Lessons in Faith

I LOVE MEETING THE FAMILIES WE BUILD HOMES FOR.

They have so much joy in them, it’s infectious. After these meetings, I leave with a feeling of fullness, my own renewed joy for life. And part of that often comes from an inspiring, but difficult, lesson they teach me without meaning to.

We recently conducted an interview for a single mother, Rosa (name changed for privacy), who is hoping we can build a house for her and her four kids. They really need it. Their house is made of wood scraps and tarps pieced together, and the dirt floors are eroding down the mountain. No electricity, no running water. But Rosa was, of course, grateful as could be. The smile never left her face, and she never uttered a word of complaint. Speaking with her was delightful.

At the end of every interview, we ask to see around the family’s house. It helps give us a sense of their situation. She didn’t hesitate to hop up and show us every nook and cranny, and we soon arrived at her bedroom door, which had a padlock on it since they have no front door to lock. She called to her daughter for the key, but the daughter approached, blush- ing, and admitted that she had lost the key! They giggled about the situation for about five seconds; then, without the slightest hesitation whatsoever, Rosa picked up a large rock and started bashing the padlock with it. I was so stunned that I barely managed a few garbled words about how that wouldn’t be necessary before she had already broken the padlock off. I felt awful—even more so when I saw what was inside: just a mattress and some clothes on the floor.

This really affected me. I find it incredible how easily she parted with that padlock because I know for a fact that I could never have done that. I would have scolded my daughter for her carelessness, then searched for as long as it took to find the key. Anything to avoid a trip to Home Depot and $10 on a new padlock. I probably would have done it resentfully, too, pondering why I had been cursed with so many irresponsible people in my life. But, Rosa, who can barely afford to put food on the table thought nothing of it.

What’s more, she found joy in the moment.

It’s funny; I moved to Mexico thinking to change lives, but so many of these families already have a joy that surpasses anything material. I think God’s little joke on me was that I came here thinking of spreading Christianity, while he actually sent me here to learn it. So, Glory to Him who brings low our pride and brings joy to the lowly in the midst of their sufferings!

Written by Justin Frigerio - Work Trip Coordinator

Leap of Faith

I grew up in Worcester, MA. taught me what is needed to live a successful life.  As a young boy, we would play football without equipment, just a ball and a lot of scratches and bruises.  I learned quickly that the person who is the fastest and strongest of the line has the greatest advantage.  This applies directly to our lives in Christ as we struggle on a daily basis.  Starting the first moments of the day with Jesus on our lips lets us leap from our beds in faith in God.  We spring from the darkness of sleep to face the challenges of the day with Christ in our hearts.  After 25 years serving the Church, I have learned that starting the day with Creed makes the demons of the world tremble.  Yes, every morning I read the Nicaean/Constantinople Creed to give me strength and a swift call to action to face whatever the world brings me.  Leading Project Mexico as the Executive Director I am faced with constant challenges and diversity but in Faith, I have the upper hand and leap to serve Jesus overcoming the darkness.

Leading does not mean you know exactly how to get to where you need to go.  God is challenging us to grow the Church in Tijuana.  Just miles from the American border, the Mexican people are thirsting for the Truth and yearning to feel Jesus’ loving presence.  As a result, we have been charged to open an infant orphanage to care for children from birth to four years of age.  As well, the local community has grown so much that a church needs to be built off the grounds of the ranch property.  Both endeavors have been thoroughly considered and we have a clear path forward, but there still is so many unanswered questions that can only be addressed once we take the first steps.  This is faith.  This is leaping up to be challenged not knowing how all the problems will be solved but with the solid hope that ALL the problems will be overcome. Jesus Christ’s Church will grow, caring for the suffering, and bringing encouragement to all.

I have said many times that taking care of children who have been orphaned is the “toughest job you will ever love.”  Yes, I love my work and it is very difficult.  We are charged to excel and care for boys with so many physical and spiritual wounds. Leaping to face the challenges is essential.  But I do not face it alone.  I labor with Jesus in my heart.  My springboard is the Holy Spirit being filled with God’s Grace, and I am filled with Faith that I can do it.  My leap of faith is the fact that I leap with Jesus holding my hand and this comfort allows me to persevere. 
 

