Language is a doorway

On Monday we were busy getting ready for a new semester of English classes when three sisters wandered down to our end of the building. I hadn`t seen them in a while and we spent time talking about what they`ve been up to. Two are at home, one in college, and all were ready for their younger siblings to return to school. They asked about our welcome wall - a blue wall in our classroom displaying small canvases with paintings of colorful doors and messages of welcome. They were curious who had painted them. I explained that friends who wanted to welcome immigrants in our city had painted those, and the reason we chose doors - our belief that language is a doorway. I invited them to sit down and paint one too. They sat, silently drawing, painting and creating something they could add to the wall. They came to show me their finished pieces, and we chose to displayed them alongside every other painting. We hope that even in these small moments of connection that welcome is shown and our refugee and immigrant friends are invited to be participants in this community. ...

Back to school! We welcomed students back to our first class day of the semester and were glad to give each one a zipper pouch with a kind note, pencils and pens courtesy of our friends at @trinitybaptistamarillo ! #thewelcomeofjesus ...

Still on the fence about helping out this Fall? We still need people who are willing to serve at our satellite campus on North Grand and in other roles too! You can come and learn about what that looks like tomorrow, August 13th. Come ask questions, learn what a class looks like and hear from our staff and seasoned volunteers about what it means to help in English class and what a blessing it is in return. Fill out the Google form at the link in bio, or just show up! 3107 Plains Blvd, Suite 200 at either 11 AM or 6:30 PM. ...

July 2026 - Flip the Script - Teachers became the students this summer in a trial Spanish class. Plus, hear about our needs for the Fall and save the date for Taste the World 2026! Check out our e-newsletter from July! Link in bio. ...

Our Fall semester is just around the corner and we need a few more volunteers to help us out in breakout groups, childcare and hosting. Fill out a short form at the link in bio to express your interest - we have opportunities for day time or night time class help. Join our fun community here and see how language is a doorway to so much more! ...

Spanish class today with Professora Luz💡! Students have become our teachers, and now WE are the learners! We have even more respect and admiration for our students that persevere through confusing grammar rules, unknown vocabulary and a new way of thinking about language. What an honor to be taught by our kind and patient friends - experiencing the joy of learning more of their own beautiful language and culture. ❤️🇻🇪 ...

June 2026 - How to be a good neighbor :: What does it mean to be a good neighbor? We`ve seen a lot of friends doing it this summer at RLP! Check out the e-newsletter to read all about it. Link in bio. ...

We are delighted to inform you that we have rescheduled Diana`s presentation for this Tuesday, June 23rd, at 3PM at the PLACE, 3107 Plains Blvd, Suite 500. If you are available, please join us to hear about her heart and vision for ministering to women and children in South Sudan. Some of you have asked how you can support Diana with her upcoming trip. At this time there is not a way to give to her through RLP, but there will be an opportunity to give to her directly on Tuesday for those that want to do so.

If you are unable to join us, but still wish to give, you may drop off cash or checks (payable to Diana Majok) to the RLP office this week and we will get those funds to her. ...

Refugee Language Project is honored to be awarded grant funding from the ProLiteracy Literacy Opportunity Fund! ProLiteracy uses this fund to give select programs general operating funds to offset day-to-day expenses, expand programming, host events, purchase materials, or for any other needs they have. This grant is generously supported by the Nora Roberts Foundation. Thank you to this partner for helping us enact the part of our mission that seeks to overcome language barriers for the displaced in our community. #languageisadoorway ...

Tomorrow, Thursday June 18th, is our final day of Summer English camp! At 12:30, we will set up and open our student market! Our community is invited to browse, talk and buy homemmade goods from these hardworking students who are eager to practice their English and share their goods. There will be fresh eggs from students who own chickens, cookies, chocoflan, suspiros, bracelets, and all kinds of treats! We hope to see you tomorrow at 12:30. This is one day only, so don`t miss your chance to come and experience the joyful community that walks into @theplaceamarillo every week. #languageisadoorway ...

We have to reschedule - stay tuned for a new date! ...

Many of you know and love Diana Majok. She has been involved with and served alongside of RLP for several years now and has benefited from support at The PLACE through SquareMile Community Development as well. Her journey from kidnapped child to refugee and now missionary is remarkable proof of a God who not only cares about the displaced, but is using them in remarkable ways.

We invite you to join us this week as she shares about the vision for her upcoming return to South Sudan.

We have helped support Diana as she launches her own ministry to women and children near her hometown, and would invite you to hear from her directly and have the opportunity to do the same.

Join us on Tuesday, June 16th at 3PM at The PLACE, 3107 Plains Blvd, Suite 500 for a short presentation. We know you wil be encouraged and amazed to hear how God is moving through Diana. No need to RSVP, just show up! ...

Thank you to Dolar General Literacy Foundation for awarding RLP a grant for our English classes! #languageisadoorway ...

Thank you to our wonderful partners at @unitedwayamarillocanyon for awarding us a Community Impact Program Grant! We are grateful for your support and care for our displaced friends in the Amarillo community! #languageisadoorway ...

We met Lesvia and Gustavo two years ago, and they have been consistent faces in our building multiple times per week. They have been in English class, attended all the field trips, participated in summer camp and tutoring, shown up for exercise class, studied in citizenship and art classes, and are vibrant members of our community. They spent their time with us, not just as students or learners, but as givers - sharing food, lending vocal support for our organization with grantors, cleaning the classroom tables, checking in on other people who had stopped coming to class, and introducing us to their son and family. We said farewell last week, and are reminded of the lasting impact of this family. We opened our doors of welcome, and they in turn poured out their own generous gifts into our community. Read more of their story at the link in bio. ...