Builders of Hope

Trenches and Children

2011-01-05T22:37:00.000-08:00

Our first adventure today was to the Esperanza Clinic where we were greeted by Doctor Patty. We were given a tour of their facilities as they explained to us how people from the neighborhood come to them for medical assistance. The cost is only a fee of thirty pesos, which is about 3.50 USD and their services include dental aid, vaccinations, psychological assistance, and a “petite” emergency room for acute care. In the case of serious injury, they team up with the local hospital to give follow-up care after they assess the situation.

Today, we started working on a different house in a new work site and with a much different job than what we were used to this week. This new family whose house we were building is much more poor than the one we worked with yesterday. Also keep in mind, we were now working on the side of a hill, which was a challenge for most of us. When we arrived, we started digging the trenches to lay down the foundation. The group was split into two with some of us digging and the rest of us moving buckets of dirt and rocks out of the way. It turned out that this would be the most difficult day of work for us, but we all persevered and most importantly realized how each of us contributes to the task at hand. At this point in this experience, we have gotten so used to each other that we can understand what we are all capable of and are now better able to work as a team.

The day ended with a visit to an all-girls orphanage called Santa Teresita, which is headed by nuns. When we arrived, it was dinner time. We were able to share a meal with the children and get to know them better. Although only a few of us can speak Spanish and understand them, they were still glad to greet us and talk to us. After dinner, it was play time, and all of the kids took us by the hands and led us outside for some fun and games. Most of us were running around chasing after the kids, with some of us giving piggyback rides to the younger kids. Eventually, most of us were playing soccer with the older kids. We ended the night with the children singing to us Christmas songs in Spanish. Then shortly after, our Japanese volunteers sang a popular song about unity and uniqueness.

The conclusion of this day was a quiet evening making s’mores by the fireplace.

Sun and Soccer!!!!!

2011-01-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

All and all today was a great day. We started the morning soaking up some sun at the posada. When we got to the work site, we had the task of making cement and finishing up the wall. The most fun part of the day came when a soccer ball appeared out of the dust. FIFA has got nothing on us---our team consisted of Mexicans, Americans, Japanese, Korean, Haitian, Burmese.

We spent the day working with a great family in an amazingly supportive community.

When we returned to the posada, we had exactly ten minutes to get ready for Casa Del Migrantes-a facility for migrants (mostly deportees from the US). Since we are limited to one minute to shower anyway, we had nine minutes to prepare. Off we went through Tijuana passing densely packed houses, in conditions that most Americans might not consider livable. We learned part of the reason for this at Casa Del Migrantes. Father Luis, the director, explained that thousands of Mexicans, and South Americans flood Tijuana everyday hoping to cross the border into the US. When they find they cannot, they are left to make their way here in Tijuana. At the house, we heard many sad stories of fathers torn apart from their families in the US because they were illegal immigrants and they were deported back to Mexico—a stark contrast to the tight knit community we met earlier today.

Mud and Rainbows

2011-01-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Confusion reigned as the hearty team of volunteers worked to overcome the chaos of the blizzard on Dec 26th. We were all amazed to find out that the airport was still recovering by Wednesday. Almost everyone’s flight plan was interrupted . Finally all but one volunteer made it to San Diego airport by the appointed 12 noon meet up time. Due to confusion at the JFK terminal and several gate changes, Miguel missed his flight. By a great miracle he got the last seat on the 4 pm flight to San Diego. Getting Miguel from the airport to the border was bit of a challenge but by 10 pm we found him sitting in Mc Donalds having Big Mac in downtown Tijuana. To make it more eventful, on the way to the Posada, we got a flat tire, and faithful Esperanza team member Victor rescued us and changed the tire in the pouring rain. When we arrived we found all the lights out and everyone sleeping.

