I was 14 years old and had not yet received baptism when I first read what Thérèse de Lisieux had written in one of the pages of her personal journal. These words have accompanied my prayer ever since:

“I would like to travel the earth, to preach your name. A single mission would not suffice for me. At the same time, I would like to proclaim the Gospel in the five parts of the world, and even in the most remote islands. I would like to be a missionary, not just for a few years. I would have liked to have been one since the creation of the world, and will be one until the end of the ages.”

Years later, while attending the Missionary Community of Villaregia in Ivory Coast, I discovered people who were living this vocation, people who were able to give themselves totally to God in ordinary life. I felt this desire growing in my heart and I said, “Lord, I would like to love you in this way, with a total love.”

So, after my high school diploma in the science stream and courses in healthcare, I began the training course to become a missionary. To prepare myself to “travel the earth,” as Saint Thérèse wrote, it was necessary to resume my studies and take courses in religious sciences and pedagogy. Every morning, I walk through the crowded streets of the city to get to the university, facing the daily effort and sacrifice that many young people in my country have to make.

Classes start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. To arrive on time, I have to wake up at 5:00 a.m., walk a part of the way, and then continue by public transportation. It usually takes me two hours to get there, as in addition to walking, I have to take three different means of public transportation that pass through different neighborhoods. I end with a final stretch on foot. The crowds, the heat, the rain, the traffic jams, the long lines and delays are my daily lot; but I face this daily challenge with joy, offering Jesus the difficulties and unavoidable efforts that this kind of travel requires.