Joycee of Agno Pangasinan views working overseas as the ultimate way out of poverty so she sought the help of a relative working in Thailand. With the help of a cousin, she was able to get a job as a maid in Bangkok Thailand. She arrived in her current location, July of 2004.

She desires a different life for her and her whole family…a more comfortable life. According to Joycee, the hardships she had experience is enough, she does not want her younger siblings to go through the same trials.

Her life in Bangkok is fine and uneventful until a tragic event tested her courage and determination. The killer Tsunami of 2004 is an event that Joycee will remember for the rest of her life as she witnessed it firsthand.

Joycee was with her employer’s family when the tsunami happened. Unfortunately, it claimed the lives of her Nigerian employer and the child she used to take care of.

She is thankful because she survived the accident but there was no doubt that it left her traumatized. The fear, the tension, and the sufferings she went through are deeply etched in her memory. Up to now, Joycee would get nightmares about the fatal incident.

Still the tsunami made Joycee realize many things. She became thankful for each day and every opportunity that comes her way. It also strengthened her determination to face life’s various challenges. Above all her relationship with God was also enhanced

In spite of what happened, Joycee is still in Thailand, without even the slightest trace of regret. Instead, the tragedy made her tougher than ever. As an OFW all kinds of adventure, can come your way, pleasant or otherwise.

Her message to all OFWs around the world: Be strong and trust in God because God will never leave you!

You can get in touch with Joycee through her email address: sweet_joycee2007@yahoo.com