My migration journey is not mine but the Lord’s

Like many migrant stories, mine was a journey of self-discovery, pushing boundaries and kinship. It was through faith and gift of wisdom that I was able to overcome trials and sail through adversities, particularly when my limits were tested.

Caption: Daniel at the Vatican City in 2019
Credit: Daniel Deleña

At 21, I left my country of origin the Philippines to seek better opportunities overseas. My first destination was Saudi Arabia. It was a decision I didn’t take lightly knowing that my adjustment would be challenging. There, you can’t practice any religion besides the country’s main religion and the culture was completely foreign to me.

During my 4 years in Saudi Arabia, I learned how to embrace diversity and lived independently, cooked meals for myself and made friends with people whose backgrounds were different to mine. Because of this experience, I became stronger, wiser and more faithful. Prayers were my anchor and saving grace.

Caption: Daniel in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Credit: Daniel Deleña

In 2015, I moved to Melbourne, Australia to pursue my postgraduate studies. Again, I was a fish out of water. Building a life from scratch where I didn’t know anyone, going to church helped me find my footing as I navigated a life here.

Caption: Daniel with his parents Danny and Lilia and sister Darlene at his graduation ceremony
at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria
Credit: Daniel Deleña

People I met in university became my family. We shared the same aspirations, pains and joys, and it was through them that I knew God was always with me. It is fascinating how He uses other people as instruments of hope and love. I was never truly alone.

I have been living in Canberra for 6 years now and with God’s grace some of my friends from Melbourne also moved here. My brother and cousin’s family also migrated to Australia and my circle has grown. I know that challenges will still be present but knowing that God is with me makes me resolved there’s nothing that I can’t do as long as I believe.

Caption: Daniel with his family in Canberra, ACT
Credit: Daniel Deleña

God uses people to make his presence felt in our lives. My family, friends and workmates are His agents to make me feel secured and protected. In return, I treat everyone with love and great deal of respect. If not for them, my life would have traversed a different path. It is now my duty to pay it forward and be a source of strength and inspiration to new migrants and people who are struggling.

Caption: Daniel with his friends at an engagement party in Sydney, New South Wales
Credit: Daniel Deleña

To fellow migrants, the Lord said do not be afraid but only have faith (Mark 5:36). Faith allowed me to grow and push boundaries without being scared because I knew I was fulfilling God’s plan for me.

May God bless your journey as He did with mine. Walk with Him and you will never go astray. It is not the will of the Father that one of His little ones be lost (Matthew 18:14). He is always with us.