Every time people (neighbors, relatives, friends) would talk to me about my coming to the UK soon, they would often say “Hayahay na imong mama ug papa ani” (Your parents would be well off sooner). Honestly, that was also my perception before every time I hear happy ending stories of a neighbor married to a “foreigner”.
However, as I get nearer to the day I leave Philippines; realities came rushing to my system. Folks, we have to admit it, we see a foreign country as an escape to the looming economic crisis the Philippines is experiencing now. We oftentimes, expect that life in a strange world is a bed of roses. We often see journey to the other side of the earth as a venture for a greener pasture. Well, that is not the case during fall and winter (hahaha). Some of my relatives are already jealous of the thought that I will be going to UK days from now. This is what I often tell to them… “I won’t become an instant millionaire once I step that foreign land.” United Kingdom (though it is Harry Potter’s land) is not a land of magic where every poor become rich. It is not a place where unemployed gets an instant employer. Moreover, it isn’t a place where you earn money without working for it…
My fiancé has always wanted me to be realistic. He makes sure I know what I am stepping into when I arrive in UK. That changed my perception of a life lived on the other side of the world. A life lived with strangers. A life lived in a place where your colour does not belong. It’s not a bed of roses, instead it is a thorny path; full of trials and tribulations. It is like being born into a new life. Getting to know, and learning to deal with other people who don’t look like you. It is also learning to live with a partner who came from a different cultural and ethical background. Since the 1st day of April I have been writing about my fears of coming to England.
I have students whose parents are working abroad. Some of them feel they own the whole school. Some of them feel that they could afford to buy everything, including a “PASSED” mark in their report card. They thought so because they are “well off” and their parents could provide every material thing they need. I always tell ask them, “Have you thought of the scenes taken behind the money sent by your parents to you?” “Do you not know they toil night and day just to send the money you often use to buy the luxury you have now?”
Many family members who are left in the Philippines just spend the money sent to them by OFWs because they did not realize how difficult it is working away from home. They were not able to take even just a glimpse of the behind the scenes. I already have let my parents see of these scenes so they would appreciate some of the “help” I will send to them sooner.
Don't come here ! It's a horrible place ! 
Originally Posted by jlags90
, "Charity begins at home!" And that means looking after your own needs, those of your chosen partner - and any kids you might have together - first and foremost.
