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Since elementary school, I’ve always dreamt of becoming a nun.
My bestfriend Navin, a Protestant, influenced my long cherished desire. When I
was in Grade six, I tried telling my mother that I wanted to be a missionary
doctor like my bestfriend. She scoffed at the idea, I still kept on
believing that someday I will fulfill my desire which is to be a missionary.In high school, my values education teacher asked each of us our ambition. I proudly declared that I wanted to be a nun. Most of my classmates did not believe me; they even made fun of me.But I joined, the Catholic Youth Organization and became active in our outreach activities like going to Asilo de Molo and Home for the Aged. I volunteered in a summer camp for special children.
I have met many less fortunate people who are also making the most out of their lives. And I have also gained friends who share the same passion for spending time with others. This is perhaps the same reason why I have chosen the Good Shepherd Congregation.
I was already an outside aspirant of another congregation, but deep inside there was a yearning for me to be involved directly with people. I believe it is God’s plan that I postponed my entrance to the congregation. In one recollection there, I got a scriptural passage which says “Rejoice with those who rejoice,. Mourn with those who mourn.” I finally understood what it meant when I was led to the Good Shepherd Congregation.
I don’t exactly know why God is calling me to religious life. I am not sure what mission he will give me or in what way He will use me for the mission. People even ask if I had made the right decision to join the nunnery at 22. Even my mother seems worried that I might not survive the demands and struggles of religious life, especially of the Good Shepherd congregation. But she and all the members of my family are very supportive now. I admit I also have fears; however, I just have to remember that my ultimate motive in entering this life is to serve God because of my love for Him as well as His great love for me. And to share that love to others who have not found it. As the saying goes, “A heart overflowing with love can do nothing but serve.”
(Sr.Leah Ann Espina is first year novice. She hails from Iloilo City. She finished Mass Communications at the West Visayas State University. Prior to her entrance to the Good Shepherd Congregation in 1991, she worked as researcher and webmaster at the Ayala Foundation, Inc.)