Those without blankets had a bit of a sleepless night. Morning broke, with a bit of rain. Eduardo, the director of volunteers met with us to give an orientation and soon the bus was packed up. We were off to “La Morita” to meet “Theresa” whose home we were going to work on. The rain continued and we got out into mud filled streets. Despite of the off and on showers we mixed 12 bags of cement and poured the floor of Theresa’s home. The whole neighborhood turned out to help. In about 2 hours the floor was finished and lunch was served.

The sun finally came out during lunch and we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow arching over the mountain. For many of us it was the first time to see a full rainbow with all it’s colors. We knew the week would be good (especially if it stopped raining and the mud dried up.) We finished the walls of Theresa’s home and we headed back. It was a quiet ride back as that most of us were sleeping.

Reactions to the day? “You don’t need language to communicate. You can speak with smiles, hugs and laughter.” “The living conditions were more severe than I thought.” “The work was a lot harder than I expected.” “The people were so friendly and happy.” “Too much mud.”

After a spaghetti dinner the group rested and was soon off to bed.

New Year's Eve with Esperanza

2011-01-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

I spent last night in mexico..what fun. We went to one of the families whose home is being built. The whole neighorhood was there. I think we are going there to work this week.

The place was thick with kids. The group that was just finishing their week had a priest with them. He already knew the kids and so I had instant credibility. Our first task was to walk to the store to buy fire works with them. Then the fun began. Nothing like being surrounded by 9 year old boys with fire crackers. A few bottle rockets later and the clear night sky was bright with color. Car alarms would go off as the explosions happened.

The house being built had a floor and only partials walls. It became our dance hall. We ate wonderful Mexican food. I was driving so I had to fight off the "Padre..Tequila" chant and managed to get us all back safely. (Since I had the vehicle I did drive to the store for replenishment of the Mexican delight.)

It was a very cold night for this part of Mexico and so a nice fire was lit. Great way for 9 year olds to light fire works. As people left the 'dance floor' they would come over to chat, laugh, scold the boys (but never stopping them,) and of course get warm.

My camera ran out of battery and only got a few pictures but I will post some pictures later. One of the most fun New Year Eve's I've had in a long time.

I'm back in the States now, and will pick up our crew tomorrow. Pray for us. Pray that it gets warmer...the night was very cold!!!

The Blizzard Effect

2010-12-30T06:32:00.000-08:00

There is an old saying. We human's make plans, God laughs. I hope God isn't laughing, but I had hoped to fly out today, but I got a call last night saying my 8:30 AM flight was canceled. I used my cell phone, home phone and skype phone to call to Jetblue and finally got through. The very nice agent got me on a flight on Saturday to LA. I'm going to enjoy a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to San Diego. Sure glad I have flight insurance on my credit card.

Builders of Hope 2011 Here we Come!

2010-12-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

With the winds howling and snow blowing the call to Tijuana was all the stronger! We head to Mexico to build homes again 12 strong. This year is the 10th Anniversary trip. It is hard to believe that 10 years ago Andy Valdez, Reggie Padilla, Sunil Persaud, Julianne (Lovejoy)Gonzalez and myself headed to Baja California without really knowing where we were going and what we were doing. We got lost on our drive down within the first 5 minutes in Mexico. Yet even with that, it was a great trip.

This year we head down with:
Jeanette Murray
Audrey Yip
Valerie Montreuil
Andrew Cordero
Christie Cardinal
Minseok Lee
Michael Riggs
Fr. Ted Brown
Jeanette Murray
Miguel Montalvo
Ryutaro Takada
Megumi Nishimura
Yuya Hagiwara

We hope to post a blog every day so watch what we are up to! There will be reflections, interviews and videos! Be sure to pray for us!

We'll have tales to tell for sure!

Oom Pa Pa and 3 Kings.

2010-01-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

Today, Jan 6th is the last of the 12 days of Christmas, also known as 12th Night in Shakesperian Circles. Our 12th day of Christmas was quite a day. As usual when we arrived at the work site the now familiar, oom pah oom pah music was blaring from the neighbor's house. It made us work faster.

