Last week marked three years since I moved to the UK with my children. My husband had arrived a month earlier, and together, we stepped into a new land, not just with suitcases but with faith, prayers, and God’s promise in our hearts.
Looking back, I can boldly say: God has been faithful.
1. The Leap of Faith – Leaving the Familiar
We didn’t jump on the relocation train just because others were doing it. In fact, when most of our friends were making their move, we paused. We didn’t want to go anywhere unless God was leading us.
When we finally had that release in our spirit and received the confirmation through God’s word in Genesis—about Rehoboth (“Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land”), we knew it was time. We started making preparations with the intent to travel together. But as life would have it, Emmanuel’s visa didn’t come out alongside ours. My husband had to go ahead while I stayed behind with the kids. At the time, it was tough, but in hindsight, it was a divine setup—he was able to secure our accommodation before we arrived, saving us millions of naira we would’ve spent on Airbnb.
2. Settling In – The Challenges and the Grace
Having lived in the Netherlands for two years as a single lady between 2014 and 2016, I had a bit of experience, but moving as a married woman with children was still a new ball game. There were adjustments to make, new systems to understand, and the emotional weight of starting over.
One major area of challenge was career. Coming from Nigeria with a decade of lecturing experience and armed with both a Master’s and PhD, my plan was simple: find my way back into academia. But God had a different plan. Shortly after arriving, I began to re-evaluate my life. I no longer had a desire to lecture in my field of Animal Sciences. What I really wanted was to find something that aligned with my calling and life purpose.
And God made it happen.
Today, I run Empower Kidz and Teenz Academy, a social enterprise that exists to mentor and coach children, teens, and parents. I’m also on staff at my church—contributing to a vision that’s shifting the spiritual climate of a continent. This is purpose in motion.
3. Blossoming in a New Land – Growth and Opportunities
I never imagined I would start a social enterprise in the UK, but here we are. Empower Kidz and Teenz Academy wasn’t just a good idea—it was God’s idea.
And He didn’t stop there.
When we searched for a church, we simply found one on Google and decided to visit. That visit turned into a divine connection. From the first day, it felt like home. No struggle. No searching. Just a perfect fit. Amazing Pastors, incredible worship, powerful Word, and a spiritual family that embraced us wholly. Little did I know that I would become part of the staff team—another confirmation that God had a place for me in this land.
We came to this country with no friends or family, but today we can boast of deep, rich relationships. Family friends, sisterhoods, communities of love—I get emotional just thinking about it.
Our children are thriving in their schools, and we are surrounded by people who genuinely care about us. God truly settled us.
4. Lessons Learned – What God Taught Me
This journey has stretched and grown me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Here are just a few of the priceless lessons I’ve learned:
- 1. God’s Timing Is Perfect: We didn’t move with the crowd; we moved with His leading. Waiting paid off.
- 2. Purpose Unfolds in Unfamiliar Places: I had to leave my comfort zone to see the bigger picture of what God placed in me.
- 3. God Always Goes Ahead: From accommodation to community, church, and calling—He prepared it all.
5. A Grateful Heart – Looking Back with Thanksgiving
I’m deeply grateful—for my husband’s unwavering support (especially in those early months), for our church family, for our amazing new friends, and for every single twist and turn that brought us here.
I’m especially grateful for the freedom to dream again—to build again—to align my work with my calling and serve families in a meaningful way.
6. What Lies Ahead – Hope for the Future
As we step into this next phase, my heart is full of expectation and hope. I see a flourishing Empower Kidz and Teenz Academy impacting children across the UK and beyond. I see more parents empowered to raise purpose-driven, God-fearing children. I see doors opening for strategic partnerships and growth. I see new territories being taken—for God’s glory.
We are trusting God for stability, expansion, and divine connections in this land. We know the journey isn’t over, but we’re walking confidently, knowing that He who brought us here is not done with us yet.
Final Words
Three years ago, we made the move.
Today, we are grateful settlers in our Rehoboth, flourishing, growing, and living out purpose.
To anyone wondering if God can guide, provide, and establish you in a new place—the answer is yes. I’m living proof.
He is faithful. Always has been. Always will be.