Mike patiently used CatholicMatch for several years in hopes of finding a faithful Catholic woman, while Sandra was a brand new user to CatholicMatch. Both Mike and Sandra were not new to the dating game and knew exactly what they were looking for in a spouse.
Both were looking for someone who was committed and mature in their Catholic faith.
Mike first messaged Sandra after providentially seeing her profile. He was drawn to her beauty and her strong faith. Upon reading his first message, Sandra noticed how attractive Mike was and she appreciated his respectful approach. Sandra also realized that their questionnaires were "completely compatible".
Their first date was a little unusual...
Mike lived in Washington state and Sandra lived in Brazil.
Beginning a relationship over long distance is not for the faint of heart, but these two felt a spark early on in their communications on CatholicMatch. So, when Mike proposed a video call, Sandra agreed right away.
This video call on CatholicMatch, they both count as their first official “date” because it solidified that they were indeed attracted to each other and that they respected each other’s faithfulness. They didn't know it at the time, but that simple video call was the start of their exciting future together!
Then it was time to meet in person!
After many emails and a few more video calls, they decided to meet in Rio de Janeiro.
Mike traveled all the way to Brazil to visit Sandra and they had a truly wonderful visit. They visited several sights around Rio de Janeiro including the Christ the Redeemer statue and went to Mass together regularly.
Mike also got to meet Sandra’s family...
In fact, the trip was so wonderful that they got engaged!
It happened quickly, but Sandra says “everything happened in a very mature and conscious way. We had a clear understanding of the meaning of love personified in the person of Jesus Christ, as well as the sacrifices necessary for a good marriage”.
Despite the speed, it was very thoughtful and undertaken with prayer and focus on Jesus Christ.
Faith is the foundation for their marriage, along with a dash of humor.
Their Catholic faith has been a good foundation for them to build their relationship.
Sandra says they were “determined and committed, first and foremost to God and also to each other.”
During their dating time, they came up with affectionate nicknames for each other. Mike is a former competitive swimmer who still swims recreationally, and Sandra gave him the nickname “Aqauaman”. He affectionately calls her his “Wonder Woman”.
This gentle humor continues to help them in their marriage even today.
Overcoming challenges...
Clearly the language and distance were challenges in the relationship, but both were determined and found their faith a common ground.
Mike and Sandra were able to mitigate these challenges by using technology to overcome the distance, and patience and humor with their language barrier. Their faith, common life goals, and attraction have helped them with the language barrier too.
Once they were engaged, they began planning a wedding in Sandra’s hometown. They were married on August 31, 2024 in a small Catholic ceremony surrounded by family and friends. They both are so grateful to God for bringing them together.
Married life so far...
Married life has presented some challenges as they wait for Sandra to receive her visa to enter the USA.
They are praying for its speedy processing and trusting in God’s timing for the whole process.
Sandra admires her husband’s protection and care for their marriage and his commitment to growing in holiness. They have small disagreements but they are able to resolve them quickly.
They also continue to learn each other’s native language to improve communication. Both are living and deepening their Catholic faith through the sacrament of matrimony. They continue with their determination to God and to each other.
