Faith and religious belief is very important to a large number of the women and they have spoken very freely about how their faith has helped them navigate difficult circumstances and challenges as they have made their decisions to leave their home countries to come to NI.

Often their religion was passed down through family generations and is still practiced in Mid-Ulster, some to a greater extent than others. Mothers, father, grandparents, presence and belief system, reminding women that they are part of a larger and greater story, a legacy of faith that spans generations. A significant number of women interviewed a part of religious institutions offering programmes that help create a tight knit community and to continue to practice their beliefs. For instance, some of the women are part of an East Timor choir, singing and coming together not only providing essential community and friendship but also a therapeutic release for some of the women involved. Other practices and faith traditions offer opportunity for dialogue and friendship irrespective of religion and race.