Special Eight-Week Series:
Calm in the Storm
Navigating rough waters in faith
Week 6: A Sudden Change
by, Megan Fountain, Director of Latino Kids Ministries
A year ago, none of us could have imagined how much our lives would change. We were finishing up our Easter celebrations and preparing the kids for the end of the school year. We were beginning to think about what fun things we would do in the summer. A year ago, an excited bunch of juniors were about to embark on their final year of high school with no idea of the challenges they would face.
The high school seniors of our community have had to endure the loss of so many dreams in this season. Nataly and Ashley are two young women that have grown up at Mission Adelante. They participated in Kids Adelante and in our tutoring program (L.I.T) for many years. As high school seniors, they have a unique perspective on how the virus has affected their lives. They allowed me to interview them and I am so proud of their perseverance during this uncertain season.
Ashley (right) and Rachel hug after Arts Camp 2019!
What has been the biggest blessing for you during this season?
Ashley: The biggest blessing I have experienced is getting to spend more time with my little sister and having time to learn to cook.
Nataly: My biggest blessing during this time has been the fact that no one in my family has gotten the virus. Thankfully, everyone in my household is considered an essential worker, but this comes with the risk of catching the virus. It is dangerous because many people have not been listening to the rules and keep going out. It’s a scary thought, but we have to face it every single day.
What was the biggest dream that you had to let go of during this time because of the virus?
Ashley: The biggest dream that I’ve had to let go of was my graduation and attending friends’ graduations. It was really hard not knowing that the last day we went to school before spring break was our last day as seniors.
Nataly (right) and Bethany during pajama night!
Nataly: My biggest dream that I had to let go of was walking the stage at graduation. When I was younger, I dreamed about attending Sumner Academy. Once I was accepted, it was my dream to walk the stage. I was excited to be able to show my mom the value of all the sacrifices she had made for my future. Sadly, it has been canceled and my mom and everyone who helped me in life won’t ever see me walk the stage.
What are your plans for the next year, and what is something that you are looking forward to in the future?
Ashley: Hopefully, I will be able to go to college next year and receive an associate’s degree. I hope that by that time the quarantine will be over and will be a thing of the past. I want to make my family proud by getting my degree and starting my career.
Nataly: My plans for next year are to continue working and attend college. Because of this virus, being able to save up for college has been difficult. This is why I have decided to attend JCCC in order to save money and continue my education. I will be able to work while studying which will hopefully help me in the future when I transfer to KU. One thing I look forward to in the future is being able to attend church again. I miss seeing the same families every week and staying after to talk. Another thing I look forward to is being able to go out and see my friends before they leave. Most, if not all of my friends are leaving Kansas City to go to college. I was going to use this semester and summer to spend time with my friends that are leaving and now that probably won’t be possible.
It is so encouraging that even in the midst of such struggle, these two young women still have hope. God has been so present during this time in our community and through their resilience, we can trust there are still good things to come!
