I first felt God’s call when I was in fourth grade.
My Journey Of Faith And Vocation
I first felt God’s call when I was in fourth grade. I was eager to lead the children in Sunday school in the absence of our Animators. At that time, I lived with my late grandmother, a devout Catholic woman who served as my role model and mentor. I longed to join the congregation after completing eighth grade, unaware that God also seeks learned servants.
One day, I met our parish’s PMC chaplain, who encouraged me to focus on my studies through high school before considering a vocation. In our parish, there were white sisters whom I admired but hesitated to approach. Nevertheless, I continued to serve the Lord through various church associations, remaining active and faithful throughout high school because I understood what it meant to be a sister.
In my second year of high school, my sense of vocation waned but returned with renewed strength by my fourth year. After final exams, I was ready to join any congregation, but I didn’t know where to begin.
Learning About Dimesse Sisters
In September, after a retreat led by priests in my diocese at the Dimesse Sisters Retreat Centre, one of them handed me a pamphlet about the Dimesse Sisters. The photos and their attire captivated me. That very evening, I reached out using the contact information on the pamphlet. The sister who answered had a voice that resonated like that of angels, and I felt as though I had found my destination.
Within a month, I was invited to visit the sisters in Karen for a “Come and See” experience. I packed my belongings, convinced that I wouldn’t return home. The visit was impactful; however, when I expressed my desire to join them, I was told that at 17 years and 8 months old—just out of high school—I was too young. Despite my pleas to join the convent, it was all in vain. Returning home, I kept this disappointment to myself, telling my parents only that I had attended a PMC workshop since I was the coordinator in our parish.
Higher Education Struggles
In 2013, I secured a job at a nearby school and dedicated myself wholeheartedly to work while planning for further studies. With younger siblings still in high school, finances were tight. After a month, I opened a small business at a local shopping center and devoted my mornings and afternoons to it. My elder sisters worked in Mombasa, and I wanted to avoid moving there as it could jeopardize my dreams and vocation.
Five months later, my father and I visited the Nairobi Institute of Technical Skills in Ruiru and received an admission letter for June that year. After returning home, I continued with my business since I needed to fund my first semester.
I joined college as planned but faced many challenges during my second year regarding basic needs; at one point, my landlord locked my room due to unpaid rent. Unable to attend classes regularly because of financial constraints, I studied from home with notes provided by my dear friend Margaret Wambua—may God bless her for her kindness.
I eventually moved in with other ladies connected through the Dean of Students during exam preparations. As school closed for vacation, my sense of vocation began to resurface. Despite initial reluctance, I attended another “Come and See” event with the Dimesse Sisters. When I confided in one sister about my schooling situation, she encouraged me to persevere and assured me that once I completed my studies, I could join them.
In my third year, circumstances worsened; the money from my small shop went toward rent and groceries rather than tuition fees. For two months, while continuing to study from home with Margaret’s help, I stayed focused on completing my education.
After resuming classes post-exams and performing well academically, I sought employment during the long vacation to secure a better future. A position opened at Powerstar Supermarket in Ruiru; after interviewing successfully, I began working there.
I treated customers with care as if they were shopping at my own store. Within two weeks, I was promoted to cashier and entrusted with banking responsibilities. After two months of hard work and dedication—receiving recognition as the best cashier—I was promoted again to supervisor by early September.
With an increased salary and determination to save for tuition fees for the remaining semester and first term of 2016, I extended my holiday until October 5th.
The following year saw me balancing work on weekends while continuing with classes during weekdays. Confident in both academics and business management, I remained disciplined and focused on achieving my goals.
I completed college in November 2016 after taking final exams with faith that God would guide me through this journey. In December, feeling drawn back to Karen for my vocation as a Dimesse Sister, I received an admission letter for 2017 along with all necessary requirements.
After completing a vocational course with about eleven other girls—each returning home afterward—I informed Sr. Vocational Director about needing additional time due to an ongoing attachment until late April 2017.
“God,” I wondered silently during this period of discernment— “are you still calling me?” The time had come for me to share everything with my elder sister while asking her to keep it confidential from our father who had supported me through school.
Joining Dimesse Sisters
On December 24th, during our family celebration at home for Christmas, we returned to our daily routines as the new year began. Later on New Year’s Day, I disclosed everything to my mother and asked her to inform Dad about my aspirations.
To my relief, their response was supportive; they encouraged me since it was ultimately my choice. Afterward, back in Nairobi for attachment work lasting three months until mid-April 2017—I received two job offers; one had better pay.
Caught between two paths—joining the convent or pursuing employment—I prayed fervently over this decision because before this moment I’d planned on helping support my family financially while educating my siblings.
Holy Week approached as preparations began for Easter celebrations; having gathered most materials needed for joining the Dimesse Sisters throughout this process—I remained connected with sisters who supported me immensely along this journey.
On April 20th 2017—ready to join them—I reported on April 21st at the Aspirantate community at Resurrection Garden where sisters welcomed me warmly alongside fellow aspirants beginning our shared journey of formation and discernment together.
On April 21st 2021—I took my first profession without regret—committing myself fully to God’s service as a daughter of Pagani within the Dimesse sisters, Daughters of Mary Immaculate community. This life is one I’ve willingly chosen; I’m deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness throughout every step along this path.
I recognize that none of this has been accomplished solely through personal effort but entirely by God’s grace—thank you Lord!