Homes of Hope

Every once in a while we experience something that really puts everything in perspective. This past week (April 19th-21) I went on a volunteer trip with Disney, a project called Homes of Hope, to Tijuana to build houses for 4 families. About 75 of us went down on a bus. For most of us, it was our first time participating. We really didn't know what to expect, and the living condition was hard to imagine without seeing it ourselves.

The first night we received a warm welcome from the organizers of the event (Youth With A Mission). There was a mariachi band playing while we ate a traditional mexican feast. At the orientation after dinner, we found out which team we were on. I was on Team 4, and knew most of the people on my team. Since we had to leave by 7:30, we all got into bed early....except my roommate Ann and I found "Gray's Anatomy" on tv, and had to stay up to watch it!


This is our site that belongs to Familia Gutierrez Aldaba, whose house was burnt down about a year ago. A family of 5, Ismael the father who works as a taxi driver, making about $75 a week. Lucia the mom who seems so gentle and sweet takes care of their 3 kids. Daughters Gloria and Blanca were shy at first, but quicklly warmed up to us and helped with painting the walls. And 2 year old Ismael Jr (who Michelle called our little pumpkin), was also doing his best painting the fence and tried to help us carry the wood.




On the first day I did mostly painting. Every piece of wood had to be painted, which helped to seal the wood. Unfortunately our team wasn't supplied with gloves or goggles, so I think it slowed us down. Also the lack of space to work, we spent a lot of time just moving things around to make room. We didn't realize how far behind we were on schedule until we talked to the other teams later that night. All of our work day had to end early because of a bad storm and we had to leave because the streets were getting flooded. We all returned to the hotel, but I'm sure everyone was concerned about the families we left behind in the down pour. And not knowing what the damage was going to be to the structures we've already built.




Friday night our whole group had a nice dinner together to celebrate a great day. We all made lots of new friend, some of us work in the same building but have never met. We shared stories about our day, and also started a collection of money to give to the families. After dinner, we made gift bags of Disney toys and clothing that we later surprised the families with. That same night, I was woken up by really bad pains in my right arm. It was a combination of working all day and falling and landing on it. Luckily my sweet roommate thought of icing it. It helped out a lot, except I was woke up again when all the ice melted on my blanket!



Saturday the sun came out, and we all pushed ourselves to get everything done on time. We did our best, but still needed the help of another team. I volunteered to paint a sign for the family. And some of the neighborhood kids were very excited to help me.



When everything was done, we had a very emotional ceremony to give the family the key to their new home. Each of the team member had a chance to hold the key and say something about their experience to the family. I couldn't hold back my tears throughout... And when the family went inside and got to see the surprise gifts from us (a stove, a dinning table with plate settings, a bunk bed with all kinds of toys and clothes laid out...and lights and a ceiling fan!) we all had the biggest smiles, and have forgotten the terrible storm and hard work we've experience.



I had such a wonderful time on this trip. Not only was it emotionally rewarding to give something to a family in need, it was also a great team building experience with the people I work with. I also have a new appreciation for all the things I've been blessed to have to my life. The friends and family I love, my health, my home. I'll never forget this trip, and plan to do it again next year.