Victoria and her husband, Joe, have been coming to Covenant Fellowship since 2017. They live in Pilesgrove, New Jersey with their three children (and a super cute dog), and they attend the Pardo’s Community Group. Get to know her below!
Victoria, what brought you and Joe to Covenant Fellowship?
We had been through the Bridge Course at the Estronell family’s home in Broomall twice. We decided it was time to find a church that our family could attend regularly. We tried a few other churches closer to home but nothing clicked. We came to Covenant once and just kept on coming. That very first Sunday, we felt welcomed and knew this was the church for us.
You’re committed members of your community group—how has that experience been for you?
I feel so supported by this awesome group of people! When we first joined Covenant Fellowship and went to check out the group, we felt an immediate connection. Over the past few years, I’ve found that I’m always encouraged and inspired to grow in my faith from our time together. I love that I have been able to form genuine friendships with the ladies of our group.
Tell us a bit more about your family.
My husband, Joe, and I have three children: Santino, who is 2 months, Salvatore, who is 2 years old, and Kamryn, who is 6. We also have the cutest 4-month-old Jack Russell puppy, named Taco. Our house is often loud and crazy with lots of little feet (and paws) running around.
What is something you have learned in your marriage?
Since we have young kids, it is easy to put our relationship and quality time on the back burner. I have learned that prioritizing my husband is just as important as caring for my kids. Doing little things for my husband on a daily basis to show I’m thinking of him, and vice versa, contributes to the success of our marriage.
What are some things you love to do?
I love to cook. I would consider myself a foodie so I enjoy spending time in the kitchen for sure. We host Thanksgiving every year and it is one of my favorite days.
You work in a really interesting job. Can you tell us more about it?
I work for the Salem County Health Department in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services division. I love my job! I help bring substance abuse resources to my county and put people in touch with services when they are ready to get sober. I have been in recovery for 6 years and feel blessed every single day to be on the other side of addiction. Now I am able to help others get there.
Moving into deeper spiritual things, where has God helped you see growth in your life?
I would have to say my daily level of patience. I tend to want what I want when I want it and am a major planner. There have been many situations, especially since becoming a mom, that I have to learn to go with the flow and accept things as they come. The more I put my trust in God’s timing, the easier things tend to be.
Another growth question: if you could talk to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give her?
When I was younger, I thought any type of vulnerability was weakness. I was a believer but didn’t think I needed the Lord. I would tell myself that God is ready to accept me, flaws and all, and that self-reliance will only limit my growth. I wish I would have sought Him sooner.
You’ve been through some scary health situations with your children. Can you share about that experience and how you saw God moving in it?
Our son, Santino, was born on February 6 and he has had some health scares. We spent time at AI DuPont Children’s hospital in his first few weeks trying to figure out what was going on. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and was such a scary time for my husband and me. There were many, many times I called to God, asking him for comfort, peace in my heart and to take me to a place where my trust in Him had no end. He took my fear away in my most difficult moments every time I leaned into Him. Santino ended up needing two surgeries but is now healing and doing well. I know my relationship with the Lord deepened through it all.
