Modern-day Marys

A columnist once wrote that the Philippines would dominate the world. She claimed that though it does not have the military might, the nation has a secret weapon that has infiltrated the family homes of other countries, thereby transforming their occupants into ones with Filipino traits and values.  Opinion writer Jessica Zafra in her blog continues to update us on the Philippines ’“no longer secret campaign for world domination.”

She backs up her theory with a figure: 11 million Filipinos overseas. She cites the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) especially the domestic helpers who care for the children of foreign employers. These children will be treated to Filipino teleserye, Wowowee and even adobo.

While some countries have changed their policies allowing Filipinos to work in their field of specialization, there are still many that seek out our professionals to serve as domestic helpers and caregivers. The Philippine government proclaims the OFWs as the new heroes – and continues to encourage others to seek greener pastures, if only to sustain the green buck remittances that keep the Philippine economy afloat.

The trust that foreign parents have for Filipinos cannot be underestimated. They know Filipinos to be educated, well mannered and hardworking.  But most importantly they know us to be family-oriented, thus we take care of their children like our own. Most of us know of yayas (nannies) who spend most of their lives caring for children other than their own. We have developed that yaya-attitude that makes us perfect for absentee foreign parents.

Mary was entrusted by God to conceive and raise Jesus. She submitted to the will of the Lord and did her task selflessly even if this meant seeing Christ die on the cross. ‘And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.’ (Luke 1:38) Mother Mary is the model not just for parents, but for all who have responsibility over others, especially the innocent, the elderly, the sickly and the unfortunate ones.

We are all meant to do the will of God; and His will is for us to do good deeds. ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ (Jeremiah 29:11) When we are called to be domestic helpers or caregivers, God entrusts in us those whom we are assigned as patients or wards. We treat them with love and respect as Mary did for Jesus. We pray for theír wellness and protection; uplift them when they’re down and laugh with them in joyful moments. Other professionals as well can do the same to their employers, colleagues and clients.

by Mel Libre