I was born in Lome, the capital of the small West African state of Togo. Although about 80 per cent of Togo people still adhere to their traditional religions, Christianity is growing in both importance and influence in our country.

The process of Christianization, however, is slow since it must touch every aspect of ordinary life and has to contend with understandable resistance from ordinary people. Many people in Togo are baptized but unfortunately too many return to traditional practices especially in times of stress.

I am the fifth of twelve children - nine boys and three girls. My father is from Benin while my mother is Togolese. They were married in the Church. And while they made sure that we were all baptized, I cannot say that as a family we were particularly devout Catholics.

One school holiday I spent a lot of time at the mission centre and I began to ask myself if this life might not be for me too. It took some time to come to terms with this new idea and the Father advised me to spend plenty of time in prayer to ask guidance from God.

Having finally made up my mind to give it a try, I was asked to stay in Lome for three years to study philosophy. After that I went to Zaire to do my novitiate - a long way from home, but at least they speak French!  After two years in Zaire I made my first vows and then I studied theology in England.

Every day I give thanks to the Lord for having called me to put my life at the service of the missionary Church. He lets me understand that he loves me just as I am and that he waits for me at every crossroads in my life.

My vocation is an adventure made up of discoveries, doubts, and acts of faith. My prayer is this: Lord, take care of me. I need you, for as you know well, alone I am nothing. If I can live your love then indeed I can live. Because you are who you are and because I am who I am, be at my side always.