Jenny Daniela

My name is Dani. I remember my childhood with great joy. I have four older sisters who were like moms to me, and a niece who is like a sister; we have a very strong friendship. My home was full of Christian love and care. I was born with one leg thinner than the other and felt fear of being judged for looking different. I also stuttered and rarely spoke in public. However, my teacher encouraged me and helped improve my confidence. It was a difficult time, but today I remember it with joy because thanks to her encouragement, my stuttering improved and I learned to live without fear of what others would say.

When I was thirteen years old, I grew confused about my faith and I felt that God was distant and I went into a deep depression. My mom insisted that I go to a church camp and I reluctantly went. I had an encounter with God and the faith that I had "borrowed” from my parents became a faith of my own. For the first time, I felt that God loved me. At Young Life training, I was surprised to see how lovingly they received me, and made me feel a part of them, even without knowing me. Now, I am the director of a club that I was fortunate enough to start with other leaders.

As a Developing Global Leader, I am pursuing a biomedical engineering degree from Universidad Autónoma de Occidente. As I look to the future, I would like to have a clinic and foundation for people who are born with physical disabilities and do not have the ability to afford prosthetics or treatment. I dream of starting a Capernaum club where people can feel loved and learn about Jesus.