“Have you ever found yourself completely absorbed in crafting a detailed vision of your future?” I was definitely one of those kids who had their entire life mapped out from a young age: grow up, get married by 25, and have five children with my destined husband. Ironically, I celebrated my 25th birthday as a second-year novice at the Novitiate in Hammersmith, a fact that sparked much laughter during shared stories among my fellow novices. Little did I know that a ‘vocation’ existed, let alone that it would become my reality.
This vocational journey, as it turned out, began with a seemingly absurd prophecy from my grandmother: ‘You will be a nun.’ My head nearly spun off as I fervently shook my head, silently thinking, ‘This woman is completely out of her mind!’ Of course, I wouldn’t dare voice such a thought to my formidable Fijian/Tongan grandmother. As the years passed, I completely forgot about her prediction.
Then, my mother insisted I attend a vocation retreat. Out of respect for her, I reluctantly agreed, despite having no desire to be there. My mother, ever the advocate for youth and church engagement, always encouraged her children to participate. Surprisingly, I was the last person to leave that retreat. Something had resonated deeply within me, though I couldn’t fully grasp it at the time. I continued with my life, working and supporting my single mother with 10 children. Yet, I felt an inexplicable pull, a sense of something holding me back from the life I had always envisioned.
My mother was stunned when I finally revealed my consideration of the ‘Come and See’ program with the Sisters of Nazareth. Now, nearly ten years later, I can see how God truly has a way of guiding us to our destined path, when we place our complete trust in Him.