Sr. Christina's First Vows



	*The* much-awaited day has finally arrived! The long journey started nine years ago with an emerging desire to know more about myself and the meaning of life.


	YES, this is it! This is the answer and this is the life I have chosen. I was smiling from ear to ear on the 21st of October 2001, Mission Sunday filled with peace and joy. I know I have chosen the right path for my life. I was ready to embrace the Vows, to be the bride of Christ. My parents too were very happy for me. Mum was so excited when she put the veil on me and dad stood happily beside us. I surprised them, when during Thanksgiving speech I spoke in my Teochew dialect and thanked them for their constant love and support and for their example of putting their trust in God. I remember when I told them about my desire to further discern my call to religious life in the convent; they encouraged me and reassured me that if I changed my mind, their door would always be wide open to welcome me back. They even assured me that there was no need to worry about them for God would look after them and see to their needs.		This trust in God’s providence and my parental support really inspired me and gave me courage in my formation years. Even so, I must admit that the long months of Novitiate formation in the Philippines as well as in Singapore have been challenging indeed! However, through it all, I have learnt to stay close to Jesus, to keep my communication line active with him at all times. Even though I believe I found the key to happiness ~ to live my life with joy, there were still times when I behaved like a ‘cranky’ person. Still, Jesus seems to have his way of reactivating communication lines for He talks even louder when my line has a short circuit. The marvels that God has done in my life are beyond words. I can only say, Jesus loves me very much and He has been walking very closely with me. I am learning this more and more each day: Jesus is with me all the time, so it is up to me to recognize him in my daily life, even in the seemingly small and unimportant moments. Yes, he is with me all the time.
	By: Sr. Christina Kho
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