Alejandra

My name is Alejandra, and I live in Barranquilla, Colombia. I live with my mother, her partner and my two brothers. When I was seven years old, my dad died, strongly affecting my whole family. Because of this, my mom, my siblings and I drifted apart, as we each found refuge in different places. I grew up full of pain and resentment.

For a long time, these situations in my life caused me to not want to know anything about Jesus, but I was encouraged to hear about Him when I went to a Young Life club. Later, I went to my first camp where I accepted the invitation to walk with Jesus, to trust and believe in Him. I knew that God was the life I wanted to be a part of and since then, my life has changed drastically. Everything has become easier to carry. I am much happier, and surrounded by people who love me. Thanks to their love, I have been able to continue to grow as a better person. I have learned to forgive, which has enabled me to restore my relationship with my mother.

Now, part of the Developing Global Leaders program, I am in my second year of studying foreign languages with an emphasis in English and French at Atlantic University. I dream of bringing hope to many children who may not have the possibility of having a quality education. In the same way a teacher was a great help to my life at one time, I now want to do the same for others. Through Young Life, I want to continue to share about the change that God can make in young people and show them they can take refuge in Him.