Happiness

Happiness lives in Dar es Salaam, a coastal city in Tanzania. She grew up in a Christian home with both parents and six siblings. Her childhood was challenging because she did not have most of her basic needs met because her family was large and her father could not provide enough for all of them. Due to the perpetual struggle, there was little joy for the family and she struggled with comparison with those who seemingly lived at ease.

Happiness always knew Jesus from her childhood and went to church every Sunday, but it was not enough. She longed for peace and happiness in her heart. Young Life was the catalyst for change in her faith. She went to camp and gave her life to Christ after hearing the gospel communicated in a loving and personal way. She passionately shares about the change that occurred in her life, “when I gave my life to Christ my whole life changed; I was a person of fear, depression, and anxiety and became a happy, brave, and strong soldier of Christ.” Later she became a leader and her faith grew stronger as she poured into the lives of teens in her community.

Grateful for the opportunity to receive the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, Happiness is studying medicine at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University in Dar es Salaam. She is passionate to become a doctor and serve her community, especially those in rural areas because they rarely have access to medical services. As she helps people to acquire medical treatment, she hopes this will open the door for her to spread the Gospel of Jesus to more people. Happiness will be the first in her family to go to university.