Migrant mothers and daughters doing artwork. Photo: Christina Lee Kyungja
Recently, I had the privilege of inviting three Filipina mothers and their three children to my hometown of Jeonju for a three-day trip. These families had become close to me through my work with migrants and refugees. Each of these women carries a story of remarkable resilience to hardship.
One of the mothers is married to a Korean man and raising a seven-year-old daughter. Despite her dedication to her family, she struggles emotionally due to the cultural and age differences in her marriage. The other two women are undocumented immigrants and single mothers raising their three-year-old daughters on their own. They live under challenging circumstances, working tirelessly to support themselves while also sending money to their families in the Philippines.
Unfortunately, their situations are not uncommon in Korea. Many migrant workers enter relationships only to find themselves abandoned and left to raise their children alone. A part of my work is to help women in these situations’ secure child support from the fathers of their children, but the emotional and financial burdens they carry remain immense.
With the hope of giving these mothers a brief escape from their struggles, I planned a trip to Jeonju. The women were excited, especially since this would be their first-time riding Korea’s high-speed train. However, their exhaustion from daily life quickly caught up with them, and they soon fell asleep during the journey. Meanwhile, the children, full of energy, entertained themselves with snacks and playful antics, filling the train car with laughter.
We stayed at a cosy guest house near Hanok Village, an area known for its traditional Korean-style houses. Nestled within an arts village, the guest house had two bedrooms and a living room, making it the perfect space for our group. A kind friend from Jeonju had arranged for us to stay for two nights for the price of one, a gesture of generosity that I deeply appreciated.
The following morning, we enjoyed a delightful brunch at the guest house cafe. The mothers were overjoyed by the experience, eagerly capturing photos, and sharing them on social media. They described it as a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and seeing their happiness filled my heart with gratitude.
Our first destination was Jeondong Cathedral, a historic martyrdom site within Hanok Village. Together, we offered prayers of gratitude. As I watched the mothers bow their heads in prayer, I silently wished for God to hear their heartfelt pleas and grant them comfort and peace.
Exploring Jeonju with young children was not without its challenges. The mothers worked tirelessly to calm tantrums, negotiate demands, and carry the little ones who refused to walk. But despite these moments, their spirits lifted as they sampled local street food, shared laughter, and took in the vibrant sights of the village.
One particularly heart-warming moment occurred when three-year-old Maria, after painting a fan with her mother and popping balloons, exclaimed with a radiant smile, “I’m so happy”.
By evening, the night market was alive with energy, bustling with families and young people enjoying street food. The mothers were excited to try sundae-guk (blood sausage soup). As we waited in line, we chatted and laughed, savouring the warm atmosphere. When it was finally our turn, they found the soup delicious and even asked for seconds. Watching them enjoy the moment brought me so much joy.
On our final morning, the owners of the guest house prepared sandwiches for us and gave small gifts to the children. Their kindness was truly touching, and we expressed our heartfelt gratitude before boarding the train back to Seoul.
Although the trip was brief, and we couldn’t see everything Jeonju had to offer, it was filled with meaningful moments. Sharing meals, resting together, and experiencing new activities deepened the trust and friendship between us. I hope this journey gave these mothers a chance to recharge, even if only for a short while, and to create joyful memories with their children.
Beyond the laughter and shared meals, my prayer is that these women feel less alone. I hope they understand that there are people who care for them and want to support them through their struggles. May the bond between them and their children grow stronger, and may they find courage and strength in the knowledge that they are not walking this path alone.
This trip was a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can bring light to the lives of others. In the smiles of these mothers and their children, I saw hope - a hope that, despite life’s difficulties, there is always room for joy, love, and connection.
As I reflect on the time we spent together, I am reminded of the importance of being present for one another. Whether through offering a listening ear, sharing a meal, or simply providing companionship, we can help lighten someone’s burden. I hope to continue creating moments like these where those facing hardship can feel supported, valued, and loved.
May God bless these mothers and their children and provide them with comfort, strength, and the courage to face each new day.
Columban lay missionary Christina Lee Kyungja lives and works in Korea.
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - March/April 2025
