From Unfaithful to Faithful

How God’s Love saved My Life and My Marriage

- Rhea Nodado

I grew up in a Catholic family that’s inactive in their faith. I studied in a Catholic school but we seldom went to Sunday Mass. Despite this, I maintained a prayer life.

In 2003, I met Jojo through his aunt who was then my officemate. I never had a boyfriend before so I didn’t have any standards or nonnegotiable characteristics in choosing a partner. When I met Jojo, I just went with the flow and followed my feelings. My father’s advice was to choose someone responsible and mature. But Jojo didn’t have a regular job then, and he would usually spend time with his friends.

A New Member of the Family

In 2004, I got pregnant. My father acknowledged that what happened was a big blessing to our family, for he would finally have a grandchild. However, he insisted that getting married before giving birth was not the solution—that we might regret it in the end.

But after I gave birth in August 2005, we finally decided to get married not only because of our child but because we really love each other. In December 2005, we tied the knot.

Going Abroad for Greener Pastures

Years later, to better provide for our family, Jojo decided to work abroad. At first, things were going well. We learned to adjust to a long-distance relationship. What mattered then was that we were doing this for the future of our kids.