Duurenbayar

My name is Duuree, short for Duurenbayar, and I am from Ulaanbaatar, the largest and capital city of Mongolia. I am the middle of three daughters, but we have lived separate from one another for most of our lives. I have never known my father, as my parents divorced when I was very young. At age thirteen, I lived with my uncle’s family because my mother was unable to feed me. I spent my days taking care of his children and often had to miss school in order to fulfill my duties to the family. It was a time where I felt alone and without a protector.

I was invited to Young Life camp when I was seventeen by my cousin who was a volunteer leader. At camp, I heard about the amazing love of Jesus which was a balm to my broken heart. Sadly, I returned to my uncle’s home and they forbade me to go to church and believe in Jesus. I prayed for a way out, and miraculously, I was invited to live with my grandmother. Seeing God provide in that way led me closer to Jesus. Also, I started to go to church and participating in Young Life club. When Jesus entered into my heart, everything changed in my life. I now dream about my future, I am much more at peace with myself, and Jesus is growing me every day.

When I created my first dress as a child, I started to dream about fashion design. Now, as a Developing Global Leader, I am a student at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology studying fashion design. In addition to a college education, I am grateful to be trained in ministry and leadership skills through the DGL program to better equip me to invest in the youth in my community. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university.