1. How did you discern the call of God?
In my time we didn’t use the word “discernment” as nowadays. I can, however, identify three special moments when God was calling me.

The first time was in 1972. I was in fifth grade and it was mandatory to go to mass together every Sunday. One Sunday the priest asked us: “Who wants to be a worker in the vineyard of Jesus?” I answered to myself: “Yes, I do.” I was 10 years old and at the end of that same year a big earthquake destroyed my city, Managua. Time passed and I forgot this answer.

The second time was during my adolescence. I was involved in many activities such as being a catechist in a Salesian parish. Those priests were wonderful people. All the time we, as young people, could talk with them and they were always available to listen, to orient, to support, and to introduce us to the love of Jesus Christ.

At one point my spiritual director asked me, “Do you want to become a Sister?” I laugh about this question because I had a plan; I wanted to become a medical doctor. But he was serious and insistent. At this moment he awoke within me the secret dream to become a worker of God. However, once again, another situation arose. In July 1979, the war against Somoza’s dictatorship exploded. The war destroyed lives, hopes, and dreams. That experience of absurd death made me question myself, “Do I want to serve the gods of death or the God of Life?”

When the war ended I went to college but I didn’t forget the question. I had chosen to serve the God of Life. I talked to my spiritual director and he introduced me to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Managua. After three years I began my novitiate.

The third moment is not over - it continues every day. I want to be honest; when I went to visit the MSCs, I didn’t know how, but I was clear that God called me to be a consecrated woman. Both the Salesian priests and the reality of my people, influenced my discernment. With MSCs I have learned to discern the best answer to God’s project for my life. The same dilemma of choosing death or life; to live mediocrity or plentifully; faces me each day. I walk in faith, but with each step, in suffering or joy, God is with me and has made me happy.

2. What pushed you to be an MSC?
As a teenager I had a lot of friends, went to many parties and was a good student in high school. I also participated in many activities in my church. Really, I was a normal and happy person. However, this was not enough. Around me I could see so much suffering. Everything was ephemeral. Definitely, God touched me and put in my mind and heart a big desire for Life, but not just any life; I desired a wonderful life, a plentiful life! I understood that if I desired this sort of life, I needed to spend all my days in a big project - God’s project for my life. The suffering around me was the signal; the desire within, pushed me.

3. How has your missionary experience deepened your relationship with God and with God’s people?
When I look back I find a long journey marked by the constant death-life choice. As a medical doctor, I have watched a lot people being born and dying. As a woman, I have seen a lot of women oppressed, abused, and robbed of their dignity. As a person, I watched a lot of suffering, hungry, and humiliated people. All the time I have heard God screaming to me in these situations. The poor have helped me. By the grace of God, I have contemplated Christ’s hurting heart and his grace made me answer them.

4. What has helped you to live your commitment with fidelity?
God knows me! He knows my shyness, weakness, emptiness, and limitations as well as my qualities. Along the way He has introduced me to a lot of great people who have helped me. First, is the example of my mother: her faith and sacrifices. She is a great Christian. Another was my spiritual director. Also very important were the Missionary Sisters during the initial formation of my religious life, and overall, many MSCs in community life, who have patiently accompanied me. No less important has been the testimony of martyrs in Latin America. In addition, my professional services as a medical doctor and catechist have permitted me to contemplate God. I have seen and heard God in the people’s sadness and happiness.

5. What would you advise someone who is searching and desires to give their life to God?
Let’s go! Write your own history! Create true happiness! I know that sounds nice, but it is not easy. Unfortunately, the life has many detours and much noise and distraction. Sometimes, happiness seems easy and cheap - this kind of happiness does not endure. I strongly believe that people want more, they want real happiness, beyond appearances. In their deep hearts they want something solid and consistent. I would tell them, “The best is within. God has put happiness within. Look into yourself! Hear your heart! Another world, friendly, habitable, and consistent is possible. You can change history! You could be happy! God is calling you!”

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