The story of Josephine Fiesta is a testament to the extraordinary bravery and selflessness of Filipina mothers working abroad, particularly during times of crisis. Josephine, a nurse in Saudi Arabia, found herself in the midst of chaos when the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait occurred in 1990. (Unfortunately, we have no photos of Ms. Fiesta)
Trapped in a war zone along with other Filipino nurses, Josephine faced immense danger and uncertainty. Despite the perilous circumstances, she did not hesitate to fulfill her duty as a nurse, providing care and comfort to the wounded amidst the chaos of war. Alongside her fellow Filipino nurses, Josephine demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, risking her own safety to tend to those in need.
One particularly poignant moment in Josephine’s story is when she used her bed sheet to create a makeshift flag, a desperate yet ingenious attempt to signal for help amidst the turmoil of war. This act of resourcefulness and determination underscores Josephine’s unwavering commitment to saving lives, even in the face of adversity.
For weeks, Josephine and her colleagues endured the uncertainty and danger of being trapped in a war-torn region. Despite the challenges, they remained steadfast in their mission to provide aid and support to those in need.
Finally, after weeks of living in peril, Josephine and other Filipino workers were evacuated to safety. Their rescue marked the end of a harrowing ordeal, but Josephine’s story continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of Filipina mothers who go above and beyond for their families, even when separated by vast distances and faced with unimaginable challenges. Her courage and selflessness serve as an inspiration to all, embodying the spirit of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
