Unwavering faith

At midday, the sun hung high in the vast expanse of the cerulean sky. Its rays beamed down, casting a warm and radiant smile upon the young girl's face as she navigated her path.

Walking beside her, her sister moved at a steady pace, offering a reassuring presence. With each passing moment, the sun's intensity grew, causing their faces to redden like the deep hue of wine within a crystal decanter.

Clutching onto a pristine white sheet, the young girl's hands trembled with a mixture of fear and anticipation. With each step they took closer to their destination, her trepidation intensified.

They arrived at a towering edifice, reminiscent of a majestic castle from a bygone era. Through a crystal window, tinted with a gentle shade of blue, a glimmer of hope and vitality emanated, breathing life into the surrounding scenery.

The open gates beckoned visitors with an embrace, offering the warmth and comfort of a cherished home. In the presence of a gracious receptionist, any tension in their muscles and bones melted away, replaced by a genuine sense of hospitality.

The woman's voice, soft and soothing, resonated from behind, "Turn left and you will come across the elevator; it will take you to the third floor.”

She proceeded towards the elevator and reached her destination on the third floor. The sensation of being in a haunted house overwhelmed her with shock. As she reached her destination, her legs grew stiff, and she paused to catch her breath.

Trembling with fear, she turned to flee, but her sister held onto her hands, reassuring her, "I've got you. Don't be afraid."

The interviewers had eerie faces that sent shivers down her spine. Just by looking at them, she felt as if she had entered a living nightmare.

However, she had no choice but to face the interview for her visa. Taking a deep breath, she muttered to herself, "I have two options: go through with the interview or abandon my calling."

Gathering her courage, she made her way to a nearby chair and slowly sat down. Yet, despite being physically present, she felt as if she were floating in outer space, disconnected from her surroundings.

Suddenly, a voice broke through her reverie, jolting her back to reality. "Miss, it's your turn."

With heavy feet, she stood up and made her way to the interview window, clutching tightly onto a cross hanging from her neck. She whispered, "Into your hands, I entrust my spirit, Lord!"

Confronted by an eerie interviewer, she is overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy; however, she holds onto her belief that God is by her side, empowering her to overcome any obstacle.

Summoning every ounce of strength she possesses, she stands before the interview window, poised and composed, as if anticipating the unanswerable queries that lie ahead. Presenting all the necessary documents, she remains as still as a majestic statue atop a picturesque mountain.

Suddenly, a monotonous voice pierces her right ear, bombarding her with a barrage of questions:

"Where are you headed?”

“Why are you going there?”

“What do you plan to accomplish?"

Instantly, her frightened and shocked expression eases, replaced by a smile as she responds to each question with deliberation and certainty.

However, in the next moment, her hand is met with a pink slip of paper that dances and glides into her grasp. She exclaims,

"Why have I failed?"

A few onlookers cast intense glances her way, their emotions veiled in a shroud of fear or anger. Yet, she feels as though her body has been rendered immobile as if it were rooted to the ground like a sturdy tree.

Her sister guides her out of the room, but she remains lost in her thoughts, oblivious to the fact that they have already arrived home.

The following day, she awakens at the break of dawn, the room enveloped in darkness akin to a world without sunlight. Stealthily, she tiptoes to the bathroom to freshen up.

Ten minutes later, she finds herself seated in front of the computer. Her fingers glide gracefully across the keyboard, in perfect harmony with the rhythm of her thoughts. She meticulously peruses her documents, her keystrokes echoing with a resounding click as she hits the enter key, causing the screen to fade into darkness. She utters a prayer,

"Assist me, dear Lord! May my documents be accepted."

Within seconds, a single word materializes on the blank screen: "Success." She exclaims triumphantly,

"No pain, no gain. I shall never surrender until I conquer this test!"

A new timetable has been arranged for the upcoming month. She meticulously examines each question, putting in her best effort. She rushes through the remaining time, utilizing every moment to study and remember all potential questions and answers.

Unknowingly, the day of the interview has arrived. She wakes up and prepares herself, ready to face the challenge. Before leaving, she tells her sister, "Stay at home and pray for me!"

As she exits, she looks straight ahead and prays, "Dear Lord, I place my trust in you!"

Hopping into the taxi, she headed towards the US Embassy. Upon arrival, she walked into the receptionist's desk with an air of confidence, placing her documents and offering a warm smile.

After completing the necessary procedures, she located the elevator that would take her to the third floor of the building. Well-acquainted with the room's decorations and furniture arrangements, she exited the elevator and surveyed the individuals in the room with a smile. Opting for a chair in the left corner, she seemed to subtly conceal her beauty from the prying eyes around her.

Gazing at her reflection, she softly murmured,

"Today, I rely on you."

After a brief moment, her name was called, prompting her to rise and approach the interview window with unwavering determination. With a display of utmost strength, she greets the interviewer with a courteous smile. Handing over her documents, she stands resolutely, awaiting the next phase of the process.

Lost in her thoughts, a sudden interruption breaks the silence as a question echo in her ears,

"How many times have you applied for the visa?"

Calmly, she responds, "This is my second attempt."

A moment of silence hangs in the air, creating a divide between them. Then, a voice breaks the stillness, asking,

"How many stages must you go through to become a nun?"

Sporting a radiant smile, she answers, "Three stages."

Once again, the room falls into a hush. Anxiety begins to creep through her veins, gradually reaching her heart. But before it can fully take hold, a white paper is placed before her.

A whirlwind of emotions, a mix of happiness and fear, swirls in her mind, making its way to her heart, prompting tears to flow. She exclaims,

"Oh God, thank you! I've made it!"

Overwhelmed by the joyous news, she walks towards the door, a wide grin on her face. Bidding farewell to everyone she passes, she steps outside the building and shouts,

"Finally, I have obtained my US visa!"

Contemplating amidst the anguish and despair that obstruct her progress, she comprehends that failure does not signify the ultimate demise; instead, it serves as a pathway to triumph. Every stride leaves an imprint, and each misstep imparts wisdom.

Surrendering is not an escape from every predicament. The more she evades, the closer problems loom, and the more formidable they become.

She advocates for unwavering determination and embracing the brilliance that guides one's sight; this is the counsel she wishes to impart.

Author’s Notes:

Yes, this was based on true events! The Story of a Roman Catholic religious sister!

Thank you so much for reading this! If you liked my writing, please leave a comment, click the heart and subscribe for free!