I will never grow tired of reiterating this story because it was such a new and profound experience to see God firsthand. Taking nursing school was not on the plan; it was not listed in the to-do list of must-haves. As a matter of fact, it was not in the equation to begin with since I was never into the patient-care frontliner role until I went to home health. Although some people inspired me to take it on, it was still a back-burner profession for me, to say the least. Until this moment, one fine January day, when I got the bad news that drastically changed the whole course of my life. Desperate for a plea, and probably for the first time in my life, I sat down, barely spoke a word, and found myself crying nonstop. I drove around town with my mind going blank for an hour or so, crying so hard that I couldn’t even remember the last time I cried that badly.

I found myself in a state of uncertainty about what to do next. It seemed that for years, I had tied my self-worth to something significant, as I shared in my previous journal. Now that it was no longer a part of my life, I couldn’t help but feel as though I had lost a huge part of my worth along with it.

The next day, I found myself at my favorite Catholic church by Lake Forest, seeking refuge and a moment of peace from my ever-chaotic mind. To my surprise, I saw the visiting Black Nazarene from the Philippines, an unexpected encounter that stirred deep feelings within me. A coincidence, maybe? As I entered the church, a wave of emotion washed over me, and I simply sat in silence, allowing my tears to flow freely without needing to voice my pain. In that moment, I reassured myself that God understands my heart, even without words, sitting there in front of the Black Nazarene. They say it hits differently talking to God in moments when you barely know anything to say.

Moments later, a kind Filipino man approached, gently asking, “Are you a devotee?”

“No, I am not,” I replied almost instinctively.

“He answer wishes, do you know?” he jerked his head to the Black Nazarene and whispered, “Say your wishes, He will make it happen.” Something in what he said felt like a punch in the gut, and so I thanked him without having to say a word afterwards. I stayed there for a minute or so, just to calm myself and prepared to leave.

The next thing I knew, almost as instant as the flash of lightning, I thought about calling Stanbridge University to ask for the next AVN classes and what the requirements are.

The rest is history.

I took the leap with fear of the unknown, yet, in that moment, it seemed like God softly whispered His plans for me. All I needed to do was trust and take that leap of faith.

And without a doubt, that was the most incredible decision I have ever made, a choice I am proud of as I go along.

The Bible verse that profoundly resonates with me from that day forward is the one Ate Eli, a very dear ate of mine, shared with me, taken from Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”