MY STORY

On the first day of 9th grade, my teacher asked us what we would like to be when we grew up. The other students were excited about the question and excitedly wanted to share their thoughts. Meanwhile, I was worried because I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I only knew of my daily struggles to learn English and to adapt to this new homeland. 

 

I prayed while waiting for my turn to share. I remember saying, “I don’t know yet, but I just want to be a good person.” Looking back, I think that was the best answer for me. This mindset, “What do I want to do with my life?” became the center of my prayers. I said to God: “Lord God, I don’t know what to do with my life, so I NEED YOU to tell me. What would you like me to do with my life?  Show me your way.” As the years went by, as I finished high school, I continued to be open to whatever life offered and whatever God wanted of me.

 

One Sunday after mass I saw a brochure from the Congregation of Mary, Queen about vocations. I also met Tram who was a candidate from this congregation. She shared with me about life in the convent. I later asked my mom if I could enter the convent.  She said: “If God calls you.” So I bravely called the convent number on the brochure and was told to “Come and See” with them for two weeks after the Marian Days celebration in Carthage, Missouri. I was surprised at how simple it was to respond to God’s call. After much prayer, I trusted that this is what God wanted me to do with my life. 

 

I said goodbye to my family and left home on August 11th, my 19th birthday and joined the CMR community. I believe my vocation is Mother Mary’s birthday gift to me. She knew I was struggling with my faith, with my life, so she guided me to her convent to help me to know her Son better. And I am still so very grateful. Every year on my birthday, I thank Mary for my vocation and ask her to help me to be faithful.

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Everyone who knew me, especially my brothers, were surprised I joined the convent after high school. My brother, the one closest to me in age, wrote:  “When I think of you, I think about how very special and unique you are. In a world filled with people chasing after wealth, fame, and false love, you chase after the one thing that matters most: your salvation. I don't know how you do it, but I know that God's Grace is involved. I am so very proud and respect you immensely for all that you have accomplished and I admire your great devotion to God and for your purity. I know that every day God is so very pleased with you and all that you represent. It is great to have you in my life because I get to benefit from your special relationship with God through your prayers.” 

 

I love who I am and what I do...Being a nun for 23 years and being a nurse for 14 years has helped me to see religious life as a blessing. I see that by being faithful to God's call, I can bring God's blessings and healing to all the lives I touch. I love my faith and vocation. I love my family. I love my community and our Catholic Church.  Above all else, I love Jesus. That is my story. I hope reading it will help you to become aware of God’s plan for your life. I pray that you will live God’s dream for you.

 

Best wishes to all of you and to wherever God leads you,

Sr. Eileen

October 2022