Dear Stephanie,

Knowing you have a vocation is the end of a process, not the beginning. There are a lot of steps beforehand, and even though the concrete way it happens varies as much as there are people called there are generally some common stages that you go through. Generally, the question has to arise: Could I be called? The way it comes about varies immensely - the example of someone I know, out of the blue, a retreat experience... as also when it happens, at what age. But it sticks - it won't go away or it keeps coming back. It forces us to ask ourselves if it might come from God. It needs an answer, and to discover if you have a vocation you have to entertain the possibility that it just might be from him. If you don't look into it the vocation can never happen. At this stage some outside help usually helps, to look into signs and impediments, etc... If there are no impediments we have to be willing to take the matter a step further and look into concrete places. As we do this we often have to resolve other questions as well: what about the other possibilities and attractions I have, and the practical obstacles I face (debt, studies...)? Generally we find ourselves having to pray about these things, looking for light and guidance. As you visit concrete places you usually find that your interest becomes more specific and you gravitate towards one in particular. The process is not finished yet, but it is well on its way. I hope this gives you an idea of what you might need to do now. If the question has arisen look into it, give God a chance.

God bless.