Medway Students: Mercy's months in Medway

“God, can I have two years condensed in six months?”

That was my bold 2025 New Year prayer. I didn’t have 100% faith in how it would happen — but I believed. After taking a two-year academic break for family, I needed time redeemed, and I remembered God’s history of accelerating seasons.

Fast forward to 31st January — I landed in the UK, visa in hand, heart full of hope, and body instantly shocked by the cold (food industry folks will understand — it felt like walking into a freezer room!). But that very first day… was divine.

A kind driver welcomed me with a warm Volvo and even warmer hospitality — calling my landlord en route and giving me a scenic mini-tour. Mr. M, my landlord, was waiting with a checklist, onboarding me like a pro. Starving and WiFi-less, I hunted down a Subway and then rushed to ASDA. My first UK purchase? A fluffy duvet and pillows — the kind of comfort that momentarily made me knock my head “Mercy you are here for Research in the lab not time in bed”.

Then came my amazing supervisor Dr. Aurelie, who found me just in time with Mary ... shopping help, university introductions, and the iconic first UK lunch — fish and chips. Spoiler: I expected a whole Tilapia. Let’s just say I barely ate a quarter.

That first day ended with a beautiful farewell gathering for a fellow Tanzanian student, welcoming me into a warm PhD family. From then, it was go go go! Road trips to Canterbury with my guardian sister Laura, Thames river cruising with my friend Ira from Chelsea to Woolwich, Rochester festival with Adebowale! The list is long ... Lab ... trip ... Lab ... laugh ... Lab!!

One of the sweetest divine encounters came unexpectedly. I messaged Lynne, the Medway Chaplain, expecting a link or welcome email. Instead, she invited me to coffee and introduced me to Hobnobs (and yes, I’m now a proud addict). Our connection felt instantly deep, and through her I found TABLEtalk, quiz nights (I never won), trips to Oxford, Cambridge, and West Malling for a Sacred Prayer Festival. That day at the prayer festival changed me — not just spiritually but soulfully. The quiet road, the labyrinth, the Christian meditation — it all drew me deeper into God’s presence.

Along the way, I joined a UK Food Accelerator program, connected with food businesses, attended the London Food Expo, Natural products Expo, became St. John’s certified first aider and acquired HACCP certification! I explored Nottingham by tram, visited cousins in Wales, went to the Passion of Christ drama at Trafalgar Square. I explored Medway on the free bus weekend list is so long!

I found community in the simplest things — surprise birthday parties with fellow internationals Cedric, George, Shina, Kainat, Ivin. Swahili chats over nyama choma in Northfleet, and laughter-filled office buffets, visits to Westminster Parliament, the Canterbury Cathedral with Philip and Ainhoa.

Eventually — my birthday finale starting with a full English breakfast with Lynne and Pauline! Lab bench clearing with Tafadzwa, cake surprise from my lovely B29 office family Lilian, Rejoice, Rose, Chelsea, and Jannet ... and lots of surprise gifts capped by a lovely caring ride to the airport with Jon and Pauline

Was it always bubbly? There were moments when I felt like hopping on the next flight home. But hugs, care, prayers, and shared meals always lifted my spirit. God really did squeeze years into months — five, to be exact! And I’m leaving with a new research product (that is already selected for potential patent and scaling up), new friends, and a heart full of gratitude.