Name: Leila Telles    

Gender: Female

Nickname: Leila/Lei

Civil Status: Single

Age: 29 

Occupation: Factory Worker/Machine Operator

Email Address: leila_telles@yahoo.com

Lei, which she is most comfortable with, is a tough woman who has the guts to work in a totally different environment. She dream for a better future for herself and wants to help her family so she decided to try her luck in other country. Know more about Lei and learn how she survives her struggles.

Why did you decide to leave the Philippines?
I decided to leave Philippines for the same reason like any other OFW's, to support my family and hoping to have a better future for myself.

How did you get your current job and how did you leave the Philippines?
I got my job through the help of my friend. We worked together before in one of the electronics company also here in Taiwan. When we got home, we decided to apply for another job in Taiwan. One day, I received a text message from her saying that there's a job opening in ASE. So the next day, I went to Manila and we applied on the same day. I got selected by the agency, but sad to say, she failed.

When did you arrive in your current location?

I arrived here in Kaoshiung, Taiwan in April 6, 2004.

What were your most memorable moments in your current location?

My memorable moment here was when I joined the God’s Love Morning Choir in Saint Joseph Parish. I met many friends and I met one of the coolest Filipino priest. I joined the group because this is my dream, to see and hear myself singing praise and worship songs. I also joined the group as my way of serving God which in fact, I did not do in my own country before. I do not even go to church every Sunday and the worst is I don't even read the Bible. But here, I learned how to read the Bible and always find my time to go to church to serve and thank the Lord for the trials and blessings that I received.

Tell us what has happened during your stay in this country you have worked in.
My work here is not that easy. I remember my first week of working days here that I can't close my hands due to the pressure of heavy materials. But I found that Chinese are good people and they are friendly. They are easy to get along with, especially if they really like you and if they see that you are serious in your work. They don't want lazy people.

What are the things that you miss about the Philippines?
I missed Christmas in the Philippines and of course my family and friends. Here in Taiwan, they also have Christmas here but it's totally different with the way we celebrate it. It's because they are not Catholic though there are some, but still larger percentage of Chinese people does not know who is Jesus Christ.

What is your message to all OFWs around the world?
To all OFWs around the world, show the world who we really are. Make our family and country proud of what we are doing in other country not just by sending money but for the roots and cultures that we have. In whatever we will do, just don't forget to ask God for His guidance. In all our troubles and sufferings in life, just pray faithfully to God to give us courage and strength. In all our joys and happiness, don't forget to give thanks and praise God. Let's not forget our own country by the influences we got in other country whether it's good or bad.

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