Meyling Esmeralda

My name is Meyling and I live in Leon, Nicaragua. I am the youngest of three children and I currently live with my sister, her husband and my niece. Throughout my childhood I lived with my mother, siblings, and my grandfather; my father has lived and worked abroad for most of my life. I was greatly impacted by the death of my grandfather because he was the predominant figure of love in my life.

I received very little teaching about God in my childhood other than occasional visits to church or youth events. However, in my early teen years, my brother began to invite me to attend Young Life club with him. I felt so warmly received and was drawn to the joyful energy and controlled chaos of club! By the time I attended my first camp, my life changed completely. I enjoyed the carefree days at camp, and learned about God’s love in a personal way. I managed to feel His embrace and the feeling of God being a father to me. This encounter healed a wound that was left when my grandfather passed away. Through discipleship and club, I learned that I needed to let Jesus continue healing my wounds; letting go of control over my own life, I now yearn to be close to God and am thankful for each friend of faith that has helped me to move forward. I want God to use me in the lives of teens in my community as I walk alongside them in friendship and encouragement.

Now a Developing Global Leader, I am studying social work at National Autonomous University of Nicaragua with the hopes of impacting my society, my community, everyone around me in a positive way. My country needs change from the inside out and I want to be part of the impact by transforming the support offered to families and communities. My goal as a Young Life leader is to reach every young person and give them the opportunity to hear the good news of salvation. I will be the first person in my family to achieve the dream of graduating from college.