When we arrived today there was one retaining wall up and one line of bricks for the foundation. Our assignment of the morning was to build the foundation up to ground level and then back fill with dirt we dug from another area of the yard.Watch the video

We filled backfilled and you could now see where the floor would be. It was approaching 12 noon and it lunch was almost ready. We had been eating around the edges of the house to be on what ever we could find to sit on. Before we knew it, a table had been placed on the soon to be floor, chairs brought out and a beautiful lace table cloth was placed on it. It was Dias de Reyes!
Day of the Kings! This is the day children get presents. (We had brought plenty with us)

Rosina, the mother announced that on this day, they would have their first meal in their new house. Soon the topas, beens and rice were served. The most wonderful rice milk with cinnamon was brought out and the celebration began. It was the first holiday feast in their new home, although only a foundation was there. Most of us were near to tears. After the meal, in the Catholic tradtion, blessed the house. No lintel yet, no door yet, but we knew where it would be and the traditional 20+C+B+M+10 was written on the cement blocks in chalk. The four corners blessed with holy water and then the round of applause. The children gathered for presents. I would not have wanted to be any where else.

The celebration was over and now the cement began. From 1 pm to 3:30 pm we mixed cement with out stop. In the end we made 8 tons of cement, passed 1 small bucket at a time to secure the foundation and begin the floor. We could barely stand when finished. We cheered that it wad finally done. (More awaits us tomorrow.)

We came back to the Posada, had 10 minutes to wash and change, then head to Casa de Migrante, a shelter for Migrants many of whom were deported from the US. This house run by the Scalabrini Missionaries allows them to stay for 12 days while they figure out what they would do. We ate a meal with them and heard stories of fathers leaving their children behind in the States after living their for 20 years. We talked to a 20 year old who was picked up, seperated from his family and now in a country where he knows no one. It was heart breaking, but we were impressed at the work of the Brothers and Fathers of the Casa.

After a very long day, we arrived back at the Posada for a wonderful meal and the tradtional King cake. I think we will all sleep well tonight. (I'm sorry if there are mistakes...I'm very tired.)

Landings and Diggings

2010-01-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Everyone arrived after delayed flights, but all frustration vanished when people stepped into the balmy 75 degree weather and was greeted by palm trees and light breezes. We packed up the vans and took the ride to La Gloria. It was an easy ride with a bit of road construction, making the ride much more comfortable. Now the roads are paved almost to the Posada. People unpacked and we were off for some food at the La Gloria Taco Stand. We returned to the Posada, celebrated Mass and made our 'mail boxes' and headed to bed.

Seven AM came fast and we were up and ready to by 8:30 AM. Volunteer leader Eduardo Zavala Reyes welcomed us and gave us an orientation. We were then off to the work site. We landed in a new neighborhood, after a bit of a hair raising ride to the site. Hills and drops are always part of the ride. We met Rosina, and her chidren Jackie, and Jesus whose home we were to work on. It struck me, "Does it get any better than this. Here we are on the 9th day of Christmas and we are going to build a home for little Jesus." Soon bricks were moved, and shovels were flying and we began a trench. By the time we left a 7 foot retaining wall had been built. We headed back for a pasta dinner and most went to bed rather quickly.

The waiting game..delayed flights

2010-01-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in Starbuck's in San Diego waiting for the last of our crew to arrive. Yesterday the 'advance crew,' Max, Kimber and Veronica arrived. Kimber spent the week with Rigo and his family and met us at the Posada. Veronica and Max arrived, but late.
We went shopping at Tijuana Costco last night and filled 3 large wagons with food, but under budget! Yay!

When we arrived back Clair the volunteer from last year, and Uriel the young Mexican whose graduation we celebrated were wating for us. Uriel tells us he is enjoying college but was sad he had to head back tommorrow.

