It's a practice for most of us Filipinos to spend a little time with people who are leaving for good or for such a long time. Commonly, a "despedida" is like any other celebrations. There are foods prepared for all, friends and family gathered together, and prayers and messages of goodwill are given to those leaving. And my whole family had them before we leave the country.
I had it with some of my friends in Calinan office, also in our main office and another with my two "get together" buddies. Most of it, I didn't spent a single money since it's their treat. I assume that they already considered traveling (especially outside of the country) isn't cheap. It's really nice to know that even in that way, people showed me their concern, and little as it may seem, it helped. Appreciate it.
And to set the minds of our kids that we're already leaving for good (as a friend suggested), a day before we left for Manila, we also had a simple farewell gathering with our family, relatives and close friends. It may be hard for them to leave their friends behind, but to see everyone being happy and supportive with our travel and hearing all the nice things about it from them, helped a lot to ease things up. So glad...
This is one of the things in life we thank about, the gift of family and friends. It'll be a long journey for all of us, and it maybe tiring... but the support of all makes it easier for us to face the uncertainties ahead.
It'll be a long travel for tomorrow. Praying for a safe and manageable trip. All glory to our Lord. Yahweh bless.
Traveling for another place to experience life together with family's like heaven. More so for your important decision to make. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou really have a lot of people who loves and cares for you as they really gave you a grand send off.
ReplyDeleteHow is the journey? It is already more than a month since ths despedida...
ReplyDeleteI also experienced despedida before and it's one of the saddest thing that happened to my life. I'm not used to be separated with my family for a long time.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, I remember your old post about finally being able to relocate with your family. Despedidas I suppose also make you miss your friends and family more. I wish you all the best in your long journey. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Don't worry too much about the kids, they'll adapt soon. It will be harder for you but will soon definitely be better. Just focus on your goals.
ReplyDeleteFilipino loves to eat and Despedida is part of our custom whenever someone choose another road to partake. Celebration must come in handy. :)
ReplyDeleteSimple gatherings like this make us really feel special.
ReplyDeleteaww...so how was the flight?!
ReplyDeletePinoys are so full of traditions.. But it is really nice to know that there are people close to you exerted their effort and spent their time to give you a wonderful despedida.. :)
Enjoy as you start your new life in a new place.. :)
I'm not sure if the despedida practice is only done here but when I was in China, Taiwan and Singapore and lived in those countries, everyone also had celebrated a "goodbye" parties wishing me well.
ReplyDeleteto wherever your feet and faith take you , the family you left behind will always be there cheering for your journey. Goodluck and have a safe trip
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