My name was changed for security reasons. I was born in a small village in the eastern part of a big country, into an international family — my dad is American and came to our country as a missionary. I had a joyful childhood with my siblings but often felt hurt by my dad’s absence and lack of attention. Years later, by God’s grace, we were able to reconcile our relationship. I now live in a dormitory, in a bustling city, where I moved to pursue my education.
Growing up in a Christian family, I’ve known about God for as long as I can remember. However, at the age of 18, during a Christian conference, I realized that I needed to surrender my life to God. After moving to the city to study, I encountered Young Life. At first, it felt unusual compared to traditional youth meetings, and I resisted it for several months. But eventually I discovered the powerful impact of building real friendships with teenagers and earning the right to speak into their lives.
As a Developing Global Leader, I’m pursuing a degree in Architecture—something I’ve dreamed about since I was a teenager, inspired by the idea that you can design your own home. I love to serve young people and hope to reach more hearts through Young Life. Most importantly, I want to fulfill God's will in my life and be responsive to His call.