I hear it's snowing in New York...It's about 70 degress here.

Getting Ready for Builders of Hope 2010

2009-12-09T04:51:00.001-08:00

The group has formed and we are beginning to get our gloves, hats and first aid kits ready. Some are hitting the gym to be ready to pick up the bricks and others are ready to jump in now. We'll be blogging again from the 4th to 9th of January! Follow us!

Reflection by Kimber Johnson

2009-07-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Reflejos
My name is Kimber, and this year’s trip was my third experience working with Esperanza International. This year presented many challenges when planning this trip to Tijuana, Mexico. There was the scare of increased violence among the border towns. Then, too much dismay was the scare of the swine flu. Both times, our media rocketed out of control. The violence was between the policia and the drug cartels. The swine flu ended up being more of a danger in the United States, especially hitting close to home in New York. (Not to mention, that all the while in Mexico, I never noticed any sort of panic. Yet, while in San Diego for a short few hours… I saw plenty of people wearing face masks in public!) Nevertheless, July 5th, 2009 came and it was finally our week to help make a difference in Tijuana.
The week went fast, as it always does, but there was just something about this trip that set it apart from my others. It was definitely a combination of experiences. So, please, allow me to share.
Sunday, July 5th, we arrived at the Posada. This year we were welcomed in the midst of a fiesta. It was a joyous celebration for one of the workers who graduated high school. We were introduced and invited to celebrate as well. Our group took time to be acquainted with the members of the Seattle group as well as some of the Esperanza families present. Overall, I could not ask for any other way to arrive in Tijuana.

Monday, July 6th, our group began the first day of work. Again, this year was unique. This year was my third trip, but it was the first time we would take down a house before building the new one. The house that required demolition was a wooden house that had been constructed by a religious organization. The most insane part was that the house was built from wooden pallets… and the pallets weren’t even dismantled. Problem is a real sturdy and lasting home requires concrete. Bug infestations cannot be prevented with wooden houses in this area. The wood is not treated with pesticides as it would be in the United States. And so, the house was taken down little by little. It really was something to see. Someone in our group questioned Ines, the home owner, whether it was hard to see her home come down. Roughly translated, she shared that this was not her home. It was a house that was built for her. While she appreciates it, she never met the workers and it was impersonal. This house—that our group was helping to build, meant more to her.

Tuesday, July 7th consisted of another hard day of work. It was after this hard day of work that our group, along with the Seattle group, made a trip to Tijuana Beach to see the border. We had some time to walk along the border fence from the Mexican side. To take in and process what the border means to us, and what the border means to the Mexicans. This year, the construction of a third fence commenced. Friendship Park is no longer. Friendship Park was once a place where separated families could once meet and hold hands. While these meetings were still through a fence, there was contact. This new fence eliminated this possibility. This infuriates me. I do not believe it is necessary for one fence to be separating neighboring countries and families, not to mention three. The most shocking scene to me during this trip to the border was the marking and vandalism of the monument. Last year, there was not one mark on this monument signifying the end of one country and the beginning of another. To see such anger, resentment, and sadness expressed was just unbelievable. To me, this sight states “We’ve gone too far.”

Wednesday July 8th After another hard day of work—digging, picking, removing tires, removing nails, passing buckets of dirt, and much more, our group took our first ever trip to Casa del Migrante. The Casa has the capacity to receive 180 male migrants. It provides shelter for about two weeks, clothing, basic medical services, food, assists the men in applying for legal papers, and contacting their families. This organization is also responsible for placing crosses on the border fence for those who have passed attempting to cross the border. The crosses have the name if known, the age if known, and sometimes the city if known of the person. However, if this information is not known, not identified is written. This organization is truly amazing for all that it does. Many of us were able to hear personal stories of men at the Casa.

