Sitemap
SHE in Science & Life

SHE in Science & Life

Sharing the beautiful, messy intersection of my research and real life to help female researchers and mothers in science protect their peace and thrive

Unchanging glory in changing seasons

A decade of God’s faithfulness through uncertainty, growth, and transformation

4 min readApr 3, 2026

--

Press enter or click to view image in full size
Photo by Patricia Doumbe Belisse

I celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and this year is particularly special because it also marks the 10th anniversary of my deep walk with God, a journey of resilience, joy, faith, and a mix of emotions.

Lately, I keep hearing Seph Schlueter’s song “Counting My Blessings”: “It feels like yesterday I was praying for a miracle, scared to have a little hope. And now, looking back today, I see all the things God has done — I thank Him for everything.” These words resonate deeply with me.

One of the most powerful ways God has moved in my life is through my professional journey.

Ten years ago, I had just defended my master’s degree in Cameroon. I was under significant family pressure, and my path was unclear. I wanted to pursue a PhD, but I had neither funding nor financial support. As the eldest in my family, I also had responsibilities to support my parents and my siblings. My parents had an anticipated retirement, and my siblings and I had been supported by extended family members through university. Naturally, there was an expectation that we would soon become financially independent.

After failing national competitive examinations for professional schools, I decided to enroll in a PhD program at the University. At that time, I began praying for divine direction because I was not even certain about my choice of life.

Then came 2017, a “new dawn.” I was recruited into a fully funded PhD research project in the same research institution where I conducted my Master’s research. At the same time, I enrolled in English classes to improve my speaking and writing as a French-speaking native. My PhD supervisor encouraged me, knowing that English is essential for international scientific communication.

Get SHE in Science & Life’s stories in your inbox

Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.

In early 2018, I completed my training, but I still lacked confidence when speaking. I decided to join the interpreter unit at my church. My prayer was simple: “God, help me to become fluent so I can interpret properly during services.” From that moment on, I began to see progress. I could review English documents more easily and present my research with growing confidence in the laboratory. God shapes your skills when you invite Him to do so.

It truly was my year of a new dawn. I received my first travel award to present my PhD results in Senegal, I could clearly see God at work. I decided to give more of myself to Him. Every morning, I attended covenant prayer hour (6-to 7 am) before going to work. I was also fortunate that my church was close to my home, which made it easier to serve consistently.

Between 2019 and 2022, I broke every limitation. I met incredible people, mentors, and collaborators who helped me grow and build my scientific profile. There were also women of faith whom I continue to follow- Priscilla Shirer, Joyce Meyer, and Sarah Jakes Roberts- every word I hear from them sows a seed in my life and shapes my vision of the world at every level. During that period, I received travel awards that took me to Rwanda, Italy, Ethiopia, Germany and later to Brazil in 2023.

I defended my PhD in December 2022. Throughout that year, I was applying for jobs abroad, going through interview after interview without success. I was often shortlisted but never selected.

Then, in January 2023, during a Sunday service, I heard a message that felt like it was meant just for me: “How do you make your requests? Is it for the glory of God?”

From that moment, my prayer changed:
“God, give me a job that will allow me to be a blessing to Your Kingdom and to my family. Let it be so significant that people will know my service is not in vain and that I serve a living God.” (Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 2:9)

Then came 2023 , my year of “Redeemed to Flourish.” In February, I received a position as a postdoctoral research associate in the UK with full sponsorship. It was clear: this was my year.

Since then, my prayers have been grounded in Genesis 17 V1–2, 6,8 NKJV: “[1] ..I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. [2] And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.[6] I will make you exceedingly fruitful.. [8] Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger.”

God continues to send destiny helpers along my path — beautiful souls who guided me when I needed it most.

Now, in April 2026, as I reflect on my journey, I see how God has cared for me in every season, both in times of abundance and in times of need. We must establish a covenant with Him, for He is always faithful. Serve Him, and He will reward you.

--

--

SHE in Science & Life
SHE in Science & Life

Written by SHE in Science & Life

Sharing the beautiful, messy intersection of my research and real life to help female researchers and mothers in science protect their peace and thrive