by Frida from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from Germany

First of all, I would like to thank God for accompanying me during my volunteer year in Germany. I can’t say that everything was easy while I was in Germany and even less that everything was difficult, but I will say that there were wonderful moments and a little worry about the language (German) because here in Germany the lack of knowledge of the German language really hinders many things like: Communication, work, relationships, travel, shopping, etc.

But I had made an effort to master the language a little bit and also thanks to the Ecumenism Unit, a private teacher was found to teach me the language. I also took the exam and before I came home I had passed my exam with the certificate (B1 level).

I worked in the kindergarten and also in the Ecumenical Department (Dortmund) as a partnership member of the church district in Bolenge. We did a lot of partnership work that I cannot explain all here, but I can only testify that it was really a community work with the members of the Ecumenism Unit to promote the work of God in Bolenge and Dortmund.

During my volunteer service I also had the chance to build relationships and make new friends through communication. Then I got the information that there was a possibility to find an apprenticeship here in Germany. I thought it was the right thing to try, and thanks to God and the support of some members of the Ecumenism Department, I found an apprenticeship.

Since my voluntary service lasted only one year, I had to return home first, and I asked for the moral support of Rev. Eliki BONANGA, the leader of our church community, who encouraged me to continue on this path. I was also fortunate that my visa would not expire until April and the Embassy encouraged me to ask for an extension of my status in Germany.

So it happened that I quickly returned to Germany to pursue the case. Unfortunately, I could not return to Mbandaka. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our brothers and sisters in Germany for the good cooperation with the community president and for facilitating the steps. It was impossible for me to go to Mbandaka because I ran out of time. When I was in Kinshasa, I received a message from the immigration office that I had an appointment for my educational visa on 3/30, and since my visa for the country was a few days away from expiration, I had to return to Germany quickly.

Today I can say that I am back in Germany and have already started my training.

I can assure you and you that I will always be in touch and continue to work for the glory of our God.

Your sister Frida