She is a teacher, author, artist, speaker, daughter, sister and a missionary. This young woman plays a lot of roles in her life with so much grace and passion. Nica loves the movie frozen and is currently working towards fulfilling her ultimate dream – to go to Heaven and Be a Saint!
Tell us about yourself and your journey of knowing Christ
I grew up in a Catholic family. At a young age, my parents really taught us the importance of building a relationship with Christ and the importance of serving others. I also got to know Christ more as I participated and served in Couples for Christās kids and youth ministry, and now in their Singles ministry. Here, my relationship with Jesus evolved from just being someone to pray to, to becoming one of my closest friends.
What or who made you decide to be a missionary?
Can you share to us your journey of becoming a missionary?
As for my story, Iād often tag along with my parents when they have these different talks. Not only did the things they say touch the audience, but it inspired me as well. They mostly speak on Saint Pope John Paul IIās Theology of Body which is a series of reflections on love, identity, marriage, and sexuality. I loved everything that I was hearing and I decided that I wanted to do what I could to spread this message as well. Since then, Iāve been giving talks, workshops, and even some camps (with our TOB Team!) trying to teach parents, kids, youth, and teachers about their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God and how to live a life of authentic love.
What makes you feel like a child?
What are your simple joys?
In your missionary adventure, what were your joys, struggles, challenges and even difficulties?
How do you define joy?
My life motto comes from Gaudium et Spes 24 or GS24 and it goes āMan cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of self.ā This reminds us that true joy and happiness come from making a gift of ourselves to others and living a life of service. So what is joy? Itās GS24 or simply: making a Gift of Self 24/7.
Ā In who and what you are now, what are your other dreams or do you still have anything you want to achieve?
For what else I want to achieve, in the future, Iād love to be a mom! As a Teacher now I have so much fun teaching and molding these little minds and little hearts for 6 hours a day. Part of me is really excited to have my own kids where I can do the āmoldingā and taking care of for a longer period of time.
What is your message to young people who are now feeling lost, who are still finding their purpose, who doesn’t know what to do with their lives?
Since you are loved by God, we can be sure that He will take care of you. As you try and discover this more, continue being a gift! Be a gift to your families, to your friends, to your communities. Serve, be there for others and help in whatever way you can. Who knows, in that service, you may discover your purpose and calling in life.
What is your message to young people who wanted to serve but do not know how?
If you want to branch out a little bit after, think about what talents you have, and try and find a way you can use that to help others. Are you good at drawing? You can hold a drawing class for kids who have nothing to do and who may have busy parents. Are you good at singing or with musical instruments? Offer to sing or play in your churchās choir. Are you good at creating art or cooking? You can start a mini small business and have some proceeds go out for a specific cause. Play to your strengths and see how your gifts can be used to make a gift to others.
If you have a favorite Bible verse, Ā what is it and why.
Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God
Luke 18:16
