English as a Second Language
One of the key resources that those new to the country desire, and even those who have been here awhile, is the ability to speak English. We at Welcome House think one of the best ways to say WELCOME to those from other countries living in our communities is to provide friendship and English as a Second Language classes. Click the button below for a list of English classes in the Raleigh Area.
Read more…
English Ya’ll
By Kim Wyatt
I love teaching English as a Second Language. It was a little over 5 years ago when the husband of one of my students asked me if I would help his wife learn English. He is a long-haul driver and often spends days even weeks away from home. He learned to speak English when he served alongside the US military in his homeland. A kind and caring husband and father, my friend was concerned about his wife being alone and not knowing how to speak English. He asked if I would be able to help her learn enough English to at least be able to answer the door. Of course, I agreed.
Fatima is very smart. She works hard at everything she does. Fast forward to today, the Afghan mother of three is the best English speaker in my class. I noticed something recently that I had not picked up on before. During class as I asked the other Afghan moms to repeat after me, I heard them pronounce several one syllable words with multiple syllables. Not only that, but there was that familiar southern twang in unison too. Oh my! What had I done? It suddenly dawned on me that I have unintentionally taught English to my Afghan friends – southern style!
When I consider all these new friends have been through, having to flee persecution, move to a foreign country, reestablish their home, take care of their children without the support of loved ones and then learn one of the most confusing and difficult languages on earth, well I know they have superpowers! Yes, they are remarkable in so many ways. They remind me every class that I’m a southern girl named K-I-I-I-M-M.
God’s Plan
By Kim Wyatt
I want to share the love of God in Christ Jesus with all the ESL students I teach. Problem is they can’t fully understand the language required. So, I remain hopeful and patient. It may take many months even years to equip them with enough English to share the Gospel. It may take that and more to gain the trust necessary to share such world changing good news too.
And so, I pray for my students. I pray that they will continue to grow and learn and thrive in this new country. I pray that God will open their hearts and minds so they might experience and understand the love that I and many others have for them. And I pray for the one student who among many will one day be prompted by the Holy Spirit to say yes to Jesus. So, I keep praying for each one of my students.
With the pandemic we were forced to close our face to face ESL classes. In their place we transitioned to phone and computer platforms instead. This change has been very well received. We went from 10 face to face classes weekly to 35 virtual ones. Our student numbers and teacher volunteers have increased also. Because the classes are online, they can be held at a time that works best for both teachers and students. In the same way, students and teachers may live practically anywhere. We serve students across North Carolina. Teachers are volunteering from as far away as Asheville, New York, and central California.
One of the remote ESL teacher volunteers is a Christian married to an Afghan Pastor. She speaks the dialects of Afghanistan. I am so happy that she has joined our ministry.
Recently, two of the Afghan ESL students I teach shared with me that they were leaving Raleigh. They are both moving to – wait for it – central California! That’s right! Both moms are packing up their families and moving to the same city as my new ESL Teacher. The class is a bit sad that these special friends are moving to the other side of the country. But everyone is happy that they are moving close to their new ESL Teacher and American friend that just so happens to speak their language and lives in California, God’s plan.
I must admit I didn’t consider this kind of answer to my prayers. God is so good. Thank you for your remarkable love and purposes, Lord Jesus. My prayers continue for these and each precious new neighbor God sends our way.