Why, you may ask?

My name is Ana Maria Marmolejo and I am 34 years old. I was born in Cali, Colombia but have lived in Miami, FL for most of my life. I was only 1 when my parents, who did not speak English, decided to take a leap of faith and migrate to the USA for a chance to change our lives. After seven years in this country, my parents divorced, and my mother became a single parent raising two children on her own. This dramatic life change would shape me and force my mother to tap into the resilience that had always been inside her. Without hesitation or pause, I can say that my mother is my hero! I saw her fight every single day to make sure we had food to eat, a roof over our heads and a work ethic that would carry us into the future she saw for us.  Her faith in God seemed unshakeable, even before I understood it, I recognized her complete trust and reliance on Him — it made me proud (and curious).  Growing up, mom made sure we went to church, but I was definitely a Sunday only “Christian”, checking the box on Sunday, not holding onto any truths and dashing out as soon as it ended. I did not have a true relationship with God, which is the absolute foundation of Christianity. I did not have a church community, nor did I see the need to serve in any capacity.  About 3 years ago, I became very depressed, I didn’t recognize myself. At the time I did not know that I was depressed, but in retrospect it was so obvious (hindsight is always 20/20). Everything in life felt like it was crumbling. I was having a difficult time at work, my mom was going through cancer treatment (thank God she is 100% cured), my relationship with my boyfriend was struggling (and has since ended) and I was struggling with self-esteem. I knew something was missing and I needed a change, but I didn’t know what needed to change, or how to initiate it. I was broken – physically, mentally, and spiritually! I just couldn’t find joy. I was always annoyed, in a bad mood, and generally mad at the world. I always felt tired. All I wanted to do was sleep and stay in bed.

Little did I know that on January 7th, 2018, my life would change. I attended Vous Church and decided I could no longer do this thing called “life” without God and I completely surrendered to Him. I accepted Jesus (again) into my life and it was the BEST DECISION EVER! After that day, my perspective on life completely changed. I felt alive! I felt loved! I felt peace in my heart! I felt joy! I felt like I belonged! I felt like a renewed person!  I wanted to be intentional about a relationship with God and decided to complete the GrowthTrack course at Vous, which is a 4-week course where you discover more about yourself, your purpose and the definition of the “Church”. Upon completion of the course, I started serving on a team called A-Team. In addition to serving on the A-Team, I also started attending the small group bible study, called Vous Crews.  After joining the A-Team and Jesus & Blanca’s Crew, I learned and experienced first-hand the importance of community and serving. These teams have also changed my life! I have met the most amazing people that speak life into me, believe in me, pray for me, people that all of us NEED to have in our lives —- people to do life with! I am forever grateful for them and I cherish every person that I can now call my Vous Family!

Over the last year (2018), while I attended and served my church through the A-Team, I did some soul searching and realized that my passion is composed of 3 things – God, People, and Travel. After hearing about The World Race from a good friend at church (shout out to Nicole Bouza, a World Race Alum), I realized that this race was a perfect fit! The World Race encompasses all three aspects of my passion and I knew right away that it was something that I wanted to do. I want to be able to use my testimony to help others. I want to share how God has completely turned my life around. I have a passion for people and always jump on the opportunity to serve now. The World Race will give me this opportunity to serve as Jesus did and spread love to communities, families, women and children all over the world. I want to share the Gospel, share my testimony and share God’s love.

In His Service,

Ana

PS. I kept depression to myself because I was too embarrassed to admit it. I felt like people would judge me. Instead I pushed people away. I pushed loved ones away. I lived with a fake smile, so that people would not know I was hurting and broken inside. But I am here to encourage you that if you are battling with depression, TELL SOMEONE! No one will judge you! Telling someone NOW can mean a difference between life or death. The enemy tries to put lies in our heads. YOU are worth everything, YOU are LOVED, YOU are enough.. JESUS LOVES YOU!