I left my heart in the Philippines. But I was ready to sacrifice for the welfare of my new family.
When I signed a two-year contract with Oman Holdings International, I braced myself to be separated from my family for two long years. Just like many other OFWs, that’s the sacrifice I had to make.
Snail mail was the only means of communication. My wife and I promised each other to write a letter every week with my baby daughter’s pictures in her mail. I received those correspondence on Mondays. My British boss Bob Carrington would notice my hyper happy mood during those days. And he would just smile and shake his head watching me got excited opening and reading my mails. Sometimes, I would show Bob my baby’s pictures.
I watched my daughter grow in every picture I received. How I wish I was there to be a part of her life. It would be many months before I see her again and by that time she won’t be a baby anymore. I wonder how she will react when we meet again.
Professional growth was one of my consolations on being away from home. My job as an Agricultural Supervisor honed me in the areas of landscaping and irrigation installation and maintenance, and farm development. It also gave me an opportunity to mingle and work with other nationalities and learn new languages in the process. I gained a working knowledge of Arabic and Urdu which I still use to this day.
I also had an opportunity to grow in my Christian faith as I fellowshipped with other Christian expatriates. I strove to know more about my faith by regularly reading the Bible and attending a small Bible study group.
One day while on the job site at Bausher Stadium during a lunch break, Bob Carrington gave us a surprise visit. He found me and my workers having a siesta. The landscape laborers were taking a power nap while I was reading my pocket size Gideon Bible. “Why are you wasting your time reading that? Bob asked me with a grin. “Bob, I’m not wasting my time, reading the Bible is the best use of time.” I answered. ” Jesus said, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” I’m feeding my soul and spirit. I’m very far from my family and reading the Bible gives me comfort and keeps me on track. You must also read the Bible, you also need it, it is the food for your soul, it will give answers to the questions of life.” I boldly declare to my boss. He did not respond. He just stared at me for a moment. Then we talked about work.
Several months after that conversation, and on my almost one year of working in Oman, Bob Carrington summoned me to his office. “Gil, I know you miss your family very much. Get ready, I’m sending you home in two weeks. You can now book your flight.”
At first, I didn’t know how to react to that news. I wasn’t suppose to go home until I finished my two-year contract. “Bob, are you firing me? Why? Bob gave a big laugh. “Of course not. Why will I do that when you’re one of my best man? It’s good for you and for the company if you take a break. I’m giving you one month leave with pay and a round trip ticket.”
I can’t believe what I just heard. I was simply overwhelmed by the good news. I gave my boss a big hug and a humongous “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart while I let out generous tears of joy!
While on my way out of Bob’s office he said something in a soft and serious voice. “By the way Gil, I started reading the Bible, I’m now in the book of Isaiah. Jenny and I are attending the Friday evening service at the Protestant Church in Ruwi. You’re right, I needed the Bible.”
I thought I saw some tears while Bob was saying that. “Oh, I’m very happy for you Bob.”I could not find anything else to say as I was very overwhelmed with the big waves of emotions from everything that I just heard. “God bless you Bob, and thank you again.”
I left Bob’s office mesmerized, stunned, overjoyed and very grateful. My Father God loves me. He gives pleasant surprises. He knows how to convert my tears into joy. He even uses me for His good purposes. Thank you Lord Jesus.
What a wonderful time to be reunited with my family. Little Gilda was about to turn one year old when we met again. At first she was aloof and didn’t like me. But it didn’t take too long before she got attachéd to her Dad. Blood is thick and it binds real strong. That was a swell time! But I need to go back to work and parting time broke out hearts again.
The long separation from my wife and child cannot go on any longer. It’s not God’s will for a husband and wife to be separated from each other. Somethings needed to be done.
God’s Mysterious Ways
When I went back to the Sultanate of Oman, I brought with me copies of my wife’s professional credentials. I was hoping that somehow I could get her a job in Oman, and in that way we could be together.
I heard from a friend that there was an opening for a computer operator/receptionist at Ruwi Hotel in Muscat, Oman. I called and made an appointment in behalf of my wife and a schedule for interview was set.
I took a day off to go to Ruwi Hotel. It was an unusually very pleasant day with much lower temperature. The sky was hazy with patches of heavy dark clouds in the horizon-a very untypical day in Oman.
Ruwi is an old city with narrow streets. The hotel is located at a carved out mountain side. Instead of parking at the hotel’s parking lot, I decided to find a public parking space a few blocks away to while away some time as I made it earlier than the scheduled interview.
With a Manila envelope containing Edita’s resume under my arm, I started walking towards the hotel saying a prayer for God’s intervention about my wife’s possible employment in Oman. “Lord please open a door for my wife’s employment here in Oman so that we won’t be separated anymore.”
I was walking towards Ruwi Hotel when suddenly, there was a heavy downpour. I ran to the nearest building to seek cover. I helped myself into the lobby of a building. While waiting for the rain to stop, I got curious of the pictures hanging on the walls. First, I learned that I was at Sultan Qaboos University Buildings and Grounds Project office. There were pictures and maps of what seemed as an on-going constructions of buildings in a huge area outside of Muscat. From reading, I learned that the first university in Oman will open on October 1986.
