Because of the prosperity that most of us enjoy, it is difficult to truly understand the basic and fundamental challenges that exist just beyond our borders. Only minutes south of one of California’s favorite vacation destinations, you will find Tijuana, Mexico, a city not only of considerable size and history but of significant human poverty and hardship as well. With a population of over 1.3 million residents, it is sobering to appreciate that nearly half of them live on less than $200 (USD) per month.

This brings me to introduce Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage, a non profit organization dedicated to spreading the orthodox faith by facilitating the faith in action to those in need. In the beginning Project Mexico focused on helping struggling families make a better life for themselves by providing them with secure, safe, permanent homes. Once families have saved enough money to pay for the mortgage on their land, they have very little left to construct a secure home. As you drive through the impoverished communities around Tijuana, you will see homes made of old garage doors, wooden pallets, tarps, tires or other materials that were, ironically enough, likely discarded from homes within the United States. 600 people this summer will be traveling to Project Mexico this summer to change this reality, staying for 1-week increments building homes. When each home is built, the family is gifted an icon and in this fashion, many come to find Orthodoxy. Eventually it was recognized that many teenage boys were living on the streets of Tijuana without a family. Many of these boys would find themselves sexually or physically abused, and with no where else to turn wound into the hands of drug cartels. After a substantial amount of planning, preparation and hard work, government approval was finally obtained and St. Innocent Orphanage opened its doors in September of 1996. Since then, this equestrian ranch converted to an orphanage has provided a loving and stable home that emphasizes family, healing, education and faith. This brings us to the third mission of Project Mexico, the Casa Cuna Infant Orphanage. This began when the leadership of Project Mexico visited the Tijuana DIF shelter during the Nativity season to bring hot food and some Christmas cheer; a place where at times, more than 250 children have called it home. When they entered the nursery, they were met with rows of hospital-style bassinets filled with babies, some asleep, others lying awake staring at the ceiling. The two women caring for the babies said that by the time they had fed and changed each child, it was time to start over again. They were able to meet the most basic needs of these babies, but nothing more. But most alarmingly, although they spent at least forty-five minutes in the nursery, they heard no crying. These precious babies had found that their cries received no response and had stopped trying. So, the first orthodox infant orphanage was born.

This summer I will be going to Project Mexico for two months to work on their summer staff. My position will be at the Casa Cuna Infant Orphanage and as a Medical Assistant. To do this, I am asking for your help. I am working towards a goal of $4000. This money will go towards flights, food, fast-track border clearance, and more for my time at this beautiful mission. This is an amazing opportunity to serve, to bring love and care to those in need, and to be part of something truly transformative. I cannot do this alone, and I humbly ask for your support—whether through financial contributions, prayers, or simply sharing this mission with others. Every donation, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to making a real difference in the lives of these children and families.

If you feel called to give, please know that your generosity will not only help me reach my goal but will also be a blessing to those who need it most. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your support. May God bless you!