Grace in the North

An au pair’s journey to a new beginning in Iceland

From the warm shores of Lapu-Lapu City in the Philippines to the icy landscapes of Iceland, Deniel Rentina “Ina” Pangilinan’s journey is more than a change of scenery—it’s a story of faith, courage, and the beauty of embracing the unknown.

From dreams to detours

If you had met Ina before Iceland, you might have seen her serving in her local church, reading a book in a café, or volunteering for community outreach programs. The youngest of two siblings, Ina grew up in a Christian home deeply rooted in faith. Her grandparents were pastors, her parents hardworking providers, and she spent much of her childhood tagging along during Bible studies and home visits.

On the outside, she appeared confident - a leader, a devoted woman of faith. But inside, Ina quietly battled feelings of comparison and the heavy expectations of living up to others’ standards. Her older brother always seemed to be the star, and she often felt like she was living in his shadow.

After graduating in 2019 with a degree in Elementary Education, Ina dreamed of inspiring young learners and even began a Master’s in Guidance Counseling. But when COVID-19 hit, everything changed. Schools shut down, the licensure exam was postponed, and the world stopped. Suddenly, the future she had planned so carefully crumbled before her eyes.

“It was a season of uncertainty,” she recalls. “I felt lost watching my peers move forward while I was stuck, trying to figure out what was next.”

Ina took jobs to help at home, including one at a production company. But the monotonous routine drained her spirit. “Life felt like a cycle - wake up, work, go home, sleep, repeat. I knew I was meant for something more.”

So she took a risk….she quit. She started helping at her mom’s office while saving money for something she was passionate about: coffee. Eventually, she co-founded a small café with a friend, supporting local farmers and celebrating Filipino coffee culture. For the first time, things started to make sense. She had freedom, creativity, and purpose.

Still, Ina prayed for something bigger - a breakthrough. One day, during her devotional, she came across Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” That verse reminded her of the reason behind every step: to glorify God, not just to chase success. And in that season of prayer, a new desire began to form - the desire to start a new chapter abroad.

Answering the call of the North

The opportunity came unexpectedly. A friend who had been an au pair in Iceland encouraged her to try the program. Ina didn’t plan on Iceland - but when the door opened, she walked through it.

“I wasn’t afraid,” she says with a smile. “I knew God had called me to this country for a reason. I trusted Him to take care of my family while I fulfilled His purpose.”

The excitement of the unknown outweighed any hesitation. Moving from a tropical island to a land of glaciers and Northern Lights was more than a physical shift - it was a leap of faith into a life completely different from the one she knew.

From the moment she arrived, Ina felt blessed. Her host family welcomed her warmly, treating her not as an employee, but as family. She cared for their children, helped around the house, and quickly fell in love with Icelandic culture. She admired how families prioritized time together - sharing dinners every evening despite busy schedules. She learned to appreciate their honesty and openness, even when it felt very different from her own culture.

There were challenges, of course! Adjusting to the directness of Icelandic communication and bridging the language barrier with the kids. “At first, they didn’t speak English,” Ina recalls, “but over time, they learned. We even celebrated the little victories together when they could form sentences in English.”

When one door opens to another

Ina’s one-year contract as an au pair was nearing its end when her host family did something extraordinary - they offered to sponsor her university education in Iceland if she stayed with them.

“It was an answered prayer,” Ina says with emotion. “I’ve always dreamed of earning an international degree, and suddenly, the opportunity was right in front of me.”

Today, Ina is a second-year student pursuing a BA in English Literature, blending her love for reading with her passion for language and creativity. Her goal? To work in publishing and, one day, become an author who inspires others through words.

Lessons from the journey

This experience has transformed Ina’s life in ways she never imagined. “Coming from a third-world country, opportunities like this are rare,” she shares. “It taught me gratitude on a deeper level and reminded me that God can use people as instruments of His blessings.”

Her advice for those considering becoming an au pair or studying abroad is simple yet powerful:

“Start from zero. Be open. Don’t let fear stop you. If I could do it, you can too. Believe in yourself, and remember who carried you through every step of the journey.”

And as for what keeps her moving forward? Ina leaves us with this powerful reflection:

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the life you dream of often begins where your comfort zone ends. Trust the process, trust God, and dare to take the first step….you never know how far He will take you!”