may ache,  

I give my all for loved ones' sake.  

And when I feel I’ve lost my way,  

I close my eyes and start to pray.

 Distance That Deepens Strength

Being far from home means missing birthdays, milestones, and even ordinary dinners. But it also means growing stronger in solitude. OFWs learn to carry burdens quietly, to smile through homesickness, and to find joy in small victories. Their resilience is built not in comfort, but in the ache of absence.

 Faith as Armor

Prayer becomes their armour. It’s what they turn to when the work is hard, when the heart is heavy, and when the future feels uncertain. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a conversation with the divine, a reminder that they are never truly alone.