Meet Melquisedec, known as "Mel.” Him and his wife were together for seven years while she was working in Israel and he was a seaman. The pay was good, but they were only allowed to see each other once or twice a year. They could not bear to be separated for so long and wanted to begin a family of their own.
They returned to their hometown, ready to start a new chapter when the doctors gave them the devastating news that they could not have biological children. For many years they lost their hope of starting a family. Adding to the grief was so much pressure from friends and relatives to have children, but no one understood the pain they were going through. They eventually decided to adopt a son and continued to find joy in other areas of their life.
Mel found a job working as the Engineering Facility Supervisor at Dignity and found true enjoyment in his work. He was fulfilled helping others in this way and it used the skills he had since he was a child. Soon after he started his new role, Mel shared that his wife miraculously became pregnant. As her due date approached a typhoon was also headed to their area, set to land on the same day. They were fearful of what could happen and overwhelmed by the possibility of such a devastating situation. Thankfully she did not give birth until the next day and Dignity was able to drive through to take her to the hospital.
Mel dreams of continuing his career with Dignity and is satisfied with where he is. He explains that it is always easier to glamorize contract work far from home, but he does not regret his decision. Mel shared, “But here, if you won't trade it, the joy you feel is different. . . I consider this a perfect place. ” He loves being near his family and working with a community he enjoys.
