Amaz-Ling Grace

The purpose of any charitable endeavor is to help people, but the thing that initially drew me to Refugee Resources was how many ways they sought to specifically help kids. From spreading the word of God to kids whose families have relocated to the United States to helping them improve their reading, or in some cases helping them start learning to read altogether; I knew this was an organization that was right for me. I will always be grateful to my wife, Jessica, for introducing me to Refugee Resources and to Alysa for allowing me to be a mentor. That journey began four years ago.

In the ensuing years, I have been blessed with three students, Happy, Mohammod and Ezatulah, all of whom I absolutely adored. Each one was different, but we were always able to bond in our own unique way. As is the nature of this program, whether it be because they age out or any number of other reasons, these amazing kids eventually move along into the next phase of their life. You are always happy for them ... but, selfishly, also a bit sad. I felt particularly heartbroken when Ezatulah left. I had loved all three of my students, sometimes I say, “my kiddos,” but I began thinking that perhaps it was time for me to move along to another endeavor as well. Then, along came Ling Thang.

He was 9, but only in second grade. Having to play catch-up is one of the many challenges refugee children face in our educational system, but the best part about being Ling’s Refugee Resources mentor is he so often rises to, and in many cases surpasses, those challenges. When Ling joined Reading Circle in February of 2023, he onboarded at a first grade reading level. Over the year, Ling saw enormous growth in his literacy skills and progressed to a fourth grade reading level! By the fall of 2023, he was able to begin fifth grade like any other kid his age. During that year, Ling and I also quickly bonded. Honestly, I probably bonded with Ling faster than he did with me because I was so impressed by his intelligence and determination … and he eventually came around to liking me as well!

I didn’t realize at the time after Ezatulah left, but God was stirring my heart and preparing me for my next steps with Refugee Resources. Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I think of that verse, see where Ling and I are now, and truly feel as though the Lord put Ling in my life because He knew I could help him and vice versa. Even with that in mind, Ling’s progress has been astonishing.

Ling is also an absolute wiz at math, already able to answer many of the middle school-level questions I give him on a weekly basis, but that is only part of the purpose of Refugee Resources. Luckily, when it comes to Ling, his drive to learn about the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God is just as strong, only second behind soccer (for now!). Ling and several other students in our Monday night class are part of the Vickery United Team. That means before, after, and sometimes even during class, soccer results and schedules take over the conversation. Thankfully, Ling is usually great about transitioning from talk about Cristiano Ronaldo back to talk about Genesis, Matthew or Colossians.

I started with Refugee Resources four years ago feeling good about my relationship with the Lord, but I sit here now feeling better than ever about my love for and understanding of God. The way Happy, Mohammod, Ezatulah and now Ling have engaged with the Word has heightened my spiritual life and driven me to seek out answers to questions my students have asked along the way. We now look up and learn the answers together and along the way I have learned so many things about myself. I am so thankful to Refugee Resources and especially Ling for being the catalysts to keep my passion for teaching these kids alive. And fear not Ling, I know your 11th birthday is coming up in April and yes, I will make sure to get you that Roblox gift card… and maybe a trip to an FC Dallas match too.
 

Written by: Kevin Hageland
Edited by: Emily Thompson