Anna

My name is Anna, and I live in North Africa with my parents and two sisters. I am the oldest daughter in my family. We immigrated from Argentina when I was one year old. As immigrants, the road was not easy for my parents and we had difficulties during my childhood, such as the language barriers, cultural differences, the lack of a local Spanish-speaking church and financial problems. However, my parents are believers in Jesus, and God answered our prayers for basic needs quickly. We did not lack anything. We are now assimilated into our country’s society.

My parents raised me and my sisters with the values of their faith in Jesus. I also have many small moments in my life that have influenced my path to Jesus such as my parents’ education, their service in the community, my baptism, attending conferences with other believers in North Africa and Young Life club and camp. My two-year mandatory military service as a border camera observer, also taught me to walk independently in my faith because it was difficult and intense. I am learning and growing every day in my relationship with Jesus.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying social sciences at a local university. I am the first person in my family to attend school - kindergarten to high school, military service and now university. It has been difficult studying with the conflict in my country, but my hope is that this degree will open doors for my younger sisters to continue their education and that I can help people navigate hardship as a social worker.