Witness to Love

By Theodora Veronis

AFTER MY FIRST HOMEBUILDING INTERNSHIP IN MEXICO IN 2018, I THOUGHT TO myself, ‘this was a great summer, but once was enough. I need to be thankful for this (opportunity), keep it in my soul, and bring this joy to the next adventure life gives me.’ But the following summer I found myself at Project Mexico again. I felt similarly at the end of that season, thinking that the summer of 2019 would my last full summer. Yet, I applied again for 2020.

When I wasn’t able to return because of the pandemic, the spirit of the ranch continued to live in me, but my expectation of interning again slowly faded. Anytime I spoke of Project Mexico, I smiled and remembered my experience with fond memories. It is a place that is so near to my heart. I was convinced that my summers of homebuilding were finished. However, God had plans for me to return to the ranch with a different mission. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work closely with the children at St. Innocent Orphanage.

The lesson I have learned is that the education program is much more than teaching lessons and helping the boys catch up in areas that may have been delayed. As a fellow coworker pointed out to me, when the boys get to the ranch, they aren’t at school anymore. This is their life. The work that the staff do cannot be placed in a category because that isn’t the way that life at home functions. C.S. Lewis compares the love that comes with our faith to salt. Faith and love, like salt, are not meant to be isolated. They exist to enhance everything around us! Faith and love are not simple pillars of the organization, rather they are present everywhere and fulfilling in all things. I have witnessed those who work at the orphanage put in tireless hours because they are who the boys have as a family. They are not just teachers who are planning lessons but are people who are using their gifts to share love as they help out with homework, wrap textbooks, or size for uniforms. They share love when the kids get distracted or act out or share stories about their pasts.

I had a professor who told me that a good life is one where you admire those you surround yourself with and are proud of who you are becoming. I can confidently say that my short time thus far has put me on that track. Anyone who ministers with Project Mexico learns that there is a thin separation between work and life. The boys who live here are not projects that need fixing but are children of God who have been placed in our lives to love. This type of love is one that takes priority above all else. It is at times too much to bear. I have not yet fully been able to understand this feeling. I have a long way to go before that happens. However, I have at least witnessed the love and service since I began this path, and I am grateful.

A Letter From the Chairman Dennis J. Awad

A Letter from the Chairman Project Mexico & St Innocent Orphanage

I begin this letter with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering support of our mission. Your commitment to Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage (PMSIO) has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks.

With your help, we’ve been able to bring many of our dreams and projects to fruition—I’d like to tell you about two of those projects right now.

Over the past 2 years, we’ve been working with DIF, the public institution that oversees orphanages in Mexico, to explore the possibility of establishing an orphanage for newborn babies and children up to 5 years old. I’m thrilled to announce that a unanimous decision was made by the PMSIO Board of Trustees to construct a separate housing complex on our 16-acre ranch that will provide food, clothing and shelter for these innocent abandoned children. We have broken ground and the foundation has been laid for Casa Cuna San Felipe Infant Orphanage!

It’s thanks to your spirit of compassion that we’re able to create a home for these vulnerable babies and young children, a place where they can grow, learn, and dream. We still have a long way to go, and we are counting on your ongoing support as we move forward with this huge undertaking.

But our mission doesn’t stop there. We have taken another monumental step, one that has filled our hearts with immense hope and excitement. With your prayers and support, we have embarked on the journey to build the first Antiochian Orthodox church in Northern Mexico! This endeavor will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a symbol of unity and belonging for the local Mexican community, whom we have welcomed and supported spiritually at our modest orphanage chapel. We have now secured the necessary property for the new church, which you will be able to visit this year just 30 minutes south of the border.

As we look to the future, we acknowledge that it is your ongoing financial support that will propel us towards our goals. PMSIO is deeply honored to build these life-changing missions hand-in-hand with each one of you.

Sign up online for our newsletter or follow us on social media for updates on our progress. Together, we will create a brighter tomorrow for those in need, and we are eager to share the blessings we have received with the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Dennis J. Awad

Chairman

Powerful Presence

A Letter from the Executive Director and Priest, Fr. Nicholas Andruchow

Why do we have ears? To listen to the angelic hymns praising God. Why do we have eyes? To see the beauty in God’s creation. Why do we have hands and arms? To provide a hug of encouragement in times of crisis. This perspective fuels us here at Project Mexico. Through the pandemic and in the midst of caravans of migrants, surrounded by poverty and suffering, hundreds of Jesus’ followers have come physically face to face with the people who need help. The power of God flourishes when we show up, are present and make a difference. This year the Orthodox Church once again reveals it’s true colors by building 24 homes and laying the foundation so the children of the Lord can find refuge.

