Our little branch of the Church is a light in the darkness for these faithful sisters. These Filipina (Indonesian and Madagasi) domestic workers are beautiful women who want nothing more than to have stable and loving families. Unfortunately, the reality of their lives in the Philippines pushes them to spend years and even decades away from their spouses, children and loved ones earning money in Hong Kong taking care of other peoples' spouses, children and loved ones. Their presence back home is replaced by a few dollars from their meager paychecks. It is a system that not only exploits the Filipinas but also degrades the work ethic, domestic skills and familial bonds of the Chinese families who hire them. In addition, according to recent research by Hong Kong University, 16+% are working in Hong Kong under "forced labor" conditions (unable to leave, coerced or threatened, etc.) Another 66% are working under conditions with strong "forced labor" elements. Only 5% are here entirely under conditions of "free will."
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| Sister Chamberlain surrounded by love. Taken at Ho Man Tin chapel cultural hall. Those with her are; Trisofa, Jocelyn, Celia, Rona, Marie, Perla, Janie Rose, Sister Jequinto, Gloria, Claire, Maida, Sandra, ? and a visiting young man from the U.S. |
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| Saying goodbye to Marie Arsua (right) who is leaving to get married to a young man she met online and moving to Kentucky. With Sister Chamberlain are Claire, Gloria and Marie. |
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| The new self reliance class! These sisters are learning what they need to learn to go back home to their families and thrive financially. Pictured are: Honey, Olivia, Trisofa, Suciati, Jill, Frendelyn, Liezle, Jocelyn, and Zharra. |
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