Erick

Autumn: America’s Favorite Season

Autumn: America’s Favorite Season

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director




In a 2022 Morning Consult survey of 2,120 U.S. adults, 41% identified fall as their favorite season, while 24% preferred spring and summer, and just 11% chose winter. By a landslide, fall seems to be America’s favorite season! However, I must admit that after ten years of living in the United States, I’ve never fully understood its appeal. The crisp weather and falling leaves typically remind me that winter is fast approaching. This autumn, though, has been different. The lingering summer warmth and a few delightful moments have shifted my perspective on the season. Here are some of my fall favorites so far!

CCDA Conference in Portland, Oregon

In early October, eight members of our Mission Adelante team journeyed to Portland, Oregon, for the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) National Conference. This annual gathering brings together community development practitioners from across the country. This was my third conference experience, but my very first time in Portland—and on the West Coast, for that matter! The 2024 theme, 'Home,' drew inspiration from Jeremiah 29:5: 'Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce.' As always, the conference included vibrant worship, networking, and thought-provoking plenaries and workshops. Most speakers reflected on what home means to them—not just in a physical sense, but also in terms of belonging and connection.

As I navigated the conference, I pondered various facets of my home(s). I’ve had several addresses—St. Catherine, Jamaica; Middletown, CT; New York, NY; and now Kansas City, KS—which have shaped my complex experience with belonging. While I’ve been privileged to move to new, welcoming homes voluntarily, it often feels like pieces of my belonging are scattered across the places I’ve lived and the people I’ve shared life with, never feeling fully woven into any one community.

The conference beautifully allowed me to process these challenging realities while refreshing myself in a new place—and Oregon did not disappoint! A few of us rented a minivan and traveled from downtown Portland to Cannon Beach (I learned that parts of the Twilight film were shot there). The beach was a stark contrast to the tropical shores I was used to—definitely too cold for a swim—but the misty air and massive sea stack rock formations rising from the water were spectacular! On our way back, I convinced Carla to pull over so we could hug one of the majestic pine trees together!

Apple Picking at Cider Hill Family Orchard

This fall, I also participated in a quintessential autumn activity: apple picking! One beautiful Sunday afternoon, my mom and I visited Cider Hill Family Orchard, a lovely property on the edge of Wyandotte County. As you can imagine, it was bustling with friends and families that had the same idea as my mom and I. The last time I went apple picking was in 2019, and it was my mom’s first time picking American apples, so we were both excited! The highlight was discovering the delicious Evercrisp variety—a cross between Fuji and Honeycrisp apples. It is the perfect mix of sweetness and crunch, and I honestly think it’s the best apple I’ve ever tasted! I enjoyed the experience so much that I did it again, this time with our Mission Adelante Leadership Training Project students!"

Celebrating My 29th Birthday

Another highlight of October was turning 29! A small downside was realizing I probably can no longer refer to myself as a young adult. Still, this birthday felt special because it marked the first time in several years that I could celebrate with the woman who gave me life! On the eve of my birthday, my mom prepared a traditional Jamaican meal—Stew Peas—for our staff at Mission Adelante. Contrary to what the name suggests, it's a stew made with red kidney beans, not green peas. I wish I had taken photos of the meal, but it was gone before I had the chance! Sharing this traditional dish with my work family while enjoying my mother’s company was beautiful. To top off the celebrations, Carla and Veronica took me out for an authentic Kansas City jazz experience at Lonnie’s Reno Club, curated by trumpeter Lonnie McFadden. While I sometimes get the birthday jitters, this year I was filled with gratitude for the wonderful people God has placed in my life.

In many ways, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for autumn as a season of gathering. The warmth of my relationships and the fresh experiences I’ve enjoyed have made fall a serious contender for my favorite season. As I step into this new year of my life, I will cherish these moments and embrace the joy of these connections.


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.

What a Summer!

what a summer!

by Patrique Harris, Youth Ministry Director




There are many things I love about summer – predictably warm weather, enduring sunshine, afternoon ice cream, strappy sandals, floating in peaceful waters, and of course, obnoxiously cheering Jamaican athletes in the Olympics! To add to all that joy, the ministry that happens at Mission Adelante in the summer months is abundant and life-giving. 

With school out, the busy teenage schedule finally yields, spawning a golden time for our Youth Ministry. New and old participants bonded each Tuesday and Wednesday over intense games, indulgent food, and heartfelt discussions on Daniel’s courage! What’s more, our summer interns, Eli, Sonia, Unisha, and Keziah, were integral in curating the program experiences for our participants. Their fervor, creativity, and Gen Z slang were invaluable and made all the difference!  

Not only did we welcome our summer interns, but we were also thrilled to have Erick Flores join the Mission Adelante family as a Ministry Apprentice. After graduating from J.C. Harmon High School in the spring, Erick was moved to pursue a vocation serving kids and youth in his neighborhood. His experience participating in Mission Adelante programs in years past truly impressed upon him. He recalls the support he felt when mentors like Megan McDermott Fountain invested in him, especially during difficult seasons of his life. 

Following in Megan’s footsteps, Erick passionately walked alongside our summer interns. His team-building efforts (including debates on songs to add to the summer intern playlist), encouragement during long days of engaging kids and youth, and his counsel on matters big and small, helped the interns to thrive! Carla, Mikya, and I were honestly impressed.

To sum it all up in Jamaican terms, “mi glad bag buss”! In translation, “my glad bag burst”, which I would liken to the sentiments of David in Psalm 23:5 when his “cup runneth over.” The summer interns, program participants, volunteers, and even Erick’s arrival, were all answered prayers for us as a ministry team. God’s immense goodness was made manifest here in KCK this summer – and I get to bear witness!


LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
JOIN US FOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - SEPTEMBER 7TH AT 9:00M

Join our team of volunteers for the summer trimester and be part of "loving people from all places." Attend our volunteer orientation on September 7th, 2024 and find your place serving kids, youth, or adults in the immigrant community in KCK

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit: https://www.missionadelante.org/orientation


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.