Reigniting The Spark of Exploration in Our Children

Written by Megan McDermott, Latino Children's Ministry Director

Throughout my education, one of the things I treasured most was the freedom to explore the topics that interested me.  If I wanted to learn more about the Egyptians, I was encouraged to research and understand the culture.  When I expressed my fascination with Native American dress, my teachers encouraged my creative exploration of that clothing.  However, when I look at the children in our after-school tutoring and character development program, Leaders in Training, I see that the spark of exploration has faded.  In an effort to reignite that spark, one of our main focuses this year in LIT has been learning about the past, and in particular, World War I.  

The children were so intrigued by the events of WWI, the soldiers, the battles, how animals were utilized, and more than anything,  how Mexico was involved in the war.  At Mission Adelante, we believe in the importance of celebrating culture and developing leaders.  Therefore, it was so exciting to see their eyes light up when they made the connection between the familiarity of Mexico and the role that it had played in WWI. 

Last Saturday, we took the children to the WWI museum and spent the day exploring together.  We poured over the vast collection of artifacts, did some hands-on activities, and got a glimpse into our country's history.  It is said that “Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”   I believe that by arming the future leaders of our community with the knowledge of their past, they will approach the future with greater wisdom. 

In other news:

• On Sunday the Bhutanese community welcomed baby Sarup Gurung into the world at his cultural baby naming ceremony, which takes place when a baby is 10 days old! He is a healthy little boy, and the first boy after 3 girls, making dad very happy! Many volunteers and Mission Adelante staff were able to go and see the baby and congratulate the family.
• We love to celebrate the cultures of people from other places living in our neighborhood! Several of those involved in Mission Adelante attended Chin National Day this weekend to celebrate the unity of Chin people, a collection of various tribes from Chin State in Burma. Through our community development efforts we continue to strengthen partnerships with various Chin groups in our community as two Mission Adelante volunteers develop friendships and help Chin churches organize citizenship classes for their members.
• As we continue to study citizenship with our Bhutanese friends, it has been gratifying to see their confidence increase .  Citizenship means a great deal to them, and they are succeeding! Thank you, Jesus, for small successes.

Prayer needs:

• Adelante Thrift is currently reviewing leases for two potential retail locations. Please pray for guidance and wisdom as we move another step closer to launch.

Current needs:

• Operations Teams are Forming!  If you are interested in joining our facilities team (handy man projects) or IT Team (Think “Geek Squad”), please contact Sarah Winston at sarahw@missionadelante.org.  These roles are on an as-needed basis, and don’t require a weekly commitment.
• Our LIT students earn "Mission Adelante Money" for exemplary behavior and doing extra academic work, which they can spend at a Reward Store once each trimester. We're in need of items by March 31 to stock that store! Ideas include sports equipment, craft supplies, bedroom decorations, or any small item that would appeal to 8-14 year old students. If you would like to contribute, please contact Megan McDermott at meganm@missionadelante.org or Kristen Maxwell at kristenm@missionadelante.org.

Important dates:

• Child Protection Meeting--Saturday, February 22 at 9:00 a.m. All volunteers that serve the kids and youth of Mission Adelante should attend.
• Observation Days: Tuesdays, March 4 & 11 (Bhutanese)/Thursdays, March 6 & 13 (Latino) 6:30-8:30  Have you wondered what all goes on around here on a typical evening of programming?  Here's your opportunity to come and see for yourself!  Come on up to 22 S. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102.