Building Bridges, Building Hope, Renewing The Face Of The Earth.

When we woke up this morning, we had a more in-depth orientation with Eduardo, the Esperanza program director. We learned more about him and where he comes from,  inspiring us more with his words and why he is where he is today. When we headed to the work site in the community for the first time, we were introduced to the family for whom we are building for. As Cenalda, the mother spoke, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation for us coming to help her and her family at our own will. As we worked, we were introduced to the infamous cement mixer, bucket-passing, hammering metal, tying re-bar, and lying bricks for the walls. Cenalda, her daughter and friends that came to help cooked us the most amazing authentic Mexican meal. We talked about how much money this family had to have saved and how long it must have taken them to put this meal together for us.
As our eyes and hearts continue to be open, we continue to stand side by side with the families of Tijuana - American, Chinese, Finland, and Mexico people sharing life - Passing hope, love and faith along with each bucket...each brick.
Some may ask, "Why can't you stay and help the poor here in America?..." There is government in America to help the poor - Americans may disagree with how much they are given and how it isn't enough. But here in Mexico, the government isn't in a position to help its people because of the great need. It's Esperanza, a private agency that provides the Mexican people with hope...and that's why we're here...to continue to spread hope to more families.
I'll leave you with a quote from Eduardo today. "I don't need to be rich. I don't want to be rich. I'm rich now because of what I hold in my heart. I've never lost faith." The days will go on and we will continue to ask ourselves why the world works the way it does?  Why money is the basis of quality of life? Why right over that mountain in the distance in California is life so different? But we will also continue to see that when we fill our hearts with hope and faith, we can truly do our best to make the world a better place.