When I was working abroad, there was a time when I almost gave up because of my problem with my working visa in Canada. I remember that I collected bottles of mineral water and sold them to earn extra money.

There came a time I gave up when I was overseas. No matter how many times I tried working on my visa, I wasn't able to. When I went back to the Philippines, I still wanted to return to Canada despite the difficulties I encountered.

I worked as a janitor in Canada for nine months. It's during that time when I experienced extreme homesickness.

That's the way I remember them, heading for an exit.

Because I remember, I despair. Because I remember, I have the duty to reject despair.

I've gone for long stretches without working. I remember many times peeking into my checkbook to see if any money was left.