Emili

Emili is a passionate and dedicated student at the Catholic University in Tirana, Albania. She shares, “Growing up in a small, close-knit family, I was deeply influenced by my mother, whose strong Christian faith shaped much of my early life. As an adolescent convert herself, she instilled in me the values of her faith from a young age, taking me to church regularly even when I was reluctant.”

At the age of eleven, Emili made the decision to accept Jesus into her own life, which marked the beginning of a deeper relationship with God. She credits her later involvement in Young Life as an important part of her faith journey. “My spiritual growth took a significant turn recently, when I truly began to experience a profound connection with God. A pivotal moment was attending a Young Life camp thanks to a friend's invitation. Although my friend was not a believer, the experience was life-changing for me. I found peace and joy in the community and it inspired me to share my experiences with others, which in turn sparked interest among many of my friends.”

Now, as a Developing Global Leader, Emili pursuing a career in dentistry at the Catholic University in Tirana. “While I am aware that the path will be challenging, requiring six years of dedicated study, I firmly believe that God has opened this door for me. My faith has taught me resilience and confidence, qualities that I know will carry me through this demanding journey. I am excited about the future and grateful for the foundation my mother laid, which continues to guide me as I strive to fulfill my purpose in life.”