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Brenda’s first few days in Qatar were filled with new experiences. She was adjusting to the heat, the culture, and the rhythm of life in a foreign country. Her roommates Winnie and Minnie were kind and patient, helping her settle in.
One morning, Brenda woke up to the sound of the call to prayer echoing through the neighborhood.
What is that sound? she asked Winnie.
Winnie smiled.
That’s the Adhan, the call to prayer. Muslims pray five times a day. You’ll get used to it.
Brenda was fascinated. She asked many questions about the culture, the food, and the way of life. Her roommates took her to the Museum of Islamic Art , where she learned about the rich history of the region.
Jerome also helped by taking them around.
This is the Pearl Diving history, he explained. Qatar was once known for pearls.
Brenda felt a mix of homesickness and excitement. She missed Josh and Franz, but she was determined to make the most of her time in Qatar for her family’s future.
The first few months after Brenda left for Qatar were some of the hardest I had ever faced. I thought I was prepared for the responsibility of raising Josh alone, but the reality hit me harder than I could have imagined. Every morning I woke up early to prepare his breakfast, iron his school uniform, and make sure he had everything he needed. Every night I struggled to put him to sleep while he asked the same heartbreaking question:
Papa Franz, kailan uuwi si Mommy?
The Love Bus rides became our quiet routine. We would sit in the paired seats that once held so many memories with Brenda. Now it was just the two of us. Josh would lean his head on my chest, and I would tell him stories about his mother to keep her memory alive.
Mommy mo, malakas siya. Nagtatrabaho siya para sa’yo. Maghihintay lang tayo sa kanya, I would say softly as the bus moved through the busy EDSA traffic.
In Qatar, Brenda was facing her own battles. The desert heat was merciless, often reaching over 45 degrees Celsius. Her work as a domestic helper was exhausting — long hours cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her employer’s family, with very little rest. During our video calls, she tried her best to sound strong, but I could see the exhaustion in her eyes.
Franz, kumusta si Josh? Kumakain na ba siya nang maayos? Natutulog ba siya nang maaga? she asked one night, her voice tired but full of love.
Okay naman siya, I replied, holding the phone so Josh could see her. Miss ka na niya. Tanong niya lagi kung kailan ka uuwi.
Josh leaned closer to the screen.
Mommy, miss na miss ko po kayo. Kailan ka uuwi? Gusto ko na kayong makita. May dala ka po ba regalo para sa’kin?
Brenda’s eyes filled with tears.
Matagal pa siguro, anak. Pero ginagawa ko ‘to para sa’yo. Mahal na mahal kita. Mag-ingat ka ha. Sundin mo si Papa Franz.
→ story continues in Chapter 4 Live on July 11!
Life in a new land teaches you to be strong. Even when you feel lost, you find ways to keep moving forward for the people you love.
Updated July 9, 2026 from original post date October 3, 2011.
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