Recently one of our boys shared with me that the St. Innocent Orphanage only became his home after much tragedy.  Until he was six he lived in the Tijuana prison because the Mexican law several decades ago allowed an incarcerated woman to keep her children with her even if that meant the young child would have to share a home (jail) with thieves, murderers and criminals.  This story I share not to paint a picture of pity but rather remind us of the difficulties we have to overcome in order to bring hope and rescue the distressed.  The Orthodox Church has risen to the occasion for over 35 years in Tijuana.  Jesus is holding our hands and we leap with faith having the strength to change the world into a better place.

10 Amazing Properties of Lime Wash Paint

Project Mexico Lime Wash Paint

The paint we use on each of the homes we build for the community here in Mexico is slaked and manufactured in Rosarito, Baja California from calcium-rich limestone mined in Mexico on the Ranch of Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage. Our paint is free of solvents that have pushed paints to the top of the household environmental hazards list. Our traditional limewash is made from natural lime and natural pigments.

Exterior slaked-lime paint is designed to produce unique whitewash effects on unpainted brick, stone, and other masonry surfaces. The paint is non-toxic, breathable and UV-resistant. It hardens over the years and will not peel or chip off. Unique white wash effects for unpainted brick, stone and more. Breathable, UV-resistant and will not peel or chip off. Non-toxic formula requires no maintenance.

10 Amazing Properties of Lime Wash

1.        Lime Wash Paint is specially formulated for breathability on brick, stone and other masonry surfaces

2.        After 50-100% dilution with water 4 gallons will make 6-8 gallons of paint and covers 1300-1800 sq. ft. for 450 sq. ft. / gal. depending on surface porosity

3.        A very flat finish provides the non-reflective appearance and gives the natural lime wash look of historic Europe

4.        Resists UV damage, peeling or flaking, for a durable and breathable paint finish with no maintenance, unlike a mortar wash with German schmear

5.        Easily removed with a high force pressure washer within 5-days after initial application

6.        Self-priming, 1-coat process and is applied to a damp surface and sprayed off for a whitewash effect

7.        Dries in as little as 10-minutes and up to 60-minutes, depending on sun and temperature and will not be affected by rain or normal weather conditions after initial application

8.        The non-toxic formula will not harm lawn, trees, plants, and animals

9.        Naturally mold-resistant and breathable reducing the buildup of stagnant moisture

10. Soap and water cleanup cuts time in half and is environmentally friendly

Homebuilding 2024 Dates Released

The 2024 Homebuilding Season Dates Available

Summer 2024

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 1 - May 24 - 30

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 2 - June 5 - 11

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 3 - June 14 - 20

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 4 - June 25 - July 1

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 5 - July 5 - 11

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 6 - July 19 - 25

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 7 - July 30 - Aug 5

• HB24 Mexico - WEEK 8 - Aug 8 - 14

Group Leader Early Registration is open! Submit your Group Leader application to secure your spots now.
NOTE: We will begin processing applications after August 15.

Community Service Internships Abroad at Project Mexico

Open Application for Summer 2023 Internship

Every summer, Project Mexico invites many young adults to participate in our Home Building program. Their primary role is to guide and facilitate our volunteer groups as they build their homes. These passionate, caring and energetic leaders are very special and they represent shining examples of dedicated service in the eyes of our volunteers. Our interns live on the orphanage property and spend time with our boys and they embody all that is special about our commitment to service to others. In order to be invited, our interns must be 18 years of age or older, able to commit approximately 9 weeks during the summer, must have participated in at least one homebuilding event, and must pass our screening process. WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2023

Twice as Much Good by The Alex Family

 When we first visited the Ranch as a family, we could not have anticipated the impact Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage would have on our lives. The week before Christmas several years ago, we were blessed to visit the orphanage and attend Liturgy in the chapel. With the boys sitting at his feet, Father Nicholas began his sermon. Luke, his son, translated from Spanish, “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 

Father Nicholas’s next words are etched in our minds as he gestured to the boys and said, “You are the rich ones. You have food, shelter, an education, faith, and people who love you. Tomorrow, we will go to the border to feed the poor.” 

