Sister Hellen Chepkurui Koskei

Born in Kenya, I am the third child in a family of six girls. My Dad is a Protestant and my Mum is a Catholic. Because of my father's job, he wasn't always home. We were baptized as infants and raised in the Catholic faith.

I wanted to enter Religious Life when I was a small girl. At this time, we lived near a home for the disabled called St. Francis Home. The home was operated by the Little Sisters of Saint Francis. What attracted me to these Sisters was their love for the poor and crippled children. They treated them as if they were their own children. As I looked at them, I began to desire the same life for myself.

Several times the Sisters found me playing with these children. One Sister told me, "You will become one of us one day." I never uttered a word, but instead I smiled.

The desire to become a Religious continued throughout primary school, but I didn't reveal it to anyone. One day, two Sisters came to visit us in our church. As I listened to them, I was impressed and said to myself; "I would like to become one of them." That night I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about all they had shared.

When I was in secondary school, some of my friends talked to me about the work of the Religious in their parishes. Seeing that I was interested, they gave me materials on various Congregations. I read them and chose different Orders that attracted my attention.

I was touched by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and their foundational call: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands." I felt that this Congregation was where the Lord was calling me to be. These words reminded me when I was a small child and my Aunt said, "If I could become young again, I would become a Religious and serve the people and especially the sick." I looked at her without answering, but inside I had the same thought.

I wrote a letter to the Vocation Director. In a few days, I received a reply from Sister Francesca Kearns. When I had the courage, I shared this with my parents. My Dad, being a Protestant, was against the idea. In my culture, women are voiceless, so my Mum could not say anything. For almost two years, I didn't say anything else about my desire to enter Religious Life. I prayed for my Dad, and my prayers were answered. One day my Mum told me that my Dad was now open to my desire to enter Religious Life. I was overwhelmed with joy, which was beyond explanation.

I attended my first Vocation Seekers meeting. I didn't know anyone, except Sister Francesca Kearns, and she called me by name saying, "Welcome Hellen. I have been longing for you to come." I was pleasantly surprised and happy for the warm welcome she gave me.

I decided this Congregation was right for me.

I said, "Yes," on December 9, 2006, as I made my First Profession of Vows. This "yes" entails accepting the will of God. It is a "yes" that calls me to surrender everything in my life to my Creator. It means being ready and willing to carry my cross diligently.

Three years of formation have been of great help to me. This time has prepared me to live the Religious Life as a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word. It has taught me that each one of us must climb her own personal mountain and struggle for a destiny that is hers alone. I am very happy and grateful for the Sisters who have journeyed with me during these past three years. All of this calls me to put my trust in God since He knows every fiber of my being, and He is always ready to direct me in every situation of my life. I thank all who have helped me to be who I am today, especially the Sisters. Let us continue to pray for each other.

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