Last week I (Elizabeth) had the privilege of shooting a need for Silent Images with a team of photographers. The Charlotte Eagles soccer team has launched a new ministry called Urban Eagles, where they intentionally get out into the community to give back. When I agreed to help document what they had going on, I knew I was in for a treat, but what I didn’t know is that I’d walk away wanting to move into the apartment complex just to be closer to all the kids.

“There are at least 13 different nations represented right here in this complex,” one team member told me as we dodged soccer balls and kids chasing each other through the parking lot. “Most of them are refugees,” he said. “They’re struggling with learning English so we have volunteers that come each week to tutor the kids and help them learn English.”

My heart lept at the thought of so many different nations of the world all being represented in one tiny little apartment complex on the East side of Charlotte. More than that, though, I was overwhelmed by how strangely familiar it felt to be surrounded by beautiful children who don’t speak the same language I do or share the same cultural understandings I’ve been taught since my childhood. These kids are, in so many ways, stronger and tougher than I will ever be. They have to learn to adapt to this new land, new community, and new language that they now find themselves in. The beauty of it is that they will … and they’ll do it well.

When our time came to a close, I found myself wanting to find excuses to stay and start learning how to love the kids well. Giving back takes time, energy and investment … it’s a sacrifice, for sure. However, after spending just a few short hours with these precious kids who’s worlds have been turned upside down as they’ve moved across oceans, I can confidently say that it’s worth it. Every minute of it.

I can hardly wait until the next time I get to see their sweet faces.