Looking back at my year- Rhoda's story

advenTUROUS city that became my home - rHODA'S sTORY.

First of all, convincing my Ghanaian parents to let me spend a year 450 miles away from them after graduation was not so easy. Not following the “society rules” by not going straight to university was somehow confusing for my African parents. With God’s blessing they supported, listened and let me do what I was dreaming about for a long time!  

The biggest difference I’ve realised compared to Stuttgart (Germany) on my first day was the diversity of people. It didn’t confuse me -the opposite actually, it amazed me! I knew instantly this is a place where they must have the best African restaurants! Why did I choose London? It’s indeed a place I’ve fancied since I was a little kid. Yeah, there is the usual: it's expensive (and oh, YES, it is!), overcrowded bla bla bla talk, but that didn’t keep me from choosing.  

I can’t really explain my love for the city maybe it’s the city itself with the big red buses, or the way they speak English, the winter lights around Christmas or the multi - culturalism. I’m pretty sure it is everything about London: The museums, food, theatre, parks, architecture,multi - culturalism, markets and shops, my job, the transport system, and the freedom that comes with it.  

I’m thankful everyday God led me to the right city and the perfect placement for me surrounded with amazing people I met. I was in Tottenham (north London) and worked at a Community/ Church center called “The Engine Room” in Tottenham Hale. I was part at different community workshops like Messy Play, which was also one of my favourite workshop that was running at theEngine Room. This is where I had meaningful talks with different parents from different backgrounds which was very inspiring. Moreover, I was also involved in other community workshops like, Homework Club, Pioneer Girlz and Pop-UpCafé. 

What they all have in common is the opportunities Engine Room give the local residents to participate on free workshops which is very important in a multicultural environment like Tottenham. It allowed me to build connections with so many people that I otherwise wouldn’t have the chance of knowing. Coming from a Pentecostal church I wasn’t sure how the church services would be compared to those I have experienced in Germany. I think my favorite community events were the Christmas Fayre in December, the Easter Festival in April and the Summer Festivalin July. It was interesting to see how different these events were butequally how much they were enjoyed by the community.

Furthermore, a year abroad comes with its up and downs and with lots of changes. It’s like a rollercoaster! I had good days, and I also had bad days in London. Growing up with four siblings in a household, I was never alone and always had someone totalked to in the house. Even though, I was living with host parents and not alone in London, it felt like there was always still something missing. Don’t get me wrong, I felt welcomed in the house from day one and my TfG hosts were very friendly. I felt the differences from living in an African household and living in a British household.

A Time for God volunteer year is especially something for you, when your in a phase were you just want to grow your faith and to learn more about yourself and experience life from a different perspective out of your comfort zone. I know I’ve changed and developed myself in a wonderful way. I’m grateful every day for taking a year abroad. All these experiences have made me grow mentally. You’ll cry live, laugh and love (just try not to fall in love in a London boy ha ha!). You will be surrounded by amazing, inspiring people no matter which community/ placement you choose. You will reflect a lot about life and about yourself. You will have your TFG volunteer friends and lots of support from TFG members. If you're thinking about it, I would highly recommend this programme.