Sentidokomon

By Ate Syl – (Aglantzia)

I ran away. I made the decision and reaped the consequence. Shortly before coming to Cyprus, many things were shaped and planned. I was already 51 then but faith led me to believe that I still have life left despite my age. Considering that it would be my last chance to work abroad as a domestic helper, I hoped that the next years could bring good results. As I set foot on Gulf air bound for Cyprus on October 5, 2004, my mind was fixed and determined. I have nothing but strength, faith and prayers that everything will turn out right as planned.

Madam was seven months pregnant to a second child at that time, the first baby was a girl who is two years and six months.”I’d be looking after two children,” and so I thought. The first few weeks were fine. Madam seemed to be quiet, while Sir was a one- word man. Her big round eyes kept on rolling and glancing at me while I moved about the house, typical to someone who just received a total stranger who would be living with her under one roof for a period of time. Little did I know that I would be consumed with restlessness and stress all period of working with the family.

Soon after the baby was born, the hell in the house broke loose. Madam was after all a mouthy one. She would scream at me the highest decibed over a petty mistake, or whenever things did not go her way. I usually started my day at four in the morning then worked through twelve midnight, non-stop. Day off was never on sight, not even the statutory holiday entitlement. Every working holiday was treated as an ordinary day. After one whole year, day off was on request that lasted only four hours, just enough for a church visit, then ran around to shop for whatever personal necessity needed till my next day off. The next was unpredictable.

One ordinary day-off, someone suggested to me to run away. When and how, I had to think one more time, about the substantial risk that lie ahead. Questions in mind like: if I leave my employer, where shall I go, will I be able to find new one? What if while straying along the streets, be spotted and caught by a police, am I prepared to be detained then fly home penniless? My passport, pink paper (visa), and bankbook were kept by them. How about my dream house, schooling of my nephews and nieces and the questioning looks of my neighbors if they see me back soon? All these and more purposes why I came here played in mind. But if I stay put, will I be able to survive for three more years (contract duration) considering that I was not getting enough rest, not even enough food. My body mass drastically fell in just few months. My next day off was carefully planned and yes, prepared for the risk. I had decided to leave after one and a half year of working for them, but not without complications. My ex employer refused to issue me a release paper, but a new employer took me in while waiting for the decision of the migration office (hopefully in my favor?). I was on the run for whole year before finally granted to stay in Cyprus, thanks to the intervention of my new employer, Mr. Platon Christodoulides who went straight to the office of the Minister of Interior for the reconsideration of my case.

We should not run away as it pleases us, without sufficient and valid reasons, else we end up on the loose, always on the guard looking over our shoulders if immigration policemen are behind, tailing us. Fortunate that im now reaping the good consequence of running away years ago, lucky enough to be working for an employer who is very kind and understanding, who gives the privilege to manage time to do the chores at my own pace. What was incredible was that not only did my employer teach me to save while sending money to my kids but also encouraged to build my dream house by lending some amount for a start. Now while dreams and plans turning out rightfully shaped, I will be able to go home in due time feeling good and accomplished. Thanks to my employer for whom I have been working for 4 ½ years now, and I will remain forever be indebted for his goodness.