Hello! My name is Gabrielle, or you can call me Abby, and I hail from Victoria, BC. I’m currently in my second year at the University of Victoria, working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. With my degree, I hope to complete the rest of the requirements to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Since I was small, I have been a part of the choir at St. Patrick’s Parish with my family where I sing and sometimes play guitar. Other than church hymns (my favourites are Here I Am, Lord and Be Not Afraid), I enjoy music ranging from Disney to One Direction to my parents’ favourite songs. I also play the ukulele, some basic piano, and the flute. But I hope to progress in my other hobbies, such as cross-stitching, knitting, and sewing! For the far future, I hope to one day open a florist-cafe where I can learn about the language of flowers and welcome people and their families to a cozy place to wind down.
I’ve been a part of CCO UVic since my first year, after a friend invited me to take a faith study, and I am also an active leader in CFC-Youth for Christ, which is a global Catholic community. As I’ve grown in my faith, I have developed a heart to serve and a deep love for meeting new people in the process. To hear what Jesus has done in the lives of others, and to freely share what He’s done in mine is an opportunity like no other. Moving forward, I’m excited to see what else He has in store for me and the people that I will encounter!
Why do I want to be on Mission?
One day, the thought came to me, “What if I went on mission?” Although I knew a couple missionaries both on and off-campus, this thought came to me seemingly out of nowhere. Following this “passing thought”, I was taking a faith study with CCO. After one of our sessions, my faith study leader asked, “Gabrielle, have you ever thought about going to mission?”
Looking back, what I labelled as a mere passing thought a few years ago was really a nudging from the Holy Spirit. God was calling me to go on mission, and my study leader’s later encouragement was an affirmation of it. I am joyfully responding to this call, while learning to fully let go of any personal hesitancies or feelings of unworthiness, all for Him: for the Lord doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the Called! He gave me my skills, my talents, and the openness to share His word. What better way to thank Him than by sharing His unconditional love that I have experienced to others!
