Lindsey and Wilondja

This semester, I have had the privilege of serving with Refugee Resources as both a mentor and an intern. My sweet student’s name is Wilondja, a 6th grader who is approaching middle school. I have known Wilondja for over a year, but just became his mentor in September. He is silly, smiley, and always upbeat. More than most children, he brings joy into a room with a simple joke or phrase. Wilondja could be summarized as goofy. In fact, a few weeks ago, in his eagerness to come to Reading Circle, he rushed out the door wearing mismatched shoes! Toward the end of Reading Circle, I pointed out  that he was wearing one sandal and one tennis shoe, and he just shrugged, like he hadn’t noticed. Just a carefree boy, it did not seem to bother him that one foot was getting more ventilation! Another favorite memory is of him coloring a pumpkin for Halloween. He worked diligently and concentrated deeply, and as the pumpkin grew more orange, Wilondja exclaimed, “Ooh la la!” He was thrilled with his handiwork!

Because of Reading Circle, my relationship with Wilondja has grown deeper. Of course, there are many moments when I still chuckle at his absentminded ways, but I have learned more about his family and about him as a person because of my role as his mentor, and I hope over the coming months to get to know his entire family better. I have noticed that the dynamic of our relationship has changed. Wilondia feels comfortable sharing personal information. In turn, he asks me a lot of questions. Sometimes he hopes to get off topic, but usually the reading makes him think of questions. Thankfully, we see each other weekly, and because of that, Wilondia and I have developed a steady rhythm. I have noticed that Wilondja seems increasingly relaxed around me. We trust each other. Whether struggling over a difficult reading passage or sharing a painful memory, Wilondja knows that I will take him seriously and provide encouragement. I know that over the coming year, my relationship with Wilondia will continue to strengthen. I hope to be a source of encouragement to him as he grows in his reading ability and encounters many of the frustrations that come along with that.

As an intern at Refugee Resources, I have more of an insider’s look into the program, and based on what I have seen and experienced, I am proud to be a part of this organization. Alysa, the Executive Director, has worked hard to set a strong vision for Refugee Resources, a vision built on literary and spiritual growth through one-on-one mentoring. One thing I have appreciated about Refugee Resources is the organizational commitment to the students and their families. If something happens in a student’s life, whether good or bad, the immediate reaction from those in the organization is to turn to prayer. In fact, Alysa’s gut reaction is prayer. In situations where I might continue working, she instinctively stops to pray. This establishes a spiritual response that drives the entire program; every student and volunteer is diligently and thoughtfully covered in prayer, as this is the heartbeat of Refugee Resources, an organization fueled by a great love for all of the children who walk through the door. As a part of a ministry bathed in prayer and committed to relationships built on trust, I am excited to see what the Lord does in all of us this year through Refugee Resources.