I've always loved the story of Ruth from the Old Testament. I'm glad this book draws from her experiences--it's about time her story got more airtime, because there's much to learn and love in this woman. I've always looked up to her--if I meet her by some hiccup in the time-space continuum (thanks to Hiro Nakamura), I'll probably be buzzing with questions!
This book isn't just about Ruth--it's also about the modern day Ruths. It's also about Naomi (Ruth the widow's widowed mother-in-law). They were both sojourners to a land where they had nothing. To Ruth it was a foreign land, to Naomi it was home.
It wasn't easy then, and it isn't easy now. Many Filipinos go abroad because there are almost no options for them here. Some marry foreigners and become strangers in the country of their lifetime partners.
I can only imagine how lonely it must be! I don't think I would have the guts to make a leap as they did; although if I ever do, I know I'd take a copy of this book with me.
Written in an easy, readable style. Not too heavy on the theology. Practical. Lots of tell-it-like-it-is and no-holds-barred kwento from OFWs--nakatabi sa eroplano, na-meet sa ibang bansa, kamag-anak ni ganito, kaibigan ni ganyan... Raw emotions spill out through essays by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz, pretty good stuff (she is a Pinay expat in the Netherlands)
