It’s day five of 31 Days of Interviews with Single Women Making a Difference! You can find a list of all the interviews in this post.
Let me introduce you to Anjelina Cruz! Anjelina writes,
In order to live with purpose, taking one day at a time and always loving yourself before Mr. Right comes along will make you a better friend and wife. I believe when we primarily look for someone to complete us, our human flaws will always disappoint, however as Christians, we have an example of perfect, pure unconditional love from God.
Anjelina is a 31 year-old single mom who is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Social Work. What makes Anjelina’s story evern more inspiring is that she is also completely blind. Read more about Anjelina’s life as a single woman living for today and pursuing her relationship with God.
Brenda: First, tell us a little about yourself – your name, age, where you live, and where you grew up.
Anjelina: My name is Anjelina. I am a 31-year-old single mother to a wonderful blessing named Miss K, and I happen to be totally blind. For those chocolate fans I live near the sweetest place on earth.
Brenda: Where do you work, and how did you get started in your job?
Anjelina: I’m currently working toward my Masters in Social Work at Temple University. Since I have found many complimentary aspects between my Catholic faith and the values of the social work profession, my goal is to live out my life personally and professionally to empower those in need.
Brenda: Do you feel like your job is God’s calling on your life or do you hope it leads to something else one day?
Anjelina: I feel God has placed my desire to earn my MSW degree in my heart for a reason. Whether I will be working as a therapist or a case manager after graduation, I will be able to help my clients help themselves.
Brenda: When you envisioned your life as a young girl, did you hope to have a career when you grew up or was your desire more for marriage and children or did you want both for your life?
Anjelina: I’ve always wanted to be married with children. However, God has been teaching me to accept my life where it is at all times. Throughout my experiences I am learning to trust His divine wisdom especially as a single mother.
Brenda: What fires you up? What are you most passionate about in your life and in the world?
Anjelina: I am most passionate about my faith, the core values of the social work profession, living my life to the fullest along with learning from everyone who is in my life whether that be for a reason, season or forever. I am passionate about educating the world about the capabilities about those who are blind through my involvement with the National Federation of the Blind.
Brenda: Are you involved in serving in your community or church? What, if any, ministries or organizations are you a part of?
Anjelina: I serve my community by volunteering at a local help line. I am a member of the National Federation of the Blind.
Brenda: Tell us one thing you LOVE about being single and one thing you hate (or your biggest struggle) about being single.
Anjelina: I struggle with being completely content in my singleness. God has placed the desire for marriage in my heart, however I truly believe that one day, whatever my vocation may be, the wait will be worthwhile.
Brenda: I imagine there are times when you feel content in your singleness and other times when you want to throw something across the room because of it, but overall, how do you feel about being a single woman? Is there more contentment and peace or more of the opposite?
Anjelina: I’ve found a comfortable balance. Reading blogs, having friends in all areas of life whether married, single or engaged, I know trusting God will lead me to my vocation when the time is right brings me the most contentment and joy.
Brenda: Do you ever get mad at God because you are single? When bitterness, discontentment, confusion, and even jealousy creep into your mind, how to you deal with it? Do you have a go-to person or scripture verse or something else that helps?
Anjelina: Proverbs 3:5 is my go-to scripture as well as the rosary. Walking with Mary through her triumphs and tribulations is comforting to know I am never alone.
Brenda: How do you deal with loneliness?
Anjelina: Pray, pray, pray and more prayer. It’s sure not easy being single, but I am also sure being married isn’t always a walk in the park, or the beach—whichever you’d like. Smile. I also talk with my friend Laura who is always a source of wisdom and support.
Brenda: Do you struggle with obsessing about guys and dating? Like, if you’re interested in a guy or if you just start dating someone new, do you think about him constantly, analyze every conversation, and get overly attached quickly? Is so (or if not) how do you deal with your emotions?
Anjelina: I tend to become attached to quickly, however I am learning to guard my heart. By writing letters to my future husband, this is one way I’ve been able to protect myself.
Brenda: What is your biggest pet peeve about the way single women are perceived?
Anjelina: My biggest pet peeve is people automatically assume because I am totally blind and have a child that I am not interested in dating or that their fears of my blindness supersede the worlds misconceptions about my abilities.
Brenda: Are more of your girlfriends married or single? How do you find authentic friendships as a single woman?
Anjelina: I have a small circle of authentic friends of all stages of life who through their lives are able to show the ups and downs of their vocation.
Brenda: Our perception of you is that you are living a fulfilled, purposeful life as a single woman. You’re not waiting around for marriage, but fulfilling God’s call on your life now. What would you say is your secret to doing this?
Anjelina: Being happy in the moment, having a circle of friends who support me in my times of singleness are most valuable.
Brenda: What words of advice do you have for other single women who want to live with purpose now and not wait for marriage to start their lives?
Anjelina: In order to live with purpose, taking one day at a time and always loving yourself before Mr. Right comes along will make you a better friend and wife. I believe when we primarily look for someone to complete us, our human flaws will always disappoint, however as Christians, we have an example of perfect, pure unconditional love from God.
Brenda: And some fun stuff!
Brenda: Which do you like best – Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or Pinterest (or all of it!)?
Anjelina: I’m a Facebook and Twitter fan all the way.
Brenda: What’s your favorite drink?
Anjelina: A yummy strawberry margarita.
Brenda: Where would you want to live the rest of your life – beach or mountains?
Anjelina: A peaceful quaint beach.
Brenda: Do you read more fiction or nonfiction?
Anjelina: I’m a huge bookworm. I mostly prefer nonfiction.
Brenda: Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Anjelina: I’m mostly and introvert.
Brenda: What’s something quirky about you?
Anjelina: I love Dachshunds, coffee and movies.
Brenda: What else do we need to know about you? Where can we connect with you online?
Anjelina: I can be found on twitter at @AnjelinaCruz.
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