Luz

My name is Luz and I live in Bonao, Dominican Republic, with my family. We do not live very close to one another but when we get together, we laugh a lot, and we care deeply about each other. My childhood was fun but difficult; I was not like other children, instead of playing with neighbors, I played with animals or with my brothers and it was something that made me very happy.

Before I met Jesus, I struggled with depression, anxiety and many times I had thoughts of taking my own life. It was a very lonely stage in my life. I made people think that I was fine, when in reality, I spent every day with my mind tormented and crying for no reason, many times I asked myself, why am I alive? I wondered what the point was of being in this world if I had no value? However, everything changed when I arrived at Young Life camp. I had an encounter with God which completely gave meaning to my life. As I began to walk with Jesus, I had to leave behind many things that were not good. My counselor always encouraged me and always made me remember how valuable and loved I am by Christ. My love for Christ moved me forward and saved me from a dead end path.

Now as a Developing Global Leader, my goal is to finish my medical degree at Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, with the hopes of pursuing a master's degree to be able to teach. I want to grow more in confidence and learn to not doubt the plans that God has for me. Above all, my greatest interest is to invest in more leaders for the kingdom. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.