The next day, after making countless tamales, we joined the boys, staff, and Father and his family in a caravan and set off to feed the homeless near the border in Tijuana. As word of the food spread, a line formed around the block. Our group worked behind the table to serve tamales, rice, and beans. Father Nick stood in the bed of his pick-up truck and led us in Christmas carols. The experience of being part of the boys’ Christmas preparations and celebrations, for us, remains one of the most powerful examples of the amazing work happening at the orphanage every day.

The lives of the boys, but also those of the staff and volunteers, are transformed because of the generous support of donors like yourselves. The staff provides the boys with a loving, family environment and educational opportunities and/or vocational training to give them the chance to lead independent, faithful, and fulfilling adult lives. This year, seven boys are studying at universities in Mexico, a laudable goal within the reach of many of our boys. Vocational training ensures that boys have skills to sustain themselves as young adults. 

This past spring, Alejandro became the first boy from St Innocent to graduate from Hellenic College in Brookline, MA. Alejandro is a model young man for the younger boys in the program to strive to emulate. His powerful example motivates them to apply themselves to their schoolwork, but also to their care and support of one another, like brothers. 

Homebuilding returned with fervor this year, after a hiatus due to COVID. Over 400 volunteers traveled across the border to “do for others” and built sturdy, safe, weather-tight homes that provide impoverished families with previously unattainable stability and comfort. Perhaps the most touching building project was the home completed for Humberto and his family. Humberto is one of our boys, who has grown and matured into a thoughtful young man with a beautiful Orthodox family. 

This Christmas season, your gift can do twice as much good for Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage. We have received a challenge grant that will match all gifts made from now to the end of the year. This year when  you make a tax-deductible gift to Project Mexico, you’re helping to change the lives of the 26 boys who are blessed to call “the ranch” home. 

Your gift also provides inspiring opportunities for Orthodox young adults and their elders to come together in fellowship to build homes for some of Northern Mexico’s most impoverished families, supporting the vital mission work of our Church.

We hope you will join us this giving season with a gift to  Project Mexico & Saint Innocent Orphanage. Please consider making this worthy ministry among your philanthropic priorities this Christmas.

Wishing you the blessings of Christmas.

In Faith,

The Alex Family 

George, Marlena, Ginny, and Ellie

Anticipating the Holy Spirit by Nathan Liu

Blessed Pentecost

Blessed Pentecost! It was a joy to celebrate the feast with a pavilion full of volunteers, boys, and staff. One of my favorite parts of Pentecost is our return to saying the “O Heavenly King” prayer. I love the melody that we chant here at the ranch:

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls, O Good One.

Project Mexico interns recently asked Father Nicholas Andruchow why we omit “O Heavenly King” from Pascha to Pentecost. He taught us that the omission allows us to walk with the apostles. Just as the Church asks us to participate in the events of Christ’s Passion during Holy Week, she invites us to join the disciples in anticipating the Holy Spirit during this period. From Christ’s Ascension to the coming of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were filled with nervous excitement, not quite knowing what to expect.

I experienced a similar anticipation when preparing to come to Project Mexico. From the time I was accepted as an intern until my arrival, I experienced a sort of nervous excitement. I tried to prepare as much as possible by listening to the “Stories of Hope” podcast and calling my intern friends. They told me I was in for a wonderful and challenging summer.

Arriving at Project Mexico was truly an experience of meeting the Holy Spirit. Like the apostles on the day of Pentecost, I found myself filled with joy. There are so many people here who carry the Spirit in their hearts, especially the niños and the families for whom we build. They inspire me to turn toward our Heavenly King and to implore Him to abide in me.

Have you experienced that anticipation of preparing to come down to Project Mexico? Have you been filled with that nervousness of not knowing what to expect in the homebuilding? Or that excitement of looking forward to encountering Christ in the orphanage? Come down and join us in meeting the Holy Spirit here in Mexico.

There are still spots for this summer!

First Impressions by Nathan Liu

Christ is Ascended! From Earth to Heaven!

We built our first house of the summer homebuilding season here at Project Mexico! Everyone at the ranch is excited for the first full summer after COVID paused homebuilding and our ministry for the last two years.

