About this ebook
What We Know For Sure features Filipino U.S. Embassy employees who provided long, faithful, and valuable service to the United States Government. In this book, they share the process of coming to America and the truth behind the hard work and sacrifices it takes to stay. It was written for potential immigrants and immigrants, no matter what stage of the process they are in. These stories are here to comfort, inspire, educate, and guide any immigrant throughout his or her journey to the land of the free.
I recently fulfilled my "Mission Africa" and was inspired to create another mission called "Mission Philippines" which was eventually the impetus for this first book.
About the author
I arrived in the "Big Apple" in July of 2012, carrying two suitcases packed with my necessities: framed pictures of my children, my resume, my favorite clothes, and what I hoped would be enough money to get me through. My decision to leave the Philippines was in some ways very easy, but in other ways challenged me to my core. I had spent 18 years working for the United States Embassy all for the chance to immigrate with the goal of bringing my children with me.
Many times, throughout the years, people asked me why I chose New York of all the places to live. My answer would always be that I had intended to work for the United Nations... But it was not meant to be, despite there being one close call where I almost got hired. My mind wouldn't let me accept this setback as a failure. Instead I saw it as a blessing, and a push in the direction I was meant to be in -- although I had no idea what that was right away.
My vision had always been to create a bright future, inspire others, and make a positive impact on the world. Born and raised in the Philippines, I witnessed poverty and fewer opportunities. And while many accepted this path, I dreamed of a better life for me and my children. I desired greater opportunities for careers, housing, transportation, medical care, health insurance, and overall lifestyle. But I also understood that immigrating to America would take time, hard work, faith, and determination to face the challenges and difficult choices that would come my way. I was more than ready. My journey to America started long before I immigrated. And during that time, I learned to use my two great passions--journalism and photography-- to create a voice for myself and for others. I became an advocate for women's rights, social responsibility, and volunteerism. My eyes and ears were always searching for those positive voices and sto