How to Cope up with Homesickness?
By loran07
@loran07 (11)
Philippines
April 26, 2011 5:56am CST
I am a Filipina and I am writing to my fellow Filipinos who are outside the Philippines to work. I am leaving to work in another country like you guys do. Now, thinking about leaving my son and my husband makes me feel homesick already. Every time I think about it, it makes me cry a little bit. What is going to happen if the day of my departure finally comes?
A while ago, I talked to my husband, who was very sleepy, about the things that we have to settle before I leave. There are so many things that are not fixed at this moment and I told him that I don't want to leave without us settling things in our family. I am worried about where to leave my son. Just to let you guys know, we don't have our own place yet. Like for me and my husband. We are just renting a house together with my sister and my brother, who lately spends time with his own family somewhere. My husband has a house nearby and his mom is there, but the environment is not a good one for my son to grow up with. I am thinking of ending our term in the house that we are renting and just leave my son with my mom and dad in a nearby province. My sister would of course move in there too once that happens. Problem is that, my husband thinks that living there together with my sister won't be a good idea because he doesn't like my sister's set up with my son. He thinks that she is acting like the mother most of the time and trying to bath in with the decisions that we make. Which is not healthy for him and my son as well. But for me that is the most comfortable thing to do, though I don't want my son to stay there for a long time away from me and my husband.
We are also thinking of renting a new place for my son and my husband only. Just to be totally independent from my siblings. But the thing is, we don't have any savings yet and me leaving for abroad would just be the start of everything, hopefully. So, in short it's not a good option for now.
So, thinking about all these things makes me feel a little bit lonely. I don't want to leave with all these uncertainties. Can you guys give me some advice? I know it looks complicated so if you have simpler things to say, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks guys and God bless!
5 responses
@hexebella (1136)
• Philippines
26 Apr 11
Hi!
I have been out of the Philippines for several years and never felt homesick. The difference is I'm single and all my frustrations in the Philippines I don't get in other countries. When I'm out of the Philippines, I have the opportunity to do things I wanted to do that I can not do in our country. I don't get bored and my schedule is really tight.
What i advise you is get in touch with the church community where you can get spiritual support. Here abroad are a lot of temptations. I have seen married men and women who gets involved with extramarital affairs due to what they say homesickness. It all depends on the person on how you would handle your leisure time, there are a lot of things to do that's worth your while.
Also bear in mind that there is no future in the Philippines so be strong as all your sacrifices will be for the future of your kid.
1 person likes this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
27 Apr 11
yes if you are planning on moving out long term you can help your family eventually move with you. In canada you can sponser family members after you get your citizenship. If you can find a employer to sponser you then you can get your citizenship i only 2 years.
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
27 Apr 11
Hi there!
I am not filipina but I am working away from home. I live in Canada which is a very large country. I'm from Vancouver which you may have heard of. It is in the very southern tip of BC. Currently I am working in the Yukon in a tiny Village. It is a 34 hour drive from my home to where I work. It is also very different. It gets really cold up here. Up to -50 degrees celcius! Its also very small compared to the big city I grew up in.
I got very homesick after about three weeks. I missed all my friends and family and there was nothing to do in the village. After about two months I started to make friends and do activities. After that I was not as lonely. I talk to my mom probably at least once a week on the phone. I keep up with all my friends on facebook. A lot of people use Skype because it is free.
We also have a few filapinas working here. There are a few so they have become friends. They are very nice people and I have hung out with them a few times. They are a lot farther from home than me. One girl had to leave her husband and 8 month old baby in the phillipines. I know this is hard.
Where are you planning on going to work?
@loran07 (11)
• Philippines
9 May 11
Hi there!
Thank you very much for all the responses from you guys. I appreciate it so much that even foreigners take their time to share their thoughts about my situation. I feel at ease by reading your words of encouragement and experiences. I guess for someone to reach her dream, she has to sacrifice and guess that's what I am about to do. And yes it's true, thanks to the technology today which makes our life a little easier. I am leaving for China in a few months from now and I will be teaching in Zhengzhou. I know that I can get over homesickness, so good luck to me. I am praying that all the uncertainties will be certain and clear soon.
Thanks once again!
God bless everyone!~
Sincerely,
Author of the thread
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
26 Apr 11
I know that on a long trip of many months homesickness happens during week four. I helps to become settled as soon as you arrive in your destination. These days it is possible to send emails that can take one minute and not letters which can take days to arrive. Maybe your husband will be able to send you photos of him and your son. You might be able to speak to them on the phone. You must feel happy that you are able to earn money for your family. At the moment some things are not certain but if you wait sometime all will work out and in the long term your family will have more money. Maybe your husband will be able to rent a new place for him and your son in the near future. I hope that you will enjoy working and living overseas. Good luck to you on your departure.
@misterMR (796)
• Philippines
26 Apr 11
Hello! I'm a student here in Phils but I grew up in another country before I came here. It was really hard to adapt with the situation especially when you have homesickness. I really do not like being homesick at all. Everywhere I go, I get homesick. It does not matter where I go or stay, I just have this homesickness in me. I don't even know if I am home or not. It's okay being homesick. The only way to defeat the sickness is to adapt with your current surroundings and do what is right for the future of your son. Always ask guidance from Lord Jesus. Don't worry. Sooner or later, you would adapt to the change. 
@dustinwendelz (5)
• Philippines
26 Apr 11
hello,, i am a filipina too... i have a job upportunity for Saudi Arabia, but i am really confused if i would accept it. im currently working as a watch technician and i only have one to be home that is located in other city. i cant help but visit my family every week , i cant stand not to see them even just a week. so how would i be able to go abroad with this?
anyone could give me an advice?