I read further that the office I bumped into is hiring maintenance engineers for buildings and grounds. My mouth opened in excitement and surprise. I quickly looked for names of people involved in the project. I found a memorandum on the bulletin board signed by Engr. Adam Brooks, Director of Sultan Qaboos University Buildings and Grounds Department.
Something in my heart urged me not waste this opportunity. After saying a short prayer, I mustered some courage to confidently approached the lady receptionist at the lobby and inquired. “Miss, is Mr. Brooks in his office today? “Yes he is,Do you have any appointment with him? The beautiful Indian lady receptionist asked me. “No, but I’m just taking a chance in case he’s available. She took the phone and called the boss. “Mr. Brooks, there is a gentleman here who wants to talk to you. He has no appointment but he’s wondering if you might be available.” “Send him in.” I heard their conversation because Mr. Brook’s office was just next door.
There was a surge of excitement in my heart. I had to calm myself down. The turn of event was a complete surprise. I was ready to sell my wife’s credentials as a secretary or receptionist. But here I was ready to present her best resume as a civil engineer where she’s very good at. God was clearly opening a door!
The receptionist ushered me into Mr. Adam Brooks’ office.
I extended my hand to greet the director with a firm handshake. “Good morning Mr. Brooks, thank you sir for letting me in!
“What can I do for you young man? He asked. Mr. Brooks was a jolly British old man judging from his demeanor. He spoke with a beautiful English accent. His bearing made me very comfortable. He did not invite me to sit. Instead, he went back to what he was was doing-polishing a tiny animal figure in a miniature lathe machine. “I think better when I’m working with my hands,” He said.
Sir, I was on my way walking to Ruwi Hotel to interview for a job for my wife. When suddenly the rain poured.”
“Isn’t that strange? This is my first time to see a heavy downpour here in Muscat and I’ve been here for five years.” Mr. Brooks interjected.
“Oh, yes sir. I believe God made it rain so I could be here. I just happened to seek cover and I found myself in your building. My wife is a civil engineer and I just read that you are hiring maintenance engineers.” It would be best if she will be hired as an engineer rather than a secretary or receptionist.” Isn’t it sir?
Mr. Brooks, here’s my wife’s resume. I’d like you to please look at it and consider her for a job in your project. I took the documents out of the wet Manila envelop. I wasted no time. I found an opening and I went right through it without hesitation.
On hearing my dialogue, Mr Brooks stopped working on his hobby. He turned off the lathe machine and proceeded to sit behind his desk. He also motioned me to sit down.
Did you say that your wife is an engineer? He took the documents I was handing him while looking and listening to me intently.
Yes sir, she is a very accomplished engineer. She was involved with some very interesting projects in the Philippines like the design oh the first ever nuclear power plant and the Light Railway Transit in Manila.
Now I really got Mr. Brook’s attention. He started perusing my wife’s documents. “And she can type 80 words per minute blinfolded? Mr. Brooks was reading the section I’ve prepared for the Ruwi Hotel job.
“Oh, yes sir. 80 words per minute blindfolded with very minimal error.” That’s very impressive? And she is a civil engineer? “Yes sir, ” I answered.
“Yes, we’re looking for civil, electrical and mechanical engineers for the maintenance of the university complex. But the problem is-the university may not want a lady engineer on the team. This is the Middle East … you know.”
You’ll not regret hiring my wife in your team. She will be a good asset.
What about you? Are you looking for a job? What do you do? No sir, I’m not looking for a job for myself. I am currently employed as an agricultural engineer at Oman Holdings International (OHI). I’m looking for a job for my wife so we can be together in Oman. OHI? Do you know Bob Carrington? Bob bids for a landscaping job at the university.
“Yes sir, I know Bob Carrington, he’s my boss!
“Mr. Brooks, please help me bring my wife to Oman by hiring her in your maintenance team.”
“I could probably pull some strings but I cannot promise any positive result. The critical part is securing a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
Mr. Brooks and I had a talk for almost two hours like we were old friends. He shared stories about his family, his hobbies and interests and his long years as an engineer. Tea was brought to us by his secretary. I felt so special for having been accommodated the way he did. I made sure I communicated my desire to unite my family.
Before I left, he gave me instructions to complete the application to be sent to SQU in Al Khoud.
The process took eight long months. My wife was finally hired by the SQU Buildings and Grounds Department. She was the only lady engineer on the team for all 10 years that she worked there.
My wife arrived in Oman in October 1986. Up to this time, I still marvel about that stormy day in Ruwi. God sent the rain! God’s masterful hands ordered all my steps that led me to the right place and right person that provided my wife the right job. I praise the mighty name of Jesus!
I will tell the story of the birth of our son Gilson in the next blog issue. Thanks for reading my friends. Please share this to your family and friends. God bless you!!!
myJOURNEY 