As a professional nurse, Sevilla Rose knows too well that many opportunities are waiting for her abroad and that getting an overseas job can paved the way for all her dreams to be fulfilled. Among others, she dreams of a better life and a secure future for her family and for her two wonderful daughters.

She got her overseas job through the SAF International Agency. The agency guided applicants on all the corresponding procedures and conducted complete orientation and briefing. According to Rose, the SAF personnel were very accommodating in answering all the questions of first-time applicants.

Rose’s life in Saudi can be describe as smooth and easy as she finds Saudi to be so much like the Philippines. The only difference is that the prices of basic goods are much cheaper.

According to Rose, “Mas mura bilihin ng prime commodities dito. Araw araw pwede kang kumain ng murang fried chicken dito.”

She shares bonding moments with other OFWs there every Friday. Rose added that OFWs there are fond of eating "broasted" or "biryani" chicken meal that is almost like the Chickenjoy in Jollibee. She doesn’t find Saudi’s rule too strict and rigid. Instead, she feels just as free as if she is still in the Philippines.

One memorable moment for Rose happened last Oct.19, 2007 when OFWs there get together as one big Filipino Community at the International Phil. School - Al Khobar. Rose said, “We celebrated it with a presentation of Philippine song and folk dances.”

She completed her two-year contract as Operation Theatre Staff last May 2007. She was supposed to file for exit when the Executive Management of the Hospital offered and appointed her the position of a Nursing Director relevant with the on-going CBAHI Accrediatation and Quality Management System.

Rose accepted the offer as she finds it both challenging and overwhelming personally and professionally. Armed with her faith in God, and the loving support of her whole family and her fellow Filipinos in Saudi, she make every effort to give her very best as a nurse in Saudi.

Rose said. “Each and every day I strive to give my best, with my rounds for the patients, the hospital staff, the medical and nursing personnel. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for the tremendous support given to me by the Management.”

True enough, there is still no place like home as Rose still fills the consequences of being away from her family whom she misses very much especially during the yuletide season.

Her message to all OFWs around the world? Face all challenges in life with faith, hope and love. We rule our own destiny in life as God planned it for us, so we have to do our best. Mabuhay Pilipinas!

You can send Rose an email at sed_rose1023@yahoo.com