Q1. Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Martina Paluzzi. I am 26 years old. My background is Italian, Scottish, English and Irish. I was born and raised just outside of Toronto (Canada). There I studied Child and Youth Care for 3 years where I received my advanced diploma. I also have a background in tourism. I love God and enjoy serving anywhere I can. I enjoy reading, singing and playing my ukulele. I am not huge into sports but I do love ice hockey and love watching the winter Olympics. I love the outdoors and going on new adventures. And when I’m back home in Canada I love spending time with my nephew and two nieces whenever I can!
Q2. What brought you to Ireland?
For a few years I wanted to move abroad. Ireland had always been on my bucket list and kind of came into my heart when I was thinking about moving abroad. The idea of Ireland came into my head in the summer of 2015. I wasn’t really sure how to go about it though. I did a little research, came to a dead end and stopped. Then almost two years later I started thinking about it more and more and I felt God put this desire into my heart and started planting seeds. I started praying more and more about it and felt God give me confirmation. I also talked to my family and close friends who were very supportive and encouraging about it all. I started the process in January 2018 and now here I am.
Q3. How did you become a Christian?
I was born and raised in a Christian household. My parents became Christians a few years before I was born. I was raised going to Church every Sunday and didn’t really know anything different. When I was 7 I made the decision to get baptised at my Church. It wasn’t until the age of 11 or 12 when I understood what it meant to have a personal relationship with God. Since then God really helped me survive and get through some really difficult times in life.
Q4. What are most excited about in your new role?
I am excited to start this new role in general. I just love working with kids and enjoy learning things from them and seeing what they can teach us. I am also excited to join the team and work with all the great volunteers and staff here. I am excited to work with others as we teach the kids more about God as well as empower them and help them find their identity and worth in Christ.