A car for the De La Cruz family

Hello!

 

My name is Cal Frogley, and I'm a 21 yr old college student living in Draper, Utah. Before starting college, I was fortunate to serve a mission in Hermosillo, Mexico, from 2020-to 2021. I fell in love with Mexico, the people, the culture, the food, and the music!! I cherish each day that I was able to live there, serving the beautiful people of Sonora!

 

During the last part of my mission, I was introduced to Gloria De La Cruz and her daughters Yenin and Maria. They live in a small town outside of Hermosillo, Mexico. Gloria is a school teacher, Yenin is 19, and Maria is 7. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like family. They fed me, taught me, and showed me around their beautiful city. Gloria taught me how to cook amazing Mexican dishes! I have ADD, and she had so much patience with me! :) Gloria is always up! She's kind, considerate, and full of life!

 

They live in the more impoverished part of the city and don't have a lot. Their home is in bad need of repairs. When I got home from my mission, I was saddened to learn that Gloria had to sell their family car, horse, a goat, sewing machine, other animals, and family items to keep up with the bills. I worry for them as Sonora has a very dangerous public transit system, especially for women. Without a car, this is their only option.

 

Gloria is divorced and supports her and her daughters alone on her teacher's salary. She works odd jobs doing what she can to supplement her income and never stops. She has such strong love for her daughters and will do anything to make life as good as possible for them.

 

They are a beautiful and dedicated family. Yenin studied to be a nail tech and is now working at a salon to help with the family finances. Maria's job is just to be adorable. She pulls that off effortlessly! These 3 women are an amazing team and share a bond that not many families have. I believe this is partly due to Gloria and her never-ending positivity, faith, and love. It overflows!

 

Since leaving my mission several months ago, we talk and facetime almost every day. They continue to bring me such happiness and love! They are all so animated and fun, and I am so grateful to be still connected with them. I think of Gloria as my Mexican Mom! They are my Familia Mexicana!

 

I continue to worry about them every day, and I think the best way I can help them is to get them a safe, reliable car. Being a poor college student, I can't do it by myself as much as I wish I could!

 

I have planned a trip back to Hermosillo next month on June 10th. I would love to surprise them with the new set of wheels!