A Journey of Hope: Diane Hernando’s Leap of Faith to Japan

At 24 years old, Diane Hernando never imagined that she would be working as an Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Japan. Growing up in Davao City, she dreamed of pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically as a nurse. However, as the eldest child, she understood the financial burden that came with such a path. The cost of a medical education was beyond her family’s means, and rather than pursuing a different course, she made the difficult decision to halt her studies.

Japan was never her dream destination, but when an opportunity knocked, she took a leap of faith. “I just wanted to work abroad and experience what it’s like to be in a first-world country,” she shared. With Japan being relatively close to the Philippines, she thought, “Why not try?”

Diane’s journey to Japan was not an easy one. Just when she thought she was on her way to achieving her goal, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Borders closed, flights were canceled, and life seemed to be at a standstill. Her application, which she had worked so hard for, was delayed indefinitely. Time was slipping away, and frustration began to creep in.

“The waiting period was the hardest. I was in haste, but all of a sudden, things were halted,” she recalled. As days turned into months, doubt started to cloud her mind. “I questioned myself multiple times—if Japan was really meant for me. I even doubted my own capabilities.”

During the most challenging times, Diane found strength in her faith. “That time, faith was not my last resort—it was the best thing to have,” she said. She became intentional in her prayers, asking God specifically for the opportunity to work in Japan.

But there were moments when her faith wavered. “A lot of times, I questioned Him,” she admitted. It was through the unwavering support of her family and friends that she was reminded to trust in God’s plan. “He wouldn’t put me in this situation just for my efforts to go to waste,” she told herself.

Finding comfort in both prayer and spiritual guidance, Diane slowly learned to let go and allow God to take control. “Sometimes, waiting is necessary—not for us to question ourselves, but maybe because God wants us to realize that we have already done our part. Now, it’s time to let Him do the rest.”

After months of uncertainty, Diane finally received the news she had been waiting for—her application was approved, and she could now fly to Japan. The moment she stepped foot in the country, she felt an overwhelming mix of emotions. “It was an unexplainable feeling, like I was floating on cloud nine. I was flabbergasted by everything happening.”

Now working as a caregiver in Japan, Diane looks back on her struggles with gratitude. The challenges she faced only strengthened her faith and changed her perspective on life. “The fact that, despite the chaos of the pandemic, we still had food on the table, good health, and another day to wake up and work for our dreams—that was enough proof that God was there, watching over me.”

For those who are struggling to hold on to their dreams, Diane has a simple but powerful message: “The dream you have is there for a reason. What worked for me might not work for you, but I truly believe that sometimes, we are made to wait. Not to test our patience, but to remind us that after doing everything we can, we must leave the rest to God.”

Diane Hernando’s story is proof that hope, faith, and perseverance can carry us through even the darkest times. And sometimes, the dreams we never planned for turn out to be the ones that shape us the most. (Rhenalyn Hernando)