The Gift of Friendship Across Cultures
by Laina Willoughby, Volunteer at Refugee Youth Club
Four years ago when I first googled “volunteer opportunities with refugees in Kansas City” I didn’t know I was about to discover one of the best ways anyone can spend Tuesday evenings in our city. Over my time here, I’ve gotten to watch the growth of a program. But it’s been more than that. I’ve been inspired by watching how the leaders around me invest in their own community.
People like Phul Maya, Laxmi, and Ranjana willingly, graciously, and humbly taken on responsibilities within their Nepali community. They have (probably unknowingly) challenged me to search out opportunities to help those around me to flourish. My fellow volunteers in the Refugee Youth Club have shown me the value of inserting oneself into the lives of teens. We strive to be a stable loving influence that models and speaks of the power of the Gospel.
My favorite thing though, has been watching the young women of the Refugee Youth Club grow in the wisdom and stature of God and of man (Luke 2:52). They juggle their teenage years with one foot in Nepali culture, and another in KCK High Schools. As each of them have learned how to dance in and out of two worlds, I have been impressed by their grace and stamina.
Through my time serving first with Refugee Kids Club, and then with Refugee Youth Club I received the gift of friendship across cultures and ages.
Thank you for your investment in our community, Laina!
