The stories of immigrants may vary, but many have a common thread, as can be seen in the examples of George, Rachel, and Patricia, mentioned earlier in this series of articles. The family suffers when a parent departs or a spouse leaves his or her mate, and years may go by before the family is reunited. In the case of George’s family, that took over four years.
Rachel finally flew back to the Philippines to get her daughter after being separated from her for nearly five years. Patricia reached Spain with her baby daughter in her arms. “She is all the family I have, so I try to take good care of her,” Patricia says.
Many immigrants stick it out in their new country despite loneliness, economic setbacks, and a prolonged separation from their family. They have invested so much in the move that when things do not work out, few have the courage to cut their losses and go home to face possible disgrace and humiliation.
One who did have such courage was Allan, from the Philippines. He found a good job in Spain, but 18 months later, he returned home. “I missed my wife and my young daughter too much,” he says. “I decided I would never work abroad again unless we could emigrate as a family. And this is what we eventually did. Family is far more important than money.”
Something else is also more important than money, as Patricia discovered. She arrived in Spain with a copy of the “New Testament,” or Christian Greek Scriptures. “I viewed the book as a charm,” she said. “Then I came in contact with a woman who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Previously, I was not interested in talking to representatives of this religion. So I asked the Witness many questions in order to expose her beliefs as wrong. But, contrary to what I thought, she was able to defend her beliefs and answer my questions right from the Bible.”
What Patricia learned taught her that having lasting happiness and a sure hope for the future depend not on location or money but on having insight into God and his purpose for us. (John 17:3) Among other things, Patricia learned that the true God has a name—Jehovah. (Psalm 83:18) She also read in the Bible that God will soon eliminate all poverty by means of his Kingdom government in the hands of Jesus Christ. (Daniel 7:13, 14) “[Jesus] will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul,” says Psalm 72:12, 14.
Why not take the time to examine the Bible? This book of divine wisdom can help you set sound priorities, make wise decisions, and endure any present trials with joy and hope.—Proverbs 2:6-9, 20, 21.
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