Another way to make a new country feel like home… Arguably the most essential is to… JOIN A CHURCH!
Yes, I said what I said. Haha.
Hear me out.
I remember the first time I moved from Nigeria. I had very few close friends back home, so I longed for deep, lasting relationships. It was one of my biggest prayers for that new phase of life.
My second day in the new country was a Sunday. I chose to go to a church I’d found on Google before I moved. My uncle was worried I’d get lost. Well — I didn’t. I felt so welcome there and even made a friend who offered to show me around the city. (I have a blog post about a day at church that’s not what you’d expect — click here to read.)
Fast forward to another move, this time to a country with a different language and culture. The biggest concern of my loved ones was how I would fit in. I told them not to worry — with certainty — because all I needed was a church community. And it was exactly as I said.
Although I knew no one in the country, I was welcomed and loved like I had been a part of the family for years. I even got an unexpected celebration of my birthday celebrated even though I was less than 5 months in the country. I also now have a Japanese Okaasan (Mother).
I visited a small church in the city where I live, and had an experience of a lifetime. The leader of the church was singing like an angel when I walked in and the small congregation of older Japanese people were singing along. I recall wondering if that was what heaven felt like, cause I could close my eyes and imagine the angels singing. Although I was a foreigner, they all welcomed me like I was their daughter. I never stopped going every week, during their weekday and Saturday programs. I met younger people who speak English at the Saturday service and also made good friendships!
Whether or not you fully understand, I can assure you that it is a place where love truly lives. You will feel at home with genuine peace and joy, and above all, you will find the truth.
You will find a community that will become your home away from home. Recently, I visited a church for the first time that was about 4 hours away from where I live and had an experience of a lifetime. I will share about it later.
With all my love!
Faith
THE WRITTEN FAITH 
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