By Erika Guedez, Community Integration Manager
What comes to mind when you hear the word “decade”? What do you imagine? How does it make you feel? Who were you ten years ago? For someone who is 20 years old today, the answer might be, “Ten years ago, I was still living with my mom,” or “Ten years ago, I wasn’t even working yet.” In my case, ten years ago, I was going through an existential crisis. I never would have imagined that life would bring me to where I am today.
But how much can really happen in a decade?
I invite you to close your eyes for a moment and look back. What were you doing ten years ago? What were you like? What dreams did you have? What events shaped your life? What changed in you throughout those years? If we look around, we can also see just how much the world has changed. All we have to do is pick up our phones to see how technology has evolved. In 2016, artificial intelligence was still practically invisible to most of us, or in very experimental stages. And, of course, when we think of 2020, it is impossible not to remember COVID-19, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March of that year. So much has happened between 2016 and 2026: changes, challenges, losses, new beginnings, and experiences that have transformed the way we live.
But today, I want to take a moment to highlight something wonderful that has been happening in our ministry over this past decade: the story of service of our dear volunteer, Dean Williams.
Ten years. An entire decade of serving, teaching, and walking alongside our community at Mission Adelante. Dean began by teaching English, helping break down language barriers and supporting immigrants as they bravely overcame their fear of speaking a new language and found their place in a new community. Over time, his path of service took a new direction, and he began volunteering with our Citizenship Program. Since then, he has walked alongside many students as they prepare to reach an important milestone: becoming citizens of the United States.
And that is truly wonderful.
Being a volunteer for so many years means much more than simply giving a few hours of your time. It means choosing, again and again, to show up, to serve with love, and to use your gifts and talents for the benefit of others. Even in the middle of his own personal commitments and challenges, Dean shows up with a big smile and a willingness to serve that inspires others. His commitment doesn’t end when class is over; his desire to help is evident even during his own time to rest.
When I think of Dean Williams, I think of someone who inspires me to better understand what it means to love and serve others. I feel proud to share this community with him and deeply grateful to God for bringing someone like Dean into my life. But I didn’t want to share only what I think of Dean. I also wanted to understand the impact he has had on his students, so I asked them what having him as their teacher means to them. Here are some of their responses.
Raquel Delgado shares:
“Dear teacher, I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you, not only for everything you teach us, but also for the patience, kindness, and dedication with which you do it. Thank you for believing in us and encouraging us every day to always do our best and to believe in ourselves, knowing that we can achieve the goals we set for ourselves. Your guidance has made a tremendous difference in this journey. Please know that you have left a lasting mark on me. “Thank you for helping and guiding us. I truly appreciate everything. Thank you, dear Dean!”
Francisca García shares:
“I feel very grateful, first and foremost to the Lord Jesus, and to Dean and everyone at Mission Adelante who has been supporting us in the Citizenship class. This has truly been a great blessing to me. I know I haven’t been attending for very long, but I am grateful because I have already seen how much progress I have made thanks to the volunteers and everyone who has supported me with patience and dedication. I appreciate everything you do for me and for others. From the bottom of my heart, I pray that God grants you good health and a long life, and that you will always remain willing to serve others. Thank you for the unconditional love you show us, even without knowing us and without expecting anything in return.”
I’m not sharing any more testimonials because, believe me, this would get really long. ;)
But every word shared reminds us that behind every student, there is a story, a family, dreams, and challenges. And there are also people like Dean who choose to walk alongside them.
Some people come into our lives for a moment, while others choose to stay for years. Over time, their presence becomes more than just part of an activity or a program; they become part of our story.
Dean, if you happen to read this, I want you to know how deeply grateful I am to know you. Thank you for the patience you showed me when I took on the responsibility of the Citizenship Program with so many fears and uncertainties. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, for your willingness to help, and for celebrating every achievement with me along the way. I know that every student waiting for their interview, as well as those who have already become citizens, carries deep gratitude, love, and respect for your dedication. You are an inspiration to us.
I pray that God watches over you and your family, grants you good health, and gives you many more years to continue sharing your gifts and talents.
And to everyone else reading this: sometimes we think that transforming the world requires extraordinary actions. But stories like Dean’s remind us that impact is also built through the small choices we make every day. Perhaps today you can’t yet see all of God’s grace in your life. Maybe you are going through a difficult season, facing unanswered questions, or living through circumstances whose purpose you cannot yet understand.
But what if, a few years from now, perhaps even before another decade has passed, you look back and realize just how much you have grown? What if you are able to embrace your journey, appreciate the opportunities that came your way, recognize the blessings you received, and understand that God was present even in the moments when you couldn’t see Him?
We don’t always understand what we are going through while we are going through it. Sometimes we need time to look back and recognize how much God has done in us and through us. Because there is one thing that never changes with time: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Thank you, Dean, for ten years of leaving a lasting impact at Mission Adelante!