"When you were a little girl, you believed that the Lord was holding your hand and walking with you. The Lord wants you to know that He is still holding your hand, but now He wants to run with you."

 

I didn't know it at the time, but these words, spoken to me on February 18th, 2024 at a prayer meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, would eventually become the launch pad for me to take the biggest leap of faith of my life: becoming a missionary. It was also a beautiful full-circle moment, as I feel that my journey of true relationship with God first began when I was a little second grade girl who believed that Jesus was my invisible friend walking beside me and holding my hand. In this moment, the Lord took one of my first prayers, my first experiences of relationship with Him, and used it to invite me into the greatest adventure of my life thus far.

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I am a San Diego native, though I always love to share the fun fact that I was originally born in New Jersey! My family moved to Poway, a beautiful suburb of San Diego, when I was still a baby, and it was there, specifically through the youth ministry at my home parish St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, that my faith was first set on fire. I encountered Jesus Christ's real presence in the eucharist, and for the first time in my life I understood the magnitude of His love and mercy for me, and that there was greater purpose and meaning to my life than I could have ever imagined. After high school, I started nursing school at San Diego State University. While at state, my home away from home became the Newman Center (SDSU's Catholic center), where I found the most amazing Catholic community, and some of my best friends. Through participating in and leading bible studies and retreats, serving on the leadership team, cultivating amazing friendships, and experiencing Newman's dynamic and vibrant ministry, the Lord brought me even closer to His heart, taught me how to live in relationship with Him, and ultimately invited me to surrender my life to Him by saying yes to mission.

 

Now I have the incredible privilege of taking what has transformed my life and working to bring that to the entire city of San Diego! I am excited to see how the Lord will bless and work through me in this next season of life, and I am grateful to be serving alongside some of the most inspiring individuals I have ever met. As I look back and reflect on what the Lord has done in my life thus far, it is so clear that His plans for me are far better than any plan I could ever come up with (and believe me, I love to plan!). He has given me true freedom - not the ability to do whatever I want - but the ability to do His will, which is ultimately what will give me true joy and lasting fulfillment. 

 

I am grateful to every individual who is willing to partner with me on this mission through their support. The Lord has asked me to give my yes to mission, but He hasn't asked me to give my yes alone. With the support and prayers of each one of you, the Lord will be able to accomplish his incredible plan for the young church of San Diego, which will have ripple effects in the entire city and beyond! May the Lord bless and protect each of you abundantly; thank you for your yes!