Mamie

My name is Mamie. I am from Bo, Sierra Leone, and the eldest child to my parents. Growing up, our parents separated and left my younger sister and I with our aunt. Our aunt was left with the responsibility of caring for us and her own children, which was extremely challenging. My parents remarried to different people but continued leaving us with our aunt, where money and resources were scarce. As children, we tried to help by involving ourselves in petty businesses to pay for our school fees and help feed the many mouths in the home.

I am from a Christian family, but we rarely attended church because of the long distance to the church and our transportation issues. We rarely prayed together because from the first light, we all dispersed to go out to find work and money. I came to really know Jesus at my first experience at a Young Life camp. The methods the leaders used to share the message with us were amazing and well organized. My experience at camp was my first time seeing such love, evident through our leaders working tirelessly for us throughout our stay. Young Life has helped me know more about Jesus and the Bible and now I am a leader in my community.

As a Developing Global Leader, I am grateful that my dream of being a health educator will finally come to pass. This great news came to us at a low moment after the recent passing of my little sister and has been a source of encouragement for my family. The hope filled message of Jesus through Young Life has brought so much joy to my life and family, and I am eager to be a light to others in my community.