I think I learned how to say the Lord’s Prayer before I learned how to count to 100, and knew more about biblical characters than others; growing up, my life revolved around the church.
      Religion has helped my parents assimilate.  While growing up, I remember my parents being in a church group that would meet every Sunday and sing gospel songs and discuss Bible verses.  The group was mainly comprised of Filipinos, but sometimes people of other ethnicities and nationalities would come by and pray with us.  Because they were united by devotion for God, they were able to connect with people in the community.  Today, my parents are respected members of the Filipino and church community; they're able to live happily in both worlds.  This has enabled my parents to simultaneously keep their Filipino identity and immigrant identity.     The rosary is said when we mourn and when we are thankful.  When my grandmother passed away, my family mourned for 40 days after her death and would pray the rosary every day for 40 days.  What can be said in lighter tones, and painted with graciousness for having been blessed to live another day, can also be said in sorrow, with voices holding back tears in loss for our loved ones.  The rosary is said in many different ways and tones; it passes through the lips of all my family members each and every day.  With rosary beads in our hands, we are guided through life, the good times and bad, and hope to be led on the right path of salvation.  

– Ann-Renee

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant