Sponsorship.

The Church places a large emphasis on community. As I join the faith, the Church asks that I have a sponsor from the Catholic community to stand beside me through this process. A listener, a mentor and a friend.

Only one person crossed my mind: Lilla.

Lilla and I have been friends since sophomore year of high school. We've been teammates, roommates, and now sisters through our sorority. She is my best friend, the one person other than my parents who knows me better than I know myself. I can talk to her about anything and as questions fill my head each Sunday at RCIA, Lilla is there to give me answers.

I can ask her questions that I don't necessarily want to ask in a room with ten other people and she can give me an honest answer. It may not be the same response I would get from the Church, but it's her understanding and opinion.

I cannot imagine going through this process without her. She helps me to wake up for our 10:30 class on Sunday morning and provides me with comedic relief to get through the often tedious sessions.