In what has become an annual tradition, the students of Migros Aid Academy celebrated the end of the semester with a Christmas party! Migros Aid Academy is our weekly tutoring for 25-30 refugee students.
At the party, we feasted on a multicultural buffet – everything from pizza to African, Afghan, and Karen dishes. A fun relay game had students racing across the room with candy canes hanging from spoons. And, of course, like any kids, they were just patiently biding their time until the main event in their eyes – the gift bags provided by a local church.
And there was much to celebrate at the end of 2024. This year, Migros Aid Academy experienced a 20% growth in students coming consistently each week to be tutored each Tuesday. These new students are more than numbers though. Each represents an image bearer of God who has come from difficult circumstances and has become an American.
While the students spent the party immersed in celebration, there were also moments of more serious reflection for me. I am glad that most of the kids are oblivious to the larger political forces at play. During the party, however, my mind turned to these realities and the plight of refugees worldwide. I thought of how fortunate America is to have each of these families in our country. Like immigrants and refugees through the centuries, they come to the United States for the freedom and opportunities they can gain, but also like immigrants and refugees throughout the centuries, they bring their talents, stories, and cultures to their new land. They remind me that “Out of many, one” is truly the essence of our nation.
Scripture commands us repeatedly to welcome “the stranger.” I am fortunate that these strangers have become friends with me and that I get to spend each Tuesday evening with them.
If you want to get to know these new Americans and help them gain academic confidence, I invite you to join us any Tuesday!
Contact us to get involved!
