by Grace from Rwanda

Its six months now in Germany, one of my biggest goals was to become fluent in German within a short period of time and be a helpful person in my placement. Six months later, I can say that even though I am not yet fluent, I am able to understand and speak German much better than before. This progress has made me very happy because it gives me confidence that I am on the right path.

The journey of learning German has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. Every day I find myself understanding more words and being able to express myself in conversations. This has given me not only joy but also a sense of belonging. I have realized that language is not just about grammar and vocabulary, but also about building connections with people and culture.

In these past months, I had the opportunity to take part in our second seminar. I really enjoyed it because it gave us space to reflect on important questions such as what gives us strength and what takes our strength away. These reflections helped me to look deeper into myself and understand how I can take care of my energy and motivation in daily life.

Another highlight was our visit to the Tafel in Wuppertal. I learned that it is one of the biggest Tafeln in Germany, and it was impressive to see the work they do for the community. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of solidarity and support for people in need.

Apart from learning, we also had fun moments. We played games, which brought us closer together as a group, and at the same time created space for relaxation and laughter.

Together, we also made a plan for the next six months. This gives me a clear orientation and something to look forward to. My personal wish is to continue improving my German, to become more confident in daily conversations, and to discover even more about German culture.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my time here has been my voluntary work in my placement at Ev. Elias Kirchengemeinde Dortmund. I enjoy being part of the community, sharing in its activities, and contributing wherever I can. It has been a place where I can learn, serve, and grow at the same time. My wish is to continue being a helpful person in my placement, to support others, and to give back as much as I can during my stay here.

These six months in Germany have been a journey of learning, reflection, and growth. I am grateful for the progress I have made, for the people I have met, and for the experiences that continue to shape me. I would like to thank UEM (United Evangelical Missions), Ev. Elias Kirchengemeinde Dortmund, and my home church, Eglise Presbyterien au Rwanda (EPR), for the opportunity and for making all this possible. Without their support, none of this would have been achieved. I look forward to the coming months with hope, openness, and motivation.