Today was our first day back to our ALL Classes (American Life and Language) for the 2013/2014 School Year. Our adults and preschoolers meet each Thursday morning from 10 to 12 learning Basic English Language Skills, American Culture and lessons such as American living and job skills. We have enjoyed teaching refugee students some of the skills that are necessary for their successful resettlement in Memphis.

Each time I see the volunteers and students working together, I get excited about watching the interaction between them. It’s neat to see the teachers enthusiasm and tender hearts as they work creatively to teach their students simple American math such as counting money or understanding time, or how to hold a pencil learning the very basics of elementary handwriting, and how to sound out and blend letters to form words to begin reading little books. Asha’s Refuge volunteer teachers are gifted with patience and such determination to see their students succeed.

The students are still learning to be punctual in the mornings. So many of our refugee friends were not tied to a clock like we are in America. We want them to learn how to manage their lives at least being mindful of time though since they will be working here, going to school, having doctors appointments and such. It’s American life skills such as this that we want to be sure to teach our students. Other important lessons we want to consider are learning about mail and bill paying, learning good apartment habits such as appropriate cleanliness and neighborly respect, moving around on the web, applying for jobs, interview skills, saving money through understanding store sales and coupons, having healthy habits such as brushing teeth, wearing deodorant, washing hands, etc., some drivers education, parenting tips, handling conflict, and knowing what to do in emergency situations.

Our weekly classes do not really allow enough time for us to accomplish everything we would like to. This is why we make regular visits to the homes of our refugee friends. Often times we are fortunate to build friendships with our students and their families. This helps us to really be able to connect with them in a way that we are prayerfully also able to show them the love of Christ through our actions.

I am so thankful for our volunteers and supporters. Highland Heights Baptist Church, 675 National, with Pastor John Koch allows our organization to hold its classes in shared building space each week. They also provide a van for us to pick up the students with a driver! We cannot express our thanks to you enough! Please continue to be in prayer for our organization and how we may be part of connecting the Nations to Jesus as we assist them in our city.