By Tiffany Karuri
Ever met someone who has gentleness written all over their face? The kind that makes you feel at ease the moment they say hello to you? That’s Nicky. This beautiful lady with her bright smile has been a part of the Disney cast for the past year. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, she grew up with a strong responsibility and a hope for a better future. Life at home was good and peaceful, but it became increasingly difficult with a struggling economy as the years went by.
Like her parents, her motivations were simple yet strong, driven by a desire to provide a much better life for her daughter. Her determination led her to look beyond her country, which could open new opportunities for her. When she learned about the Disney program, she decided to apply. The process wasn’t easy. It took more than a year of paperwork, interviews, and waiting before the dream became reality. But when she finally got accepted, she knew it was worth every bit of the effort. She packed her bags, said her goodbyes, and began a journey that would challenge and transform her in ways she never expected. Arriving in the US, the excitement of being part of Disney’s world-famous hospitality team quickly met the reality of new challenges. The usual culture shock of navigating everything that is so different from what she knows. The food was different, and adjusting to it proved harder than she imagined. “I lost so much weight,” she recalls, although she wasn’t particularly unhappy with that. Another major challenge was finding a church community, something her heart deeply needed. The first church she found was too far away, and the cost of Uber rides made it impossible to attend regularly. She tried another one closer by, but it didn’t feel like home. She was searching not just for a place to worship, but for a family place where she would feel a sense of belonging.
Then one day, Heather, a kind lady from the Gathering at WDW, introduced herself to her during one of her shifts and invited her to a Bible study. At first, Nicky hesitated. Between work and cultural adjustments, she already had enough on her plate. But her mother’s gentle reminders from home, “Find a church, find a place to worship”, echoed in her heart. So, she went. And that simple decision became a turning point in her stay here in the US. From the very first meeting, she felt something different. The warmth, the fellowship, and the genuine care made her feel like she had found her spiritual family. Heather and her husband, Pastor Jon, became like anchors in her new environment. “They’re great people,” Nicky says gratefully. “They always make sure we have everything we need.” In addition to being involved in the weekly Bible study, Nicky was introduced to Lisa from The Gathering home group, who soon began picking her up every Sunday so she could attend services regularly. What started as a hesitant visit grew into a life-changing journey of faith and friendship.
At Disney, Nicky also experienced growth in her professional life. Coming from a career background in hospitality, the opportunity to work for one of the most recognised names in the world was both exciting and humbling. “Back home, we take our work very seriously, very formal. At Disney, it’s more relaxed and cheerful. That was hard for me at first,” she admits. But with time, prayer, and perseverance, she learned to adapt and even thrive in that environment. Meeting guests from all over the world, serving with joy, and building lifelong friendships became her daily ministry in disguise, as well as a tremendous benefit in both her personal and professional life. She feels forever grateful to be part of a legacy that brings so much joy to people from all walks of life.
Now, as she prepares to return home, she does so with a renewed spirit. She has not only grown in her career but also in her walk with Christ. Whether she returns to her old job or steps into something new, she knows that God has already gone before her. “Whatever comes, I’ll face it head-on, with God by my side.”
Her story is a reminder that even in unfamiliar places, God meets us there through people and opportunities in our paths to guide us home.
