Serving at the hotel

Alisa Buckle shares on what it is like serving at a local hotel supporting people seeking asylum.

How did you hear about the afternoon school club initiative at the hotel?

I first heard about the afternoon school club in the hotel from Scott Bradridge, at a student fellowship night at St Thomas Baptist church. I found the exisiting work that was already being done at the hotel very interesting but the new school club sounded especially exciting, as I enjoy teaching children.

Before you visited for the first time, what did you expect it might be like, (either the people, or hotel, or both?)

Truthfully, I expected the hotel environment to be more chaotic and that I would find it awkward to relate with the hotel residents because I perceived them as being so different to me.

What were your first impressions?

The hotel and after school club were not chaotic at all and rather became spaces that I quickly grew accustomed to. As for the people, every single person was a joy to interact with and the children participated eagerly!

You've attended the sessions regularly now for a few weeks, and also came and supported the Monday evening sessions where we run an English cafe. What strikes you most about the environment, the people or the initiative as a whole?

Personally, it has been a privilege to serve in such an environment, as you are surrounded by countless nationalities and cultures. It is enriching to observe and learn from other people! At the same time, there is a lot of suffering so I truly believe that this intiative is motivated correctly, as it seeks to extend the love of Christ to all peoples, through conversation, food and teaching.

Have any of your perceptions changed?

Yes very much so! My experience volunteering at the hotel has been immensely valuable because it has proven to me that those seeking asylum in the UK are no different than anyone else and thus do not need to be viewed apprehensively or treated awkwardly.

Finally ( and this so more for us rather than the prayer email or blog) is there any advice you could give or any suggestions you could make as we go forward?

I think it is working really well, especially with the drop-in-style for the children! Yet, we could always consider introducing more fun ways of learning, like through games.

Thanks Alisa for sharing your experiences with us. It's fantastic that you've been able to support the International Cafe and outreach in this way, but also given people a flavour of what the environment that we serve in is like.