A Journey of Faith, Struggles, and Homecoming

Being a scholar of People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS) has been an incredible blessing, but it hasn't come without challenges. I have to adjust to a new culture, unfamiliar food, and harsh weather, all while being far from my family. Many nights, I cried, missing my parents and the comforts of home—the familiar taste of Filipino food, the companionship of my Filipino friends, and the beauty of the Philippine countryside.

Yet, in those moments of loneliness and struggle, I found strength within myself. I learned to persevere through adversity, to never give up no matter how overwhelming life seemed. And through it all, I held on to the hope that one day, I would return home.

A Sudden Twist

July 17,2024 was supposed to be a joyful day—the day I would finally fly back to the Philippines. I imagined the excitement of seeing my family again after so long. But then, in a cruel twist of fate, I lost my passport. It felt as if time had stopped. All I could think about was how much I had longed for this moment, and now, it was slipping away.

Suddenly, my homecoming turned into an ordeal. I was stuck in China, alone and desperate, trying to navigate the complex process of replacing my documents. But I the midst of my despair, help came. There were people who offered their kindness and support. Their generosity gave me hope and strength to keep going.

On July 22, 2024 my exit visa was finally approved. A weight lifted off my chest. I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and soon, I would be reunited with my family. My parents, too, were filled with happiness at the news.

But the journey wasn't over yet. On August 2, I encountered another hurdle because there was a missing document. But life led me to selfless people who helped me through. Finally on August 3, 2024, at 1:15 am, my plane landed at NAIA. Words can't describe the happiness I felt. I didn't care what others said about my chances of returning; I had faith, and with the help of incredible people, I made it.

A Homecoming Like No Other

When I arrived in Rizal at 7:00 AM, I was greeted by the familiar sight of home. Everything seemed unchanged, and that comforted me. The happiest moment was seeing my parents at the market. They didn't know I had returned, and I was thrilled to surprise them. When they saw me, their faces lit up with joy. We embraced tightly, tears flowing freely. It felt surreal to be back with them after so many challenges. At that moment, nothing else mattered. I was home.

I settled back into the simple joys of life in the province, grateful for the second chance to be with my family. But then, on October 15, 2024, life dealt me the hardest blow. My father passed away.

The pain of losing a responsible, loving father is something I can’t fully describe. He was my inspiration and my reason to keep going. The first Christmas without him was heartbreaking. I felt his absence in every quiet moment. Yet through my grief, I found solace in faith

Lessons of Faith and Strength

Looking back, I realize that every challenge, every delay, and every hardship had a purpose. They tested my patience, strengthened my faith, and deepened my appreciation for life and the people I love. I learned that in times of crisis, faith is what carries us forward.

This journey has shaped me in ways I never expected. I now know that I am brave, not because I never faced difficulties, but because I overcame them. As I move forward, I will carry the lessons I learned from this experience as a scholar of PACS. The resilience, faith, and kindness I encountered along the way will guide me in whatever challenges come next.

Last February, I returned to China to continue my journey as a scholar, a path filled with challenges, growth, and endless possibilities. The road ahead is long, and I know that life will never be the same again. But I press on, driven by my father's hopes for me and the belief that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity could change my future in ways I have yet to imagine. With every step, I carry his dreams and my own, determined to make the most of this extraordinary journey.