I am the youngest of five children, with an identical twin sister. My parents were very involved in our parish, St. Martha in Murrieta, CA. At age nine, I had the chance to attend Sacred Heart Girls’ Camp in Big Bear for the first time. It was my first experience with the Sacred Heart Sisters (or any Sisters) and I loved the week at camp.
The week of camp I remember most happened when I was ten. One night, two of the Sisters shared their vocation stories. As I listened, God whispered, “This could be you.” It was just that simple. It was a very comforting thought for me to consider being a Sister.
I didn’t share this call from God with anyone until I was 15. Although I hadn’t seen the Sisters in several years, God’s invitation hadn’t weakened at all. After being invited to a vocation day, I finally had the courage to tell my parents that I was open to the possibility of religious life. By sharing it with others, I was able to accept God’s invitation a little more.
As I prepared for high school graduation, religious life was the last thing on my mind. My plans were to go to Saint Mary’s College of California where I received a scholarship. Yet in all this, I never asked God what He wanted for me; instead I was telling Him what I wanted for me.
During the summer before college, I returned to Girls’ Camp for the first time in four years, this time serving as a counselor. One night at campfire, as we read the Scriptures together, I was sitting near the back, talking with God. I realized I would only be truly happy doing what God asked. So I told Him, “I give you my life. I give you my heart. I give you my plans. Whatever you ask of me, I will do it.” His call came back: “This is you. This is who I have created you to be.” I knew He was asking me to give myself completely to Him as a Sister.
I started college that fall and enjoyed my classes, making new friends, being on my own. After attending a retreat with our Sisters during Christmas break, I knew God was calling me to enter the Sacred Heart Sisters that year.
On September 15, 2010 I entered the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart. I professed my first vows on March 23, 2013, and was blessed to make my perpetual profession on March 30, 2019. I am truly happy doing what God wants me to do. In fact, I am more joyful than I ever thought it was possible to be.