Thursday, July 9th This evening after work our group was able to visit the orphanage. My first year working with Esperanza International, which was two years ago, we had visited this same orphanage. To my surprise there had been wonderful donations and a new play yard had been constructed. There was a huge rush of energy as the girls came running over to play with our group. Cameras were a hot item. Every single girl wanted to take pictures of anyone and anything, pretty much everything. The next big thing was a wonderful magic trick that one of the girls decided to show us. Once that was out in the open, the magic trick would be shown to you at least once from each girl, from youngest to oldest. Capuche was also a very popular game. I did not know this Spanish term when I walked in, but on the way out I knew, and will never forget that it means piggyback ride. The one thing I did notice that evening was one of the girls that had held my hand oh-so tightly two years ago, during my first trip to that orphanage. She was older and bigger, but looked the same and responded to Fabiola. I was torn at this moment—heartbroken at first, but then pleased. This place is a glorious place. The sisters take great care of the girls and it is probably the best family one could ever ask for. Not to mention that the girls are welcome to stay as long as they want. There is no age limit. They will not get kicked out. Instead, the sisters will help the girls find apartments when it is time for them to venture out on their own.

Friday, July 10th was our last day of work and probably the most worthwhile. We dug all week. We dug about ten feet down. Digging does not show immediate progress. Digging is very slow paced. However, digging is the most important task for building a house. Without the excavation, a foundation cannot be poured. After digging all week, the last day we were able to lay the foundation bricks and begin building up the retaining wall. We took the necessary steps to insert the rebar and secure the rebar together with wires and pliers. Before lunch, we were successfully able to pour the cement. That day at lunch, we had a fiesta of our own with Ines and her family. Carne Asada was served with tortilla, avocado, frijoles, and extremely spicy items that I have learned not to eat. Lunch was delicious. But then it was time to say goodbye. And just as I am writing now—my reflections, we all shared our thoughts and emotions of the week that passed. It was time to say Adios. We took pictures, exchanged hugs, and promised to learn more Spanish for the next year. Well at least I did.

And so, with our week complete I write my reflections. But to me, it does not capture the entire spirit of the trip. It is something you have to experience for yourself. And so I urge you, if possible to experience this trip yourself. You won’t regret it. I will close with a very moving phrase written on the monument at the border “Deseo un mundo sin fronteras”. I wish for a world without borders.

Over all impressions

2009-07-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

By Veronica Mirenda

This was my first experience to Mexico and I didn’t know what to expect other than hard work. I didn’t know any of my peers that were able to go after the date change, but I made long lasting bonds with my new friends. The Esperanza experience often leaves me speechless, even when not put on the spot. I have so many thoughts and reflections in order before my mouth opens and then I go blank. I appreciate having the privilege and opportunity to be able to go and be one with the community in Mexico considering all the prerequisites and protocol they may have to go through to come to the Unites States.

While in Mexico we were able to see the embarrassing extent as to which our government has gone to with the building of 2-3 walls bordering the 2 countries. To see the innumerable amount of memorials for those who died trying to cross the border makes one feel sad, uneasy, over privileged discontent and ambitious towards change. We were taken to a facility that helped to provide accommodations to those migrants who have been deported from the U.S. Some have been in here for so long that they no longer remember how to speak Spanish. They were taken from their families and have nowhere to go. This place offers them a room, meals, phone calls to their families and help to get back on their feet.

We went to a girl’s orphanage that was so uplifting that you lost yourself in the fun and excitement of these little chicas. Racing through them all, giggling constantly and having fun was great but so hard to say goodbye. Its sad to know what great little girls they are and knowing that they already had troubling life issues. It is exciting on the other hand because the sisters are providing a much better life for these girls and they have a great hope for a bright future.

