My husband lost his job, the computer I was using for my online jobs crashed, and we had two attempted theft incidents (one was on a Christmas Day). We felt so lost. There were bills to be paid: rent, water, electricity, Internet and cable, groceries, and a house and lot that we're still paying monthly.

My husband was diligent in finding a new job, but because it was the last quarter of the year, there weren't a lot of opportunities around. He was either overqualified, salary expectation is too high or he didn't fit the role.

I was thankful because he wasn't like husbands I often read about in mommy groups who were unemployed, had vices, and acted like they were kings. He took care of our son during this time while I worked as the breadwinner. He fed Popy his breakfast, gave him baths, changed his clothes, played with him and took him to the playground. He never complained. He figured that since I'm working for the family, he should, at least, help lighten my responsibilities at home by looking after our son. He was a true life partner.

The day after, the last company he applied for rejected him, he got a call from an agency deploying people to Saudi.

Going abroad was our last resort. I knew Gab was growing more desperate. Even when he didn't say anything, I knew how important it was for him to provide for us. The interview was scheduled that afternoon, too, and like an answered prayer, he got accepted. He was offered a good basic salary, free accommodation and transportation, and a hope that he could bring us to Saudi on his second contract. The only catch was he won't have a vacation till he finishes his first two-year contract.

We moved to my province to cut on our cost of living. It was the city next to the town our house will be built. Rent was half of what we used to pay in Manila. The mall was walking distance, so commuting wasn't so hard and expensive. There was an abundance of everything that didn't cost as much, so my salary was able to afford us something more.

Our developer was kind enough to allow us to defer paying our monthly installments until we are stable again. To top it all off, we've received kindness from so many of our friends and family members. It was all good. They had bought us time to pick ourselves up. We would survive this, that's what we would say.

First, he was told he will be deployed in January, but the agency had some issues and couldn't release some documents, so I told Gab to try applying locally again. Come March, a local company called, so Gab, as usual took the bus to Manila to attend the interview.

Days later, he was called again by the same company and was told to come the next day. Gab left the night before. On the day of the interview, I fell sick. I was alone with Popy and I couldn't get up. This isn't one of those ailments that I can shrug off. My colleagues know how dedicated I am with coming to work even when I wasn't feeling well, but that time, I really couldn't. I was vomiting, dizzy and my head felt like it was going to break. I couldn't tell Gab because I wanted him to do well in the final interview. A few minutes after he said it was done, I couldn't reach him online anymore. I asked my friend to text him, at least, to let him know that I was sick. He hurried home, but of course, hurrying meant a four-hour bus ride...

...and while he sat there worrying about me and our son who I couldn't take care of, the woman on the other line said he was HIRED.

Rising each time we fall...

I had never been religious, you know. I am what I prefer to call as faithful.