Olena

My name is Lena and I live in Zhytomyr, Ukraine with my mother, father, and older brother. My family is Christian; I knew about God from my earliest memories. In my opinion, I had a really happy childhood. I spent most of my time with my brother, we played and walked together, and my brother's friends were my friends, too. As a pastor, my father was responsible for organizing different Christian camps and we visited them often, creating many unique experiences.

I didn’t understand how faith in God impacted me personally throughout my childhood until my father introduced me to Young Life. Prior to this time, I struggled with not having many friends and spent my whole day alone, watching TV. In Young Life, I found real friends who were not indifferent, and knew how to enjoy simple non-material things, they were real. After spending time with so many new people that were committed to following Jesus, I began to understand that Jesus truly loves me. Now my relationship with God is quite strong, I feel His presence and support, I see the path He opens for me, and I understand that with Him I can do anything.

I have always enjoyed mathematics and physics. Now, in the Developing Global Leader program, I attend Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University and study telecommunications and radio engineering. I like to study technical blueprints and work with all different types of technical devices. I would like to use my creativity to work as a designer in a security company. My dream is to stay and work in the Ukraine in order to develop our country and see it become stronger. I am passionate about being involved in my community and telling teens about the love of Jesus.