Adeena: In the Philippines, family, hospitality, patience and doing your work with your whole heart are the important issues in life. To come to Israel is not easy nor is the 24-hour-a-day job caring for the elderly. The people who come from the Philippines take pride in fulfilling their tasks; once they take on the responsibility, they do their work with love. I came to Israel after completing university in the Philippines. Caring for an elderly woman here was my first job, and a very hard one. Nevertheless, my mother advised me to be strong and fulfill my responsibility. Today I see these first days as a gift because it gave me not only an initial, positive experience with Judaism but also the opportunity to appreciate the Jewish family. The old woman and I were alone much of the week, even though her family was in contact by telephone. On Shabbat and holidays her children took turns coming to her. It was then that I felt the atmosphere of love and happiness and how sanctity and song filled the house.
Batya: The first time I saw the Holy Ark being opened was special - and it still is. Most importantly, I wanted to transmit this Judaism to my children. When they started studying the Hebrew alphabet in the synagogue's school in the Philippines, I decided to start learning as well and volunteered to help in the classes. We went from an absorption center to a Hebrew ulpan, and then enrolled in the conversion course which we attended as a family. In the meantime, we settled in a community that is supportive and accepting, and we continue to lead an observant life. From the beginning, we enrolled our children in religious schools and find it hard to believe that they are getting ready for the army and national service. Children grow up and are out of the house faster here than in the Philippines. We're proud that they feel comfortable in their lives and in the community.
Chaya: My days were busy studying morning, afternoons and nights. I left the rented apartment only to buy food and attend classes once a week on family purity. When I passed my oral exam, given by four rabbis on Jewish laws, prayers and special mitzvot for women, I came out like I was floating on air. Now that we live in Israel, I am even happier and understand more than ever that the one who protects us and keeps us out of danger is the God of Israel. His deeds are before us each day.
