With only a 6th grade education, Norma migrated to Manila at age 15 to begin work as a maid.

• She worked as a maid for about five years, then married at 20 years old and began working in a garment factory in Manila.
• When you ask Norma about her life outside of work, she beams as she tells us that she has 4 children and 2 grandchildren. (She especially beams when sharing about her grandchildren!)
• As we talk with Norma about her personal life, she shares memorable stories with us about how she used to be a balut vendor. Balut is a national delicacy and is a salted duck egg…
• In 2006, Norma’s house burned down, and she lost everything. Fires are painfully common in slums, and, as was the case for Norma, these fires are often caused by faulty wiring. Usually too many electrical wires are spliced, creating a fire hazard. Thankfully, a local NGO helped Norma rebuild their home.
• Norma also shares with us that she had a cancerous goiter removed at age 40 and is very thankful that the charitable hospital where she was admitted covered her medical fees.

"Happy nandito," meaning "I’m happy here," is what Norma shares with us when we ask her about her dreams.

• Norma dreams of sending her children to school, and tells us that the best way to make this happen is through continuing to work hard, get lots of orders, and invest in her children’s education. Considering she’s already (financially) helped two of her children finish high school, Norma’s well on her way to realizing her dreams!
• When she’s not working, Norma’s hobbies include watching TV and washing clothes. (Yes, Norma, you’re invited to any of our homes, anytime!) ;)

The work Norma does in sewing and crafting our fair trade products has helped her put her two children through high school, and she’s looking forward to having her other two children graduate as well!

• Norma is a very humble and quiet person, but when we ask her about the difference her work makes, she smiles and says, "It’s great! And please send us more work! We have other people here who need more work and jobs."
• Always thinking of others, Norma wants you to know that your interest in her life makes a difference to her, and she’s happy that you can help make a difference in her life, even though there’s so much physical distance across the ocean. :)