Celebrating Support, Friendship, and Faith
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director
I’ve been on staff at Mission Adelante for over a year and a half now. I can’t believe how time is flying. I never thought the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” would be so true in my life.
As I sit and reflect on my time here so far, so many things have changed, but I am grateful for the doors opened by the Lord. I would like to share with you a few things I am so so grateful for.
My family. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my mom, step-dad, grandmother, and boyfriend. They have been my biggest supporters since I first mentioned I was interested in working here. They supported me through the sale of my home in Gladstone, looking for housing in KCK, and a special shout-out to my parents for being rockstar volunteers in my Refugee ESL program. Your encouragement and support of me and my dreams have been amazing. Thank you so much
My friends. Most of my close friends live out of state, so finding friendship and community with the staff here has been one of the highlights of my life. Patrique, Carla, Mikya, and Innocent have been the best people to laugh, cry, and share life with. I am so thankful for our friendship and lunch dates all together! The friends I have found in the other staff members have been encouraging for me too. I didn’t know working with a ton of homies would be so slay!! (I taught them the slang slay)
My mentors. I wouldn’t be who I am and in my position today without Gissell Vazquez and Kristen Maxwell. Gissell pushed me to become a leader and an overall better version of myself. When I started working here, I was so scared to meet new people, especially if they didn’t speak English. I just didn’t know what I was doing. Gissell was with me every step of it and took the training wheels off when she had to. I am so thankful for her mentorship and friendship during her time here. I miss you, Gissell! I am also so grateful for the friend I found in Kristen! We began Refugee Resettlement together and while stressful at times, we learned to depend on each other. She is an incredible leader and I learn so much from her everyday. Thank you for your leadership, Kristen!
The Lord. If I ever doubted God wasn’t real in the past, I would tell myself that God lines up steps years in advance, even if we don’t realize it. I wouldn’t have imagined in high school that I would be working for a ministry & refugee resettlement. The friendships I have already made with the refugees has been a beautiful thing. I couldn’t have imagined years ago that I’d have new friends from Nicaragua, Sudan, and Afghanistan (and more to come!). The Lord TRULY knows the desires of your heart and makes the path clear. I am so thankful that the Lord was persistent in lining up a pathway for me to go down, even if I took a wrong turn or two.
What are you grateful for today? Maybe the weather that is turning into Spring, or maybe there was a win in your life recently. Just know that we are celebrating with you. And if you aren’t celebrating something right now, remember we are praying with you. I look forward to connecting with you again soon!
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The Runner’s Edge! Join them on their runs as a portion of their race registration fees will benefit Mission Adelante's impactful initiatives.
Discover their next race: Ward Parkway Four on the 4th!
For more details and to register, visit: https://wardparkwayfouronthefourth.com
