Cultural Exchange – Greta’s Story

 

I grew up in a very committed Roman Catholic family in Bolivia. Religion was a big part of our life and our culture but the focus was much more on ritual and expectations than relationship with God. When I was 19 my older brother became a Christian. I had been unwell for many years with a series of chronic illnesses and so he invited me to attend a large evangelistic meeting with him where there would be prayer for the sick. I didn’t really know what to expect but when the speaker asked us to come down the front for prayer I ran to the front. I gave my life to Jesus and at the same time I was instantly healed of conditions that had plagued me for years. Allergies, pain, fear and anxiety all gone! The power of God in that moment was undeniable! I knew then that I would follow Him wherever he asked me to go. My life began to change in that moment.

Within three months of making the decision to follow Jesus I was in the jungles of Bolivia sharing the gospel with tribal groups living on the Amazon River. I loved it. Over the next few years I worked part time as a model to fund my mission trips whilst also undertaking university studies. When I wasn’t working or studying I helped out in feeding and outreach programs with street children, prostitutes, prison inmates and young people in my community. My life was very full and so radically different from the one that I had imagined for myself a few years earlier.

I had no real interest in beginning a romantic relationship with anyone; I had to too much to do. While I was working with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) I met an Australian named Kevin. He was on staff with YWAM and although he had learned Spanish his accent was horrible and I really struggled to understand him. As our friendship developed however I sensed that God was bringing us together. I had always assumed that I wouldn’t marry till I was in my thirties but after only three months he asked me if I was interested in marrying him. I was 24 years old.

Even before I became a Christian I had planned to travel but I had not anticipated moving to Australia to live! It was time to embrace change again! Kevin and I were married in Bolivia and within a year had relocated to Wollongong on the south east coast of Australia. I had no idea what to expect but I knew that God was calling Kevin and I to serve Him. I was nervous, excited and expectant.

The first few months in Australia were challenging. I spoke English quite well but the Australian accent was very interesting! The first church that we attended was full of blonde haired, suntanned, surfers. As a dark haired Spanish speaker I stuck out a lot! I knew it was largely up to me to integrate into my new community and culture so I threw myself into Australian life with gusto. I watched Australian TV shows, and volunteered in numerous church and community groups. I was committed to embrace all that my new life had to offer. Although I am not a surfer our three world changing Australian/Bolivian daughters are. And after 15 years I finally understand Australian humour – most of the time!!

I have recently completed a Diploma in Community Services that allows me to serve people more effectively and be a key part of Welcome to Australia, Wollongong (WTA). WTA exists to engage Australians in the task of cultivating a culture of welcome towards asylum seekers, refugees and new migrants. My work in community engagement varies a lot, one day I’ll be at a community event representing WTA and another I’ll be with a new refugee family mentoring and teaching English or doing social media. This year I am also helping to organize our annual community walk called “Walk Together” to be held on 31 October 2015.

When I made the decision to follow Jesus as an anxious and shy 19 year old I had no idea the great adventure that lay before me. Over the last 22 years I have seen God lead me, carry me, guide me and change me. He has given me the courage and the confidence to not just survive change but to embrace it, to own the whole experience, the good and the bad. Change is not always comfortable but God is always good and I know that when I’m following Him it will always produce growth in my life.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
And appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.  And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
Jeremiah 1:5-8 (NLT)

For more details check out welcometoaustralia.org.au or Facebook