Beyond the Books

When I moved to Dallas a few years ago, I was looking for a nonprofit where I could volunteer that met both spiritual and physical needs. In the Lord’s kindness, I found Refugee Resources! From the moment I stepped into Reading Circle, I was struck by the way the staff and volunteers serve with humility and joy. They consistently show up not just out of duty, but because of their love for Jesus and the refugee families of Vickery Meadows. Their Christ-like example is what drew me in and what has kept me volunteering for the past year and a half. As I’ve shared about my experiences at Reading Circle with those around me, several of my coworkers have been inspired to get involved as well. It has been such a joy to see more people join in what God is doing here.

One of the greatest gifts of my time at Reading Circle has been my friendship with Esther*. Esther was the first student I was paired with in January 2024, and we've been together ever since. She was shy and reserved in the beginning, and I started praying for the Lord to open up space for trust and deeper conversations—not just about reading, but about life and faith.

One night, she was discouraged by a vocabulary exercise. I suggested she write what she thought each word meant in her native language in hopes that it would help her understanding of the terminology grow. My pronunciation of the words she chose was terrible, and we both ended up laughing. But something shifted in that moment—her confidence grew, and our bond deepened. I saw firsthand how hard it is to learn English, and I reminded her how remarkable it is that she’s mastering her fourth language. That’s no small feat.

Even now, she talks about that night as one of her favorite Reading Circle memories. Since then, our relationship has become so much deeper—we share prayer requests, laugh often, and memorize scripture together. Esther may be quiet at first, but once she opens up, her humor, intelligence, and kindness shine through. She loves cats, boba tea, arts and crafts, and she's a wonderful big sister. She regularly saves her treats from Reading Circle to bring home to her younger sister—a small act that reflects a big heart. Her generosity is just one of the many ways I see the love of Christ in her.

Despite long days at school, Esther consistently shows up to Reading Circle eager to learn. She works hard at reading and memorizes scripture faster than anyone I’ve ever met. Over the past year and a half, Esther has advanced through more than 13 reading levels—the equivalent of three grade levels. Her progress is remarkable. She asks thoughtful questions, engages deeply with the texts we read, and encourages others around her. As one of the older students who comes on Tuesday nights, she sets an example for those around her of what it looks like to work hard with a great attitude.

My encouragement to both new and experienced volunteers is to come to Reading Circle with a willingness to learn from your student and to find ways to show empathy for their experiences. Each of these refugee students has faced challenges I cannot imagine, yet each week I feel as though they are teaching me more and more about Christ and the beauty of His creation. One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned from Esther is what it means to be a lifelong learner. Whether I’m discovering cultural differences or keeping up with middle school trends, I leave each Tuesday night feeling humbled and inspired. Week after week, I see the radiant love of Christ shine in Esther’s life through her perseverance, her laughter, and her kindness to others. Her story is a reminder that our hope is found in Jesus, and in our weakness, His power is displayed.

Written by: Elizabeth Land
Edited by: Emily Thompson

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