An Unexpected Blessing

 In light of Thanksgiving, I've taken time to count all the ways the Lord has blessed me this past year. Getting married, stepping into my young adult life in Dallas, meeting new friends, and spending sweet moments with family are all memories I hold dearly as 2025 closes and the New Year approaches. But this list of blessings—both big and small—would be incomplete without naming my sweet mentee at Refugee Resources, Kadija*.

My husband and I were connected to Refugee Resources through a work friend when we moved to Dallas, and we began serving as mentors together in January 2025. I carried so many thoughts and worries about what this relationship would look like. Would I have the right words? Would I be able to offer the wisdom, patience, and care Kadija needed? Yet despite the nerves, I met Kadija in our very first week attending the program. Her sweet giggle immediately put me at ease, and we bonded quickly over our shared love of shopping and our families.

During our very first class together, we read the story in Mark 4 about Jesus calming the storm. The disciples are terrified as the waves rise around them, unsure if Jesus even cares about their fears. But when He wakes, He rebukes the wind and speaks to the sea, “Peace! Be still!”—and everything becomes calm.

Kadija was immediately curious. “What’s a disciple?” she asked with innocent honesty. I smiled and explained what it means to follow Christ, how knowing Him brings unimaginable peace. Little did she know that her simple question touched the heart of everything we hope to share at Refugee Resources. As we read, “‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ … ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’” (Mark 4:40–41), we talked about the storms in our own lives—math tests, new schools, making friends—and how disciples can trust the One whom even the wind and waves obey.

As the weeks have passed and Kadija’s reading has grown, I pray she continues to hold tightly to the truths she hears in our Bible time. Sitting together in the Word has given a new and deeper meaning to our reading lessons. This year especially, I’ve been grateful to talk with her about praying big prayers and watching God answer them.

One afternoon, a friend and coworker of mine—someone Kadija also knows through another after-school program—lost her wallet and car keys and feared they had been stolen. I told Kadija about it, and together we prayed that God would provide and show Himself in a big way. The very next day, a man knocked on my friend’s apartment door and returned the wallet and keys—nothing missing, nothing damaged. The following week Kadija and I got to celebrate the miracle together, and I was able to remind her that the God who made the heavens also cares about our tears, our worries, and even our missing car keys. He sees us, and He responds.

Throughout this year, I’ve grown deeply grateful for Refugee Resources and for the relationship I’ve been able to build with Kadija. From memory verses to new vocabulary words, I’m thankful to serve a God who delights in unity, learning, and the simple joy of growing together. Refugee Resources has given me far more than a mentee—it has given me someone who sharpens my faith, asks questions with childlike wonder, and reminds me of the beauty of the Gospel.

As we head into the New Year, I am so excited to continue walking alongside Kadija—supporting her reading, cheering her on in school, and encouraging her with the love of Christ.

Written by: Kyle Eldersveld
Edited by: Emily Thompson

*Student’s name has been changed to protect privacy.