Born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in the Buddhist/Shintoist tradition, Sister Yumiko became a Christian when she was 18 years old. She is the first and only Christian in her entire family.

Sister Yumiko attended a Catholic high school in Japan, then came to the U.S. in 1981 as a high school exchange student. "Through this family I was touched deeply by the spirit of Jesus," she explains. "That year has always been special to me."

In 1991, after studying veterinary medicine and teaching science in a Japanese high school, Sister Yumiko returned to the U.S. to study nursing at Catholic University of America. There she met Sister Gertrude Ayerle, and learned about the Medical Mission Sisters.

Sister Yumiko recalls a powerful experience during her time of temporary vows: "I was in India, in Pune, at a holistic health center. There was an earthquake in the western state of Gujarat. It was total destruction." For Sister Yumiko, witnessing the inner strength of the people in spite of hardship was inspiring. "Working with the relief teams was truly a very special and enriching experience that I will always treasure in my heart."

In July, 2002, Sister Yumiko was in the Philippines to participate in a program for Sisters preparing for final vows. Sister Fidelis Abad Santos asked if she could help to facilitate a course in foot reflexology to a group of massage therapists who are blind. "She did it with so much patience," reflects Sister Fidelis. "She won their hearts!"

Sister Yumiko made her final profession of vows in March, 2003. She returned to our holistic health center in Pune, India, late last year.