“To labour as a giant “ (SM hal. 144)

I am Sr. Veronika Lahea, I am in my 4th year as temporary professed sister, studying at Sanata Dharma University Yogyakarta, at Electromedical Department.

Firstly, I would like to say “Congratulation!” to our Congregational Leadership Team for creating our Congregation website!

It is an appreciation for me, when Sr. Monika asked me to write my vocation experience with an inspiration of the words of our Founder, Fr. Mathias Wolff. I chose "As a SJMJ sister, we labour as a giant.”

Becoming a nun was my dream since I was a child although many people doubt my sincerity because they said I am a "tomboy girl", it is impossible to be a calm and graceful nun. It is true that I like tinkering “men” work. When I was in senior high school I rode a dirt bike, working in the garden, even climbing coconut trees. It was considered far from the lifestyle of a "nun". Perhaps (not quite sure!) that was one of the reasons my superior assigned me to study in electromedical department, which are dominated by male students.

Deep in my heart, I am happy to live as a SJMJ sister despite of many struggles I had. At the time of struggle, I felt as if the world was about to collapse but in silence, I tried to grasp what grace God was preparing for me. Like the apostle Paul, I want to say "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness".

Regarding my assignment, for me, natural talent is not enough. Great effort must go with it. Studying electromedical, with complex medical devices is not easy since it is using the latest technology while I'm not skilled at computerization. Not only once did I get electrocuted because of trial and error, my computer caught fire due to heavy applications and failed problems. That's common!, Sometimes it had been all night to design a technology-based medical device, when I would save, the computer was unable to accommodate, lost! I felt like to thrashed .. but no, it was useless. Just did it again. I felt, if only my ability, I might not be able to do it. I remember our Parish Priest said "If God sends, He takes care. " I revived and fought.

P. Wolff taught to me " to work like a giant." Even though I have a small body, I must have a giant spirit ... it takes big courage. I have no doubts of the power of God's grace in me ... Courage!!

Sr. Veronika Lahea- Community of Trimargo Yogyakarta