THE HURRICANE…

On August 20th we prepared for 60-mile-an-hour winds, five inches of rain and power outages. Thank God the storm was not as severe as we feared, even though it was still a difficult day. That Sunday morning, I preached to the boys and to the missionaries to have hope. As we waited for the worst of the storm to arrive, I encouraged everyone to pray as Jesus guided us to pray (Matt. 6:11). Ask for help and He will answer. Our Father, give us “our daily bread”. I emphasized that in the Greek and Latin (ἐπιούσιον supersubstantialem) it stresses that it is not just “daily bread” rather it is nourishment that gives us the ability to rise above the challenges, no matter if there are muddy roads, pressures from school or the reality of being abandoned. The meal that gives us the power is communion, the flesh and blood of the Son of Man (John 6:51-53) or as I referred to it in Spanish “superpan” (superbread in English). By partaking of this “Supersubstance” (as translated in the Latin from the Greek) we can do great things in Jesus.

FROM BIRTH TO DEATH

Since 1996 the St. Innocent Orphanage has been a home for children forgotten by the world. Now we have been challenged to start taking infants into our facilities. Babies recently born into tragic homes will be cared for on our 16-acre ranch. The Mexican government is asking us to love and nurture a small handful of newborns so that the essential human touch of love can be transmitted in those vital initial months. Most of the babies will be adopted to Mexican families. Still, some will continue to live at the St. Innocent Ranch receiving the individual care and opportunities to grow in the love of God. This Christian upbringing happens through the excellent staff and dedicated Orthodox missionaries who sacrifice in order to care of our boys. We are blessed to announce that we are building an Orthodox church off the ranch for the people of Tijuana. This will allow our ministry to fully integrate into all the stages of our boys’ life. As little children they are entrusted to our care surrounded by the Sacramental Life. As adolescents, we teach them to be Christians and now as adults, they will have a Church to attend so their children can learn what it means to be faithful Orthodox believers. And as they approach their last days in this world they will have the Church to carry them to eternal life.

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

Authentic Faith

This Spring, 2023, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the Project Mexico organization as a member of their long-term staff. At face value, that might sound like a trivial matter, but in all truthfulness, it’s a miracle, since just a year ago I wasn’t aware Project Mexico existed. 

Last December, while searching for summer internships, I recalled a comment a friend had made about ministry work. Without a name to search for, I searched until I discovered Project Mexico’s website. I promptly filled out an application for a summer-long internship, unrelated to my field of study, on the opposite side of the continent in a foreign country.

Project Mexico asked me to come for the spring break build and then to stay on as an intern for the summer. At last, I found myself boarding a one-way flight to Tijuana, Mexico. God works in mysterious ways, and “in a general sense, the Orthodox Church considers everything which is in and of the Church as sacramental or mystical.” It is all a great mystery that our simple minds will never be able to fully comprehend; thus, man was made to have faith in God.

“What is ‘experience’ in spiritual life, dearest Father?”
“A comb that you acquire when you go bald.”
“So, isn’t it useless?”
“No, because you can then use it to comb the hair
of others!”

”

— Saint Porphyrios’ Testimony of Metropolitan Neophytos Morfou

Genuine faith is not a blind leap in the dark but rather confidence in the goodness and power of God, or the existential everyday trust in the promises and gifts of God. He is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

What else do we require?

Personally, I know I have been blessed greatly. The seasons between homebuilding feels very different and beautiful in a peaceful way. I’ve been working with our homebuilding coordinator, interviewing families and learning the life stories of the people we serve. I’ve also been working with the children of St. Innocent Orphanage, who force me to examine my shortcomings and to grow. Most importantly, I’ve been given the opportunity to live and work with people who desire to serve Christ.

“What is ‘experience’ in spiritual life, dearest Father?”

“A comb that you acquire when you go bald.”

“So, isn’t it useless?”

“No, because you can then use it to comb the hair of others!”

--Saint Porphyrios Testimony of Metropolitan Neophytos Morfou

With God’s help, let us walk by faith, in humility and in gratitude. Let us not bury and hide our talents, but “whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God.” Let us expose our darkness to the light of Christian truth, “for whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord.” Amen.

Written by Margarita Mavroeidi - Long-term Missionary Staff

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

Christmas at St Innocent Orphanage

A joyous celebration of Christmas at St Innocent Orphanage

The Spirit of Christ is alive at St Innocent Orphanage during Christmas

Christmas at Project Mexico & St Innocent Orphanage 2022 (Hi-Def, 4k) In this heartwarming video and photo collage, the staff and children of Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage in Baja Mexico celebrate Christmas and all its blessings at the only 100% donor-supported Orthodox Orphanage in North America. Because of the efforts of our generous donors, we were able to surpass our $200,000 Annual Matching Grant goal of 2022. This will ensure that the children of St Innocent Orphanage are provided with the best care, education and support they need to be successful.