I feel that my family's carving of the last supper perfectly encapsulates the essence of my view on my Filipino culture. It is an image of the disciples sitting and surrounding Jesus, who extends a hand over words that read "God bless our home." It originates from a point in my grandma's life between her emigrating from Cebu, Philippines by herself with her 3 daughters, whose ages ranged from newborn to just younger than preschool, to her arrival in California. My grandma came to own many different carvings over these years, but this is the only one we've kept hung in clear view for as long as I can remember. Not everybody in my family is religious, but we've never touched it, even if it didn't hold the same kind of significance to all of us. To me, it represents the sacrifices which brought all of us here today. My grandparents didn't have it easy coming here, despite all the effort, care and energy they pour into us. I personally view the last supper image the same way. The amount of selflessness Jesus possessed for others was immense. This same sentiment feels true to my family, and the ways we've been able to grow into all that we're blessed with today. The words 'God bless our home' don't feel like a prayer to me, but a statement about our lives. My grandparents have blessed our home, and I am gracious for the same determination they held as is represented in this carving. My biggest goal will always be to not put their sacrifice to waste, and to continue adding onto it.

– EG.H

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant