sacrifice

The P52 theme this week is sacrifice.  I knew exactly what I wanted to share this week, but had a really difficult time getting the right picture to share.  The pictures I do have really don't do the theme justice, but I'm going to go with it and if I ever capture better ones, I will come back and update these images.

We all make sacrifices daily.  You give up a seat for someone on public transport, you bite your tongue even when you are right, you give the last bit of dessert to your loved one, you go without sleep for your children...it is endless.  Some sacrifices may seem larger or more worthwhile, but I don't think any sacrifice should be knocked down.  Every time we offer to put ourselves last is an incredible act, big or small, and hopefully is one that is recognized and appreciated by those around.

The sacrifices I've tried to capture here are those made by the many Indonesian and Filipinos that live in Hong Kong.  These women and men have left behind their families to find work in order to send money back home.  The jobs they find often include being a helper (maid), nanny, gardener, or servers as different establishments.  They sometimes live in flats with friends, but more often than not, they live with the families they work for.  They are at the families beck and call and are usually given Sundays off.  They may sleep on the floor of the kitchen, on the floor of the children's room, or in a room that is the size of a small closet. 

This brings me to my pictures, which is an attempt to capture a Sunday in Hong Kong.  On this day, many of the Indonesian and Filipino workers are given the day off and they enjoy every minute of it.  They meet up with friends around town and find a space to camp out all day.  They sit in parks, on the sidewalks, in the overpass walkways, in the mall,...basically anywhere there is space to hang out.  There is even a street that has been shut down on Sundays for those with the day off.  I've seen them dressed to the nines with suitcases in tow containing food, blankets, computers, stereos, you name it! They have picnics, play cards, watch movies, sing and dance, and have tons of fun on their day off.  That said, it is still a bit heartbreaking when the weather is cold and they have to use cardboard to block the wind, or when it is raining and there isn't a dry space outside for them to enjoy.

Hanging out in the shade under the walkway.

Sitting in a park.

Lots of people parked for the day in a tiny park near our home.

Hanging out.

Sending things home to family.

(Linking up with This or That Thursday, Fabulous Friday Challenge, and Photo Friday.)