2019 Reflections

Gissell (centered) with ESL volunteers at our fall New Volunteer Orientation.

Gissell (centered) with ESL volunteers at our fall New Volunteer Orientation.

Written by Gissell Vazquez, ESL Latino Director

Three years have passed since I came to live in the USA. I never imagined that I’d have to face so many challenges in life and work. 2019 has brought new experiences, and now that the year is ending, it is a good time to think back and reflect. Three words describe this year and the experiences that came along with it.

The first word that comes to my mind is transitions. Since the beginning of the year this was a big theme for me. I spent the first half of the year transitioning out of Arts Community and into directing Latino ESL. That took a lot of planning, thinking, and decision making. I’m glad I have some amazing people working with me! Phul Maya has taken over Arts Community and has done a great job in leading the program. Her growing leadership skills have positioned her in a great place to continue developing the Arts Program. I also had the best ESL mentor, Paul Kienzle, the former ESL Director. He shared with me all his knowledge and experience. He did a great job in “passing the baton” as he used to say.

The second word is growth. There are two areas of growth that I have experienced. One has to do with the level of responsibility in leading ESL. The ratio of volunteers to students increased significantly. Currently, we have 39 volunteers to 68 students. This new change also came with challenges like creating good communication with volunteers and students and encouraging good levels of participation in the program. The second growth has been happening in our Latino church. I am enjoying this very much! We participate in sharing the good news about Jesus, but the work is done by the Holy Spirit in people’s lives. I’ve enjoyed sharing life and sharing Jesus with our new friends from ESL that started to visit Mission Adelante’s faith community. Angelina, Hector, Ernesto, and Lorena, you’re dear friends to me! I’m thankful I met you guys, and now we not only share life in ESL classes but we share a common faith in our Lord Jesus.

The third one is gratefulness. I’m grateful for old and new friends, for volunteers who are impacting students' lives and vice versa, and for being part of a community that works together and enjoys the process of sharing life and sharing Jesus.

Overall, this year has been filled with many challenges. These challenges have helped me grow in faith and leadership skills. They also allowed me to be truly grateful for the people that have supported me and helped me through the transitions. God has used this year in an amazing way!


CURRENT NEEDS:

  • Love the arts? Enjoy working with children and youth? We invite you to come serve at Arts Community! This fun program meets Monday evenings to practice their talents, create friendships, and learn more about Jesus. Visit our website for more information: http://www.missionadelante.org/arts/

  • Do you speak English? Many of our community members don’t but would love to learn and practice with you! We are in need of ESL volunteers for our spring trimester. Come make friends from other places and help them learn a new language! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website at http://www.missionadelante.org/esl