A Brief Personal Reflection of 2023
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Education Director
My beloved childhood dog: Oreo
Happy new year! For me, 2023 was full of change, adapting, and growth. I didn’t expect 2023 to turn out the way it did for me, but in the final minutes of 2023 I said to myself, “I’ve grown so much this year.” It sounds funny but I felt this year was my first year of true “adulting.” I navigated heartbreak when my beloved childhood pet passed away, I sold my condo in Gladstone and moved to KCK, and I celebrated 1 year at a job that I could only dream about having when I was just 17 years old. An honorable mention is all the car problems I had too, haha. A lot happened this year that seems minimal in retrospect but really helped mold me into a new mindset for 2024.
Saying goodbye to my first home in Gladstone
And this mindset is… I CAN. I recognized that I was an adult when I turned 18 and 21 but really had no idea what it meant. The bills, the 40 hour a week job, taking care of a home, and most importantly taking care of myself. But this past year showed me that I really can do those things and remain sane. It just took some time to figure out my rhythm!
I can continue working hard and fulfilling my dreams of working with immigrants and refugees. I can work hard on my physical & mental health by trying to eat healthier and find a workout routine that works for me. I can take care of myself when I’m sick and live alone (I can testify this because I was sick the whole month of December!) I can go out of my comfort zone and try new things, even when they initially scare me. I can change my mindset from being constantly unsure to standing on who I am in Christ who strengthens me.
I am hopeful for what 2024 holds. 2023 taught me that I really can’t expect the unexpected but I can rise above, adapt, and grow from new experiences either positive or negative.
I’m praying that 2024 is fruitful for all of us; our professional lives and personal lives and whatever else may come our way. Please be praying for Mission Adelante’s programs and our incoming refugee families that will be arriving soon! Looking forward to connecting with you more in 2024!!
With my family
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