During the days in Tijuana we worked on creating a foundation for Inez’ home. We took down a home that was built by another organization because the wood used for this initial structure was half rotted and cockroaches were infesting some of the pieces. After the house was taken down we went through all the beams and saved suitable pieces and tossed the bad ones. We had to remove the nails from each piece, as not to waste materials, also ones that were bent had to be straightened out for future use. Materials are so scarce and expensive that it really broadened my mind as to what is really going on I some parts of the world and how much we take for granted. We had to move about a 100 or so tires that were supporting the initial foundation for the wooden house and we dug and eleven foot trench and built a wall made of cinderblocks and cement to create a stronger and better foundation for the new house. After each accomplishment (even those as small as getting a nail out of a board) everyone moved on with great force and asked how they can help someone else or just helped if they were mid project.

There were people from all over town who came to help build this house and help build up this community. The community and the love are so great that you have such a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Inez’ son Caesar dropped everything to come and help build this house for his mother. They are a part of our family as we are now a part of theirs. Everyone is so appreciative and welcoming, it’s nice to work side by side and be one with them and their community. I have learned a great amount through this experience. I plan to share it with others and to learn more Spanish to be able to communicate more efficiently. This has opened my mind and body to all possibilities and Esperanza. (hope)

Some After Experience Reflections

2009-07-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday July 8, 2009

By Danielle Hindieh

Our visit to Casa del Migrante, in my opinion, was the most emotional
of all we have done in the past eight years. I believe that it showed
us directly how our actions effect the Mexican people. We heard
stories from the priest who ran the facility. He told us a case about
mothers who had dropped their children off at school and as they were
driving away they were stopped down the street and deported later that
day. What were their children thinking when they finished school and
no one came to pick them up? What will happen to these children? I saw
people from all different walks of life all brought together for the
same reason. Our government deported them.

I met two young men in their early twenties. They each had a wife and a young child back in the states. One gentlemen had gotten a new job in Florida and was one
his way back to California to get his family to move them when his bus
was stopped at a check point and he was deported later that afternoon.
I met another man who had been in the States for over twenty years. He
was deported because his INS card had expired and he didn't make it
down to the office to renew before it did. Back home (in the States)
he had a daughter in college and a son in high school. These men may
never see their families again. I started to feel guilty because
earlier in the week I had been complaining about some family problems
to a friend but I would see my family again in only a few days. I'm
not sure our citizens or our government realizes the serious problem we
have created. By making children born in the US legal citizens, and
not their parents, we create a problem when their parents are deported.
When their fathers are deported we created single parent households
with lower standards of living. That leads many children to join gangs
and involves themselves in lives of crime to support themselves. When
both parents are deported we just overload our already over crowded
system with more children. Our government needs to know the
repercussions of destroying the family system, So do our family and
friends. I tried telling a friend about it and she said so how is this
my problem? What should we do about it then? A suggestion is to write
our congressmen to tell them about the situation and how they should
work to protect families and keep them together.

Our Last Day

2009-07-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of our last day.

Internet has been down.

2009-07-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Our internet has been down for the past day or so. Here are pictures of the past couple of days.
Alum Raymond Zhao joined us last night for our final day. After 4 days of digging we finally built part of a retaining wall and poured the cement to hold it fast. The family was grateful, knowing that in about 1 month they will have a new home that will not flood when the rains come. More to come on our experience.

Here is a synopsis. On Wednesday night we went to Casa del la Migrante, which gives people who have been deported back to Mexico a place to stay, food and help while they make their future plans. We met some people who only spoke English because they came to the United States as children and never learned Spanish. They are now in a country they do not know, have no family and have to make their way.

After a day of work on Thursday we went to an orphanage run by these wonderful sisters. We were impressed with how wonderful the place was. The girls seemed very happy. Even after they are 18 they can stay on until they figure out what they will do with their lives. Very humane.

Today we finished our evening with a wonderful meal the Ana Mar restaurant just south of La Gloria. It has been great here. We saw no violence, we always felt safe and did not experience any panic about the flu. It has been great.

Life in the Trenches

2009-07-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

Day 2

The group spent a long hard day digging a trench which will soon be replaced by a load bearing wall. A hot day of pick-axing, shoveling, and moving endless buckets of dirt and sand left us all pretty exhausted, but with a feeling of accomplishment.

