Taylor McKibbens Story
Some time ago, I read on a sticker that a smile is charity. What is charity? According to one of Webster's definitions, it is love of humanity. Without saying a word, one can show love to another with a simple smile. Well, meeting and getting to know Katinisa at Refugee Resources has been nothing short of a series of charitable charities. Although there has been a language barrier, there have also been showers of love through several smiles and laughter.
While the smiles are warming and inviting, both Katinisa and I know that we are there to accomplish a goal and to chisel away at the language barrier that is before us. By God's grace, we've gone before this barrier, with frequent smiles and laughter, and gone to work to where we can now have a conversation back and forth. It's been amazing to witness the growth that is taking place in Katinisa's life! Not only has Katinisa grown leaps and bounds while learning English, she teaches me a little of her heart language, Swahili. I’d say she’s doing a way better job learning a new language, but I appreciate that she is willing to teach me as well. It's an honor and a privilege to come alongside Katinisa and encourage her on this life journey through having times of prayer, teaching her a new language, and just getting to know how special and unique God created her to be… which includes giving lots of smiles.
After moving to Dallas from Georgia in March of this year, I had no idea that I'd be offered such a sweet opportunity at Refugee Resources to work with and get to know Katinisa, but I'm so grateful that the Lord brought this opportunity my way. Not only has it been a treat for me to work with Katinisa, I’ve also had the opportunity to get to know the other children and mentors through our study of God and His word. Every week, I look forward to us learning how to sign the weekly attribute of God and reading the selected Bible story. To witness how God moves in the hearts of these children and how they get excited to answer the question at the end of the story really lifts and encourages my spirit. This community is growing as a whole because of the work God is doing through this organization. It's truly a light in this world where God's name is being glorified throughout. To know that seeds are being sown and watered in their hearts, and that God will bring the increase in their lives and then in the lives of others, is what I enjoy most.
Refugee Resources empowers a community rich with cultures, languages, and traditions from all over the world by providing essential literacy tools. However, first and foremost, it empowers students, families, mentors, and staff—anyone who steps foot in the door—by providing a warm place where a community can practice charity—sharing God’s love— perhaps through something as simple as a smile!
Written by: Taylor McKibbens
Edited by: Michelle Matthews