For as long as she could remember, Rowena had wanted to help mothers bring life into the world. Growing up in Iloilo, she was often fascinated by the local hilot who assisted women during childbirth. Inspired, she studied midwifery and began working at a small rural clinic. The job was rewarding she witnessed countless first cries, and she was there to reassure anxious mothers with her calm voice. Yet, despite her passion, the pay was not enough. Her husband’s tricycle earnings barely covered rent and food, and their two children were entering high school.
When she heard of an opportunity to work abroad as a midwife in the Middle East, Rowena was torn. The idea of leaving her family behind hurt her deeply, but the salary was almost five times more than what she was earning in the Philippines. After long nights of discussion with her husband, she decided to take the chance, telling her children, I may not be here to tuck you in at night, but I’ll be working to secure your future.
Her first assignment was at a government maternity hospital in Riyadh. The environment was different from the rural clinic she knew. The facility was larger, the equipment more advanced, and the cultural setting required her to adapt quickly. Some patients spoke little English, and the strict traditions meant she had to learn proper ways of addressing families and medical staff. At first, the cultural and language barriers overwhelmed her.
But Rowena’s compassion transcended words. When she held a mother’s hand during labor, when she gently encouraged deep breathing, or when she carefully wrapped a newborn, she saw the same emotions she had witnessed back home fear, strength, and joy. Slowly, patients began to trust her, and her colleagues admired her dedication.
Her shifts were long and exhausting. Sometimes she worked through the night, assisting in multiple deliveries without rest. There were moments of tension, especially during complicated births, but Rowena’s steady hands and clear judgement helped saved lives. Each time she heard a baby’s cry, she remembered why she had chosen this path.
Still, being away from her own children weighed heavily on her. During video calls, she listened as they shared stories about school, and her heart broke whenever her youngest asked, Mama, when will you come home? She would wipe her tears quickly, putting on a smile to reassure them.
Despite the loneliness, her sacrifice bore fruit. With her remittances, her husband was able to pay off debts, and their children never missed a day of school because of financial struggles. She also helped her parents renovate their old wooden house, something she had long dreamed of.
After several years, Rowena returned home for her vacation. She was welcomed with embraces, laughter, and tears. Her eldest daughter, now preparing for college, said, Mama, because of you, I want to study nursing and follow in your footstep. That moment filled Rowena’s heart with pride.
Rowena’s journey as a midwife abroad was more than just about delivering babies. She was delivering hope to mothers in a foreign land, to her family back home, and even to herself. She realized that no matter where she worked, her calling remained the same, to bring life safely into the world, and to create a better life for those she loved.
