Hello, #BagongNanay.

I hope you and your family are well.

As a Bagong Nanay who lives in the Covid-19 capital of the Philippines (Quezon City), I am fearful for my family’s lives. Palapit ng palapit ang Covid, close friends and family are getting infected, and we can only do so much. We pray and pray harder that the government response would improve, so that we can all feel safe again.

That’s why I thought of sharing this #KuwentongBagongNanay story today. Amid the rising cases of Covid-19 in Metro Manila, there are towns in the Philippines that remain Covid-free.

In this story by Bagong Nanay Esther Ramonez-Lautiya, she shares the trade-offs and the joys of moving from the city to the province with her family.

May her story give you hope in this very trying time.

1. What are challenges of moving to the province with your family?

I feel as if we migrated to another country. It was not my choice, but an assignment we (together with my husband) agreed upon. Nearly three years ago after graduating from a ministerial course as a pastor, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley became our mission field. We mutually understood it was his calling, and as a wife, I submit.

Sobrang nakaka-homesick! At kailangan namin mag-aral ng Ilocano language lalo na’t we are pioneering a church. But more than the challenges, we can testify that hindi kami nagkamali na sundin ang kalooban ng Diyos.

2. What are the joys and rewards of living away from the metro amid the pandemic?

Being in a coastal community with fisherfolks as church members, we are humbled as to how life can be so beautiful with the simpler things. We are learning to be content! Hindi nagkukulang ng anumang bagay ang Panginoon!

And praise God, out of the many towns in Cagayan, as of now, Sta. Ana remains Covid-free. We are praying na manatiling ganito dito bagkus sana talaga mawala na ang virus na ito (gaya ng prayer nating lahat). There are protocols to adhere to, but generally our lives here seem the way as usual – which is definitely a blessing!

3. Can you share what’s a typical day like in your home?

Papa, my husband, is our handy man and also our laundryman twice week. Minsan sumasama sya mag-laot, while i take care of the kitchen and other errands. And together with my mom-in-law, we share time para alagaan ang aming 1.5 y/o na bebe boy. Our home is far from perfect, but it is filled with prayers and songs. There are difficult times, very difficult ones, but we overcome by God’s grace.

4. As a Bagong Nanay, what do you think are the top 3 considerations before moving to a new location?

Make sure to provide yung daily basic needs ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya, and an environment na mapa-practice ng mga bata yung kanilang mga karapatan.

Esther Ramonez-Lautiya, on moving to a new location

For me, it all boils down to maturity. Sana matured enough to be responsible sa mga decisions. In the first place, ito’y tumutukoy sa pagpapamilya (whether mag-stay or considering to move to a new location).

Try to make sure to provide yung daily basic needs ng bawat myembro ng pamilya, and an environment na mapa-practice ng mga bata yung kanilang mga karapatan.

5. What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned from the transitions in your life? Single to mother, living in the city to settling down in the province.

Learning to be content! Be content with what the Lord gives! First, sa binigay Niyang husband ko, I am simply grateful for his life. And now our son!

Second, from the mainstream to a very simple living dito sa tabing-dagat, be content! The Lord remains faithful and He’s not done yet.

6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.

I am God’s work in progress.

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I am Esther Ramonez-Lautiya from Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley. I am the Bagong Nanay of Rhen Zion, 1.5 y/o.

When I’m not doing a nanay’s usual tasks or even while doing it I sing, sing, and sing, and I take lots of pictures to showcase God’s wonderful creations.

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