I met Vicky in our church branch in Al Ain, UAE. With our small branch group, it was easy to build a meaningful connection – with Vicky, and with others who became like family in a place far from home. Along with other Filipinos and friends from different countries, we formed a tight-knit community – gathering weekly at church, and walking alongside one another through the seasons of life in between.
I remember her and her husband during a time when they were struggling to have a baby. My son and I even fasted and prayed for them. Not long after, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives.
After their daughter turned one, we left the UAE. But Vicky and I stayed connected through Facebook – sharing milestones and stories across the distance. In time, she gave birth to another daughter, and watching her family grow from afar has been a quiet joy.
Now, as we look forward to finally seeing each other again during one of their travels, I can’t help but reflect on how far she’s come – from those early days in Al Ain to the hands-on mom and dedicated nurse she is today.
Vicky’s journey is one of quiet strength and steady growth – a reminder that resilience isn’t always forged through dramatic hardship; sometimes, it’s simply the result of showing up, staying grounded, and living with heart.
🏠 A Balancing Act
“Raising kids is by far the most challenging role and responsibility I’ve ever had,” Vicky shares. “I’m struggling to be the best mom, a good role model to my daughters, while also managing to be a good wife.”
She’s honest about her learning curve. Though not a natural bookworm, she found herself searching for parenting tips and relationship advice – always aiming to build a strong home, even when consistency feels like the hardest part.
There are days when simply getting through with grace is proof of growth.
Before she became a mom or nurse, Vicky was a taekwondo varsity athlete. That background, she says, continues to shape the way she handles parenting, stress, and even exhaustion.
“Parenting young kids requires not just love and patience, but physical strength too. Being a former martial artist taught me to be tough – physically and emotionally. In taekwondo, we were taught to develop an indomitable spirit. I still do body combat at the gym when I can – it boosts my stamina and confidence.”
She’s even introducing her daughters to martial arts, hoping the lessons in discipline, grit, and resilience will take root in them too.
🏥 The Frontlines of Perspective
The pandemic marked a deep shift in how Vicky sees life. Like many in the medical field, she was suddenly placed in unfamiliar, emotional territory.
“During that time, all elective cases were cancelled. I was reassigned to the COVID ICU and ward – far from my usual endoscopy work. Seeing patients die every day, and families not being able to say goodbye, was devastating. That experience changed me. I learned to live in the moment, and to care less about chasing the future.”
Her strength here wasn’t about stoicism – it was about compassion. And it taught her that presence is sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer.
🌍 The Joy of Wandering
It wasn’t until a hand surgery gave her unexpected leave that Vicky and her family began exploring beyond the Philippines. A trip to Georgia and Armenia opened a door – and they haven’t stopped traveling since.
“It was our first time to see snow. The adventure, the beauty, and the memories – it was unforgettable. Since then, we’ve visited 10 more countries in just 2 years, and we’re planning to explore 10 more in Europe this August. We just couldn’t stop.”
What began as a spontaneous getaway has become a family mission: to make core memories while they can, and to let their children see the world.
💛 Partnership in Progress
Vicky speaks candidly about the challenges of maintaining a relationship amid parenthood.
“Since our daughters came, James and I could barely have our own time together. Even on movie dates, our thoughts are still with them. But we know this is a season – and it too shall pass.”
Earlier this year, they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on a cruise with their kids. It wasn’t just a vacation – it was a milestone.
“We had a good time reflecting on the things we’ve been through. We were grateful for having each other and all the blessings we’ve received through the years.”
“I used to think success was about money, properties, and status. Now, I see it differently. Success is living peacefully, being healthy, having a good relationship with God, and seeing my family safe and sound.”
For Vicky, strength isn’t found in grand achievements or dramatic wins – it lives in the quiet, everyday effort to be present. To be loving. To be consistent, even while still growing. Her journey shows that resilience doesn’t always come from crisis – sometimes, it’s built in the steady rhythms of life.
My Reflection on Vicky’s Journey
Not all stories have to be extravagant or full of struggle to be meaningful. Success doesn’t only come from rock-bottom moments or major turning points. Sometimes, it grows in silence – through discipline, small choices, and the courage to keep going.
There are no “simple” or “ordinary” lives. Everyone carries experiences that shape them. Everyone has a perspective that could inspire someone else.
Vicky’s life – grounded in love for her family, the discipline of her martial arts background, the compassion built through years as a nurse, and the joy of discovering the world – is colourful in its own way. Her quiet strength is deeply felt, and that alone is something worth sharing.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t know if my story is worth telling” – it absolutely is.
And if you’d ever like to share your journey, big or small, send me a message. I’d love to help you bring it to life. 💚