Last Wednesday, we celebrated a Vesperal Liturgy for the Feast of La Ascensión. Deacon Alejandro gave a homily to the niños, staff, and volunteers about how the Feast proclaims that Christ now sits in heaven and has cleared the way for us to join Him. The good news of His Ascension is a message of joyous expectation.

Project Mexico also reminds me of this hope. The ranch feels like a little slice of heaven with the beautiful blue skies, golden sun, and majestic palm trees. On a typical day, you might see the boys of the orphanage giggling at our español mistakes, the family joking with us about their pets at the build site, and the volunteers laughing over a game of Apples to Apples.

All that laughter encourages my effort to cultivate joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Let us look with hope towards Pentecost!

You can support Nathan’s internship here.

Faces of Hope: Homebuilding in Mexico by Anna Cunningham

Minerva and Jose met in Chihuahua, Mexico while working on neighboring ranches. The young couple moved to Tijuana to be closer to family and lived with Jose’s mother. The young family grew with the arrival of a son. They lived in a small 10’x20’ home with eight other family members.

Shortly after giving birth to their second son, Minerva was informed by a doctor that she had cancer. A caring neighbor recommended Minerva’s family of four to our Homebuilding program. The neighborhood kids went running to fetch her for our initial interview. Most families Project Mexico builds for are interviewed several months in advance. But in this case, Minerva’s new home was scheduled to be built in just two weeks by a group of volunteers from a parish in Louisville KY.

Minerva visited the site every day with her newborn Edgar, and her 7-year-old, Jose Jr. They were amazed at how quickly the house was completed. Upon receiving the keys to their new home, they were filled with hope and excitement. Months later I returned and asked about Minerva’s health. She laughed and pointed at her infant son, Edgar and said, “There’s my cancer walking around on two feet.” The doctors had misdiagnosed her.

When I returned a few years later to conduct this follow-up interview Minerva smiled and moved her sweater to show me that a third baby is on the way. Edgar believes that the new arrival will be a little sister but Jose Jr isn’t convinced.

Those four days Project Mexico volunteers built a new home were life-changing for her family. She still remembers volunteers by name, and Jose Jr still has the coloring books and toy cars that were given to him that week. Jose Sr now works in a factory, and Minerva makes pinatas while watching the kids. They have been able to save little by little and make improvements all over the house. She smiled and said, “We can’t do things as fast as you all did, but we are getting there, bit by bit. It was a great blessing that came to us.”

In Christ,

Anna Cunningham, Homebuilding Coordinator

Are you interested in volunteering to build homes for unhoused families? Every year our Homebuilding program welcomes hundreds of volunteers from around the world to build a home for a family in six days. To learn about our homebuilding program, tap the button below.

Voice of Hope: A Message from the Executive Director

Voice of Hope

A Message from the Executive Director

Every day and in every way we are getting better and better. This is the message I remind myself of frequently. It is important to keep this fallen world in perspective. Despite this reality, we cannot lose sight of the goodness in us and the miracles God performs daily. I want to remind you that there is still so much good in the world and we should not let the evil we experience cause us to lose sight of that.

I have lived in Mexico for more than thirteen years and have witnessed my share of suffering. Hope is the true champion and this newsletter will give you a glimpse of some the great news just south of the border.

This year, through God’s grace, we will have a full homebuilding season and welcome hundreds of faithful volunteers as they build homes for dozens of Mexican families. I was inspired by one of our missionaries who shared a fresh and powerful insight, “don’t listen to the people who have not come down to serve but ask the people who have, and they will tell you it is amazing here and you won’t regret it.”

We are happy to announce the Swanson family are joining the ministry. Zach and Sophia Swanson were work-trip coordinators in 2016 have committed to move back to Tijuana to help grow the Church.

Through the blessing of Archbishop Elpidophoros and Metropolitan Gerasimos, Zach will be ordained and bring his family to Mexico to serve. As the Executive Director my responsibilities have expanded tremendously and Project Mexico has a great need for more pastoral support. I am confident Zach’s degree from Holy Cross Seminary and his years of parish experience will allow him to truly be a vessel of God’s grace.

Great things are happening and our God, who is Good, is blessing us all. Share the good news and be the Voice of Hope in this world, which needs the message of Christ’s love and brilliant light.

In Christ,

Father Nicholas Andruchow
Priest and Executive Director