60 second update.

I'm finally in Pogradec.
These kids stole my heart the moment I looked into their eyes.

There is
so
much
hope.

first time off the continent.

We're leaving tomorrow. Can't believe it.

:)

Our flights are pretty crazy. Amsterdam, Kiev, Budapest, then finally Albania's capital, Tirana, where we're staying for the night. Then we're heading to our final destination: Pogradec.

I don't know how often I'll be able to use the internet, but I'll try to update when I can.

But our DTS blog will be updated weekly by me and another team member.

Click here for that.

On and on you will hike,
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never foget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
You're off the Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

Oh, the places you'll go!

Dr. Seuss

relate.

If there's one thing that I will get out of this DTS, it's the relationships. Until now, I have never realized the true importance of relating with people on a a deep, vulnerable level. It's awkward, and sometimes painful, but we can't go through life without being real with other people.

Thank God for honesty.
And honest thoughts said with love.

THREE DAYS
until outreach.

It's taking us about four days to get to our final destination. But hey.

The miserable have no other medicine
But only
h o p e .
W.Shakespeare

research project.

hey,

i did this.

click here.

take a few minutes.

CLICK to watch this.

please.

then visit this site.

and while you're at it, watch the Nefarious trailer.

thanks.

halfway mark.

Maybe a summary of what I've been doing is appropriate... now that I'm halfway through my DTS.

For the past two and a half months, I have been being constantly fed. So much spiritual food! But my heart is still hungry. We started out learning about the character of God. As you can see in one of my previous entries, this was actually really challenging. I thought I had God completely figured out, but I haven't even skimmed the surface of His depth yet. At the same time it's frustrating, it's also comforting. I'm glad I love a God I can't fully understand.

Throughout the other weeks, forgiveness seems to be a constant message. Before this DTS, I have heard dozens of sermons and lectures on forgiveness, but I was never in the place to receive it. Now that my heart is open to hearing it, God's slamming it on me... but in a gentle, 'God' way. (:

I'm realizing how many fears I struggle with are rooted in unforgiveness. God is tenderly breaking down my pride and granting me grace to forgive. But even with that, it isn't easy. And it isn't quick. It's a process.

If there's one thing I can say about the environment here, it's that it's safe. There's so much trust flowing between everyone. Whenever I'm scared to take a leap, I hear God whisper, "You're safe here."

p.s. For those of you without Facebook, click here for some pictures. I need to get better about digitally documenting this time...

OUTREACH.

In the beginning of June, we're heading to Albania and staying there for a month. We'll be working with and ministering to kids that are at high risk for being trafficked. We're going to raise awareness. After Albania, we'll be in Ukraine for another month, most likely doing things of the same nature, but as time progresses we'll find out more.

I still need $2,600 for ground fees and airfare. I can't do this without you. At this point in my life, I have my time and energy to give towards furthering God's kingdom. By supporting me financially, we're creating a partnership. If you feel that you want to be a part of this outreach by supporting me financially, you can me at emodzeleski@gmail.com, send a Facebook message, or call me at (616)295-6278. If PayPal is easier, use that same email to transfer funds to my PayPal account.

I also want to ask for a few people who would be committed to faithfully supporting me in prayer during the two months I'll be in eastern Europe. If you feel called to this, please let me know. I want to be able to thank Yahweh Yireh for you specifically.

אדוני יספק

Yahweh Yireh. The Lord will provide.

this woman.

Where do I begin?

I sit here with a loss for words because I feel like nothing I say can sum up what this woman means to me. So I'll keep it simple.

Mom, thank you.

(I keep typing sentences here and deleting them because I can't get the point across well enough.) So... just... Thank you.

I love you.

"I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always.

As long as I'm living,

my baby you'll be."