This April, A Child’s Hope Foundation took a group of twenty volunteers to Mexico. A family of ten, with children ranging from age five to eighteen, comprised half the group. The other half of the group consisted of mother/daughter pairs and single adults.

During the four-day trip, the volunteers plastered the exterior wall of one of the orphanage dorms and built a cinder block wall around the Buena Vida orphanage perimeter. The volunteers enjoyed learning how to mix concrete, cut cinder block, build cages, and lay block.

Dan Tatum, a first-time volunteer, enjoyed learning new skills during the work project. Dan said:

It crossed my mind that I was not the most skilled or efficient construction worker, but it felt good to contribute to work being done for a good cause. We were able to learn and get better at the work with practice. We also had the opportunity to play with the orphans and show them love. Showing others love and respect does not take any special skills or talent, yet that is what the children need the most. The kids were awesome and were so happy to see us! The trip was a wonderful opportunity to set aside my own worries and spend a week caring about the needs of others.

The volunteers also took the Buena Vida children to a naturally heated swimming pool one evening. The next evening was a beach trip, where volunteers played with the orphans, rode horses, swam, boogie-boarded, and threw footballs.

Jory Kaiser, age 13, travled to Mexico with his parents and seven siblings. He said, "My experience in Mexico was probably one of the coolest I have ever had! I loved working at Buena Vida and meeting the orphans. It made me realize that we take a whole heck of a lot for granted. The pool and beach were also way fun. I want to go back for the next trip, that is how much I loved it!"

Thanks to all the hard-working volunteers, as well as the donors who provide the needed funds to support these wonderful orphanages!

Kim Caldwell traveled to Mexico with her 13-year-old daughter and here she shares her thoughts with us:

My daughter and I had a wonderful trip to Mexico this month. It was a great opportunity to work hard, meet new people, and serve others. The area, the weather, and the people were beautiful.

We learned that smiles and love transcend language. I loved to see my daughter interacting with the kids and having fun despite the difference in language. It's amazing what you can share even if you can't communicate verbally.

We learned that it doesn't take a lot to make a big difference in the lives of others. Our small investment of time and money not only helped the children in the orphanage, but made a difference in our lives. We left knowing we could make a difference and have fun doing it! We left wanting to share this experience with all our family and friends. We will definitely be back!