Hello, my name is Selen. On a blessed night back in 2013, as I closed my eyes to go to sleep, I saw a little boy open his eyes to go to work. He was poor, hungry, and mistreated. I, on the other hand, had all the comforts of the world available to me. My heart was moved. That night I prayed for the first time in years. I thanked God for giving me this life and I asked Him that He would help me to help His people, especially the children who suffer like the one in my vision. As I searched and prayed for God’s guidance for my life, he led me to St. Joseph Husband of Mary, Roman Catholic Church in 2016 where I was baptized in the Easter Vigil of the following year. I continued to live my faith with a growing desire to make my life a gift for the glory of God.

As I was getting my Associates degree in the Spring of 2019, I had two options: either to go for a Bachelor’s degree and give at least two more years of my life to the academic field, or take a break from the school to pray and discern what direction I needed to go. I was uneasy with both of these decisions. But amidst my struggle God came to my assistance. I realized that a mission with a Catholic community, where we will be praying and attending daily Mass while helping those around us, would be the best thing for me to do. But where to find this community? Well, I started with a Google search! I messaged a few volunteer programs and Con-solatio. And let me tell you that I found more than what I was looking for. I will be visiting people daily, living in community with other international volunteers and have a vigorous daily prayer life with Holy Mass, Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours, and the rosary. In the end, during this mission, I will be called to give all that I am to my community and to our neighbors out of love.

I am more than happy that I have been called here and I invite all who would come to be on this journey with me!