**As I sit here typing this, I am overwhelmed by what has been an amazing, exciting, humbling few years at Upbeat Communities.**

I am leaving this awesome charity and Derby at the end of July to take some time studying comparative theology at the end of this year.
I am then looking to relocate abroad at some point in 2021.
Obviously, everything is somewhat up in the air right now, so I am holding plans lightly. But I do know for sure that **Upbeat has changed me as a person**.
Here’s how:

1. I have been part of the most supportive team

I joined Upbeat as a volunteer at the start of 2017. I knew the moment I started that this was something special. I’m not sure I had ever seen love demonstrated so visibly. I was welcomed into a team of compassionate, servant-hearted individuals who put others before themselves.

When I joined the staff later in 2017, I had the same experience. I felt so welcomed. I felt part of something much bigger than my particular area of work. I have consistently been encouraged and inspired by the team at Upbeat.

2. I have met incredible people from around the world

Before Upbeat, I am not sure I had ever met a refugee. I quite possibly had but I certainly wasn’t aware of it. I also knew very little about the asylum system.

Upbeat has opened my eyes to the persecution people around the world are experiencing on a daily basis. It has shown me how I take my freedom completely for granted.

Over the past three and a half years, I have met the most incredible, funny, loving, gentle and resilient people. I have shared food with families from Iraq and Iran. I have laughed over coffee with Eritreans. I have enjoyed activities with people from Sudan, El Salvador and Somalia. It has been the biggest privilege.

3. I have seen how strangers don’t stay strangers for long

Upbeat’s tagline is ‘helping strangers become neighbours’. I have seen that happening every single day.

Before I started getting involved in Welcome Box visits, I couldn’t see how showing up at a stranger’s house could possibly go well. Especially if there was a language barrier!

But very quickly, I saw how powerful the gesture of just showing up was. A smile really is universal and through broken English, Google Translate and mime(!) I started to meet asylum seekers who didn’t stay strangers for long. I often felt like I was the one being welcomed, kindly being invited into people’s houses and offered a drink. Upbeat is full of these sorts of interactions.

4. I have understood the value of community

Upbeat is a place where people matter. There is no judgement, just an open invitation into community. It’s so exciting to see those who have experienced traumatic experiences coming alive.

Community is huge and I don’t think I had really appreciated that until I joined the Upbeat team. Together, we can lift people up and bring out the best in each other. We can also stand with those who are suffering, even if we don’t have all the answers. Tears and laughter often sit alongside one another at Upbeat!

5. I have seen God at work

We are God’s image-bearers and nowhere has shown me that more than Upbeat. I am reminded of this verse from the Bible:

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

I have truly seen this God, who gives strength to the weary, at work.

It’s been a blast. I am so excited for you to meet Maddie, who will be taking over as the Communications and Fundraising Officer. But, for the last time, allow me to sign off and thank you for the most incredible privilege.

Sam – Communications and Fundraising Officer