The time we spent at St. Innocent was a life-altering experience!

Margo Josheff
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Madison, WI

I am generally somewhat suspicious of marketing, and I admit that I had viewed the Project Mexico brochures with a certain skepticism.  Needless to say, I was completely blown away by the reality of the community at St. Innocent’s.  Such warmth and goodwill, and a true sense of Christian Love—things which cannot be adequately conveyed in print or photos.  Visiting you is an experience which will remain vivid for my entire life.  Thank you so much for everything you do.

 Ksenia Danylevich
Graduate, St. Vladimir’s Seminary
St. Nicholas OCA Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
 

Being in such a remote area of a country with so little technology and infrastructure, I didn’t know if I would be able to spend (let alone enjoy) the week without T.V., video games or cell hones.  However, the days passed, and I came to the realization that the week had flown by, I had had fun, and that all those things I thought I was going to miss were really just “noise” in my life.  They were distractions that many of the people I had encountered in Mexico didn’t have, yet they seemed not to notice, many of them even appeared much happier than I was.  Until that moment, I didn’t realize the immensity of the program that is Project Mexico.  Not only is it a great program because of the work that you are doing for God and for others, but it is truly a benefit for one’s spiritual self.  Truly, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Alexandra Reed-Lope
St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (OCA)
Southfield, MI

As Katherine’s mother, I want to thank you, first of all, for doing God’s work where He has called you and for providing the excellent opportunity for others to be included in your efforts.  Katherine came home humbled by what she experienced and wants to go back next year.  She made me excited to go, too!

Mary Miskov
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church
N. Huntington, PA

Our journey through Tijuana and to St. Innocent’s was the high point of our two weeks in southern California.  When we played soccer or shared a meal with the boys and staffers, it became clear that we, just like others who visit, were receiving much more than we could offer.   …thanks for showing us how helping one person at a time can add up to so much love!

Dn. Kevin Smith
Director, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale Tour, 2006
Prof. of Liturgical Music, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
 

As I prepared to leave St. Innocent’s my eyes welled up with tears.  While I felt that I had helped people in need, I felt that I had received more than I gave.  They also showed me what true character was.  These boys had the ability to overcome the obstacles that they had encountered so early in life and grow into amazing young adults.  And while I felt that I had shared my faith, I realized that the boys had given me a renewed sense of faith and inspired me to look deeper into my relationship with God.  People have asked me if it was a culture shock when I arrived in Mexico.  But I always respond that it was more of a culture shock returning to America.  Looking back on my trip to Mexico I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. 

Justine Palivoda, 17 years old
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (OCA)
Parma, Ohio
 

There are not words in the English language that can adequately describe my trip on Project Mexico. I had expected to feel charitable, or even noble in my mission to help those who needed it, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be humbled by 20 boys in an orphanage. The amount of love that they show for each other, even after horrifying pasts, awed me. The part about my trip that touched me most had to be the insignificance of the language barrier. I was startled by the universality of love, compassion, and caring. It didn’t matter that we didn’t always understand each other; we still managed to communicate our gratitude and affection. My week in Mexico is undoubtedly the most magical trip I have ever been on, and would absolutely encourage other people to participate as well.

Katie Svilar
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (OCA)
Parma, OH

I just wanted to let you know how amazing an experience it was for me. Now that I am back home in Delaware I am finding it hard to adjust. I didn’t realize how attached you could get to people in one week. I not only bonded with other group members but also the boys. I think Project Mexico is full of wonderful people and staff and I can’t wait to come back.

Melissa Riley
 St. Michael Archangel Orthodox Church (OCA)
Wilmington, DE

I hope to return as often as there is space for me to come. Truly, I have gained more than I have helped others. God bless this work of mercy. Thank you for focusing on our spiritual needs. It does keep the work to be done in perspective.

Lori Smith
St. Nicholas OCA Church
Mogadore, OH

I hope and pray that I will be invited back. This week has been a tremendous source of revitalization for me. It is so refreshing to see your work bear fruit in such an immediate manner. God bless you!!

Fr. Michael Abdelahad
 St. George Antiochian Cathedral
Worchester, MA

I have never seen a happier group of children as the boys from St. Innocent Ranch. That is a testament to the great care and Christian enrichment they receive every day.

Elizabeth Ghiz
 St. Ignatius Antiochian Church
Fitchburg, WI

ANONYMOUS QUOTES TAKEN FROM EVALUATION FORMS

This trip was extremely eye-opening. Though we made a difference for one family, there are so many needy people throughout the world that I’m now more aware of. I will most definitely come back.

I would like to return and I think that my life is significantly changed because of my experience here.

Thanks for everything! You really helped me to stop, think and sort through things in only a week. Plus you gave me an unforgettable experience.

If I had had any errant ideas about what it means to be a servant, they would have been corrected by the living examples set before me (this week).

I learned a lot about myself on this trip. It helped me connect with myself and get to know other people much better. But most of all, I have a better understanding on how the majority of the world lives.

This trip was exactly what I needed. The spiritual direction and the action was a perfect combination. I am forever grateful.

I’ve done work such as homeless ministries throughout my church but have never done anything like this before. Being here is so satisfying—to make a difference makes my heart feel so good. No amount of monetary compensation can give this feeling that this experience has given me.

This trip was amazing and the memories, lessons, and overall experience was more than I could ever experience/ask for. Thank you so much for your hospitality and the opportunity.

I am so happy to see the Orthodox Church extend itself beyond Her traditional ethnic boundaries. God bless all of you that have helped make this possible and continue to make it happen.

This experience was an emotional and spiritual shift in my life. I feel like I’ve become closer and more open-minded towards people. I have a new appreciation for the things I have.

The worksite was amazing. Seeing the family and how grateful they were for a stucco’d house was unbelievable.

This has given me new direction and new focus, put problems back home into perspective and rekindled my sense of inherent human goodness.

I would just like to say that the experience with Project Mexico has really changed how I look at life. I no longer take things for granted. I am truly grateful for everything I have, including family, friends, food, shelter, infrastructure, etc.

During this trip, I felt that my spiritual growth was immeasurable. The strength of my faith is better than ever before. The people I met have really helped me grow in faith.

The work made a difference in Mexico, but the biggest difference was in me.

This was one of the most helpful weeks for my soul in my lifetime.

I hope I can express to people at home the joy I feel right now. Words will be hard to find.

Please feel free to contact us in any of the following ways:

Comments / Suggestions for the website? Send Email to: webmaster@projectmexico.org

Top of page