Before we returning the Posada for much needed showers and a hot meal, we made our way to the great ocean whose name means peace. Unfortunately, the road leading to the beach runs parallel to the border, whose very presence denies the possibility of peace. We saw the a wall stretch for miles before cutting itself right into the Pacific Ocean.

On the Mexican side of the beach we saw families under umberellas, strolling the beach, and kids playing soccer. Not one person stood on the American side, only a border patrol SUV. We saw a young boy quickly sneak through the fence to retrieve the soccer ball that had been kicked to the other side.

Apparently, one wall is not good enough. We have two, and have heard that a third is on its way up. We saw an area of the wall where a park once stood. "Friendship Park" was a place where divided families could be together. After the park closed, they could at least see and talk to one another through the fence. Now, the second wall makes the gap from our two countries so far that a person on the other side is barely visible.

It is hard to have answers for an issue as complex as immigration. After seeing the border I am left with more questions than anwers. One of them being: Do we really want to be the country that puts up a wall?

-Jeanette
Builder of Hope 2009

Cement in My Gum

2009-07-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Reflections by Mary Ann Damato

I have known Father Ted Brown and worked with him on various projects since 1988. This This experience in Mexico seems to bring me back to many other wonderful service projects, but this is the first time I can honestly say that I have had cement in my gum. As I was literally pulling down a wall(we have to take down a house before we put up the new one) I was contemplating what it would be like to tear down the Wall that is so very present in Tijuana.

Also it made me think of how important it is to tear down all walls between people.

Anyway, the cement in my gum could really be helpful in taking the tartar off my teeth. Yes, there was a lot of joking around on the site that included seven of us from the C.W Post team and twenty of the wonderful Mexican men and women who are a part of the Esperanza Family. Many were the same people who were with us yesterday at the fiesta that celebrated a young man named Uriel. It was his graduation from high school.

Last night they were swinging a stick at a pinata, in between dancing the cumbia and meringue. Today the same people were swinging hammers to bring a new abode to a deserving family.
In doing the work one couldn't help but notice the little family articles: a Winnie the Pooh picture here, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe there. We kept working in the the Mexican sun because the loving energy that bounced off each of us made the hard work lighter, and the antics of Eduardo, our fearless leader, kept us entertained enough for us to forget how hot and tired we were.

The Arrival

2009-07-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone arrived on time in San Diego with little problems. Within minutes the van was packed and we were heading to Tijuana. The boarder crossing was easy and within an hour we were at the "Posada." We arrived in the middle of a "Fiesta" honoring one of the young workers who had just graduated from High School. It was quite a big deal. At Mass I blessed him and he was quite moved.

Of course the first day had to have the obligatory trip to the Taco Stand in downtown La Gloria.

We left quite satisfied after a couple of taco's or other great food.

Above are some pictures of our arrival. Also after talking with the members of the Seattle group I found that the nephew of mayor Goodwin of Brookville is here with us. Small world.

Tomorrow the day begins early and we start the work. More later.

Leaving on jet plane

2009-07-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

After postponements and the ups and downs of rescheduling, a hearty bunch of us are heading out to Mexico this weekend to do some housebuilding in Tijuana. We are excited knowing that we are there for these good people when they are really hurting. The economy is bad here in the States but it is having an devastating effect in Mexico and the charitable organizations that try to help.

Esperanza is down 60% in the number of groups and funding. We are happy to do our part. I hope to post some pictures here daily. Their internet connection is pretty good so it should work well.
This year's Builders of Hope are:

Fr. Ted Brown
Jeanette Murray
Mary Ann Damato
Aida Vera
Kimber Johnson
Veronica Mirenda
Danielle Hindieh

We are sharing the experience with the Seattle group that showed us the ropes so many years ago. It will be good to reconnect with them.