Christine Mawia Musembi, originally from Kenya and with a background in Trollhättan and Gothenburg, became a Boden resident this spring. At the gym, in church, on walks and at her job as project manager for the Boden Sustainability Center, she has quickly found her place in Boden.
Christine has always let her drive and interest in sustainability, both for people and the climate, take her where she wants to go in the world. Her studies took her from Kenya to southern Sweden in 2022 where she recently finished her studies.
She has been involved both voluntarily and professionally with children and young people and as a volunteer with Save the Children and the Support Group Network, in parallel with her studies and work.
What drew her from the west coast of Sweden to Boden was a position that combines all her previous experiences.
– “When I read the job ad, I felt ‘This is me’,” she says with a laugh.
For some time now, she has been the project manager for a feasibility study to investigate the possibilities of establishing a physical and digital center for a socially sustainable green transition – Boden Sustainability Center. As the spider in the web, she connects actors from business, industry and the public sector.
HELPFUL BODENDERS
When we meet, Christine has only lived in Boden for a short time but has already begun to feel at home and quickly welcomed, both at work and in life in general.
– One of the first days here I was going to work and got a bit lost. I met a woman with a dog and asked for directions. And the woman took the time to follow me all the way until we saw the Boden Business Park, amazingly nice,” says Christine.
SEEKING NEW CONTEXTS
During her years in Sweden she has been active in the Pentecostal Church and got in touch with the Pentecostal Church in Boden when she moved here. Through this she has not only found their church and activities but also secondhand PMU.
The Pentecostal Church is one of the congregations of various churches and denominations that welcome the new residents, including the possibility to receive services in different languages.
– When you move to a new place, you need to go somewhere to meet others. For me, church has been a good place for that. I usually help out and serve coffee on Sundays and plan to volunteer at PMU.
NEW FRIENDS
At church gatherings, she has met several newcomers with common interests.
– Me and a girl I got to know there, she works at Stegra, were at the girls’ night at Travet together recently.
Christine has also resumed her interest in exercise and found a gym with group exercise classes that she likes.
– I go to body pump classes at Step In and have a great instructor who sometimes explains in English when needed, it’s so much fun and I really enjoy it.
Christine is now looking forward to continuing her exploration of Boden. With her years in southern Sweden and a sister in Tranås, she is already familiar with Sweden’s advantages, especially its nature.
– I arrived here on March 1 and saw my first Northern Lights on March 8. I was totally blown away! I like picking blueberries and hiking in nature so I want to do that here. And learn to ski.
TEXT: ANNA BERGSTRÖM
