Youth Group Mission Trip to Mexico

On August 26th thirteen people from St. Wilfrid's headed out towards Tijuana with the goal of working together to construct a house in four days. By the end of the second day that goal was accomplished! This project was a success, not only because of the dedicated effort of those who physically worked, but because of the support of so many in the parish whose prayers, encouragement, and financial donations made this trip a reality. Thank you so much for your support!

Sounds of hammers banging, saws humming, and a happy team laughing could be heard as the house quickly came together. Hector, our building director, was very clear in his instruction and everyone was ready to step in and help when summoned. Within hours the framing was done and the roof was being assembled. At the end of day one, the house - including drywall and shingles - was well on its way. By the end of day two the house was complete.

Because of the generosity of those in the parish (you know who you are) and the quickness with which we were able to accomplish our task, we went above and beyond. A majority of groups that do this same project leave the house's inside unpainted. We bought paint with the extra funds we had raised and used one of our extra days to finish painting the inside of the house. Also, Monica Martin had previously prepared very attractive curtains and a beautiful tablecloth accompanied by dishes and even napkin holders. The mother of the family was deeply moved when we presented these things to her; she finally had a table and table setting to serve meals to her family and friends. On our last day we went to Costco and did a $600 shopping spree for needs and blessing for the family. To our surprise, when we returned to bring our newly purchased gifts, the family was waiting with a meal that they had prepared for us. We sat down at the table, which had been a gift from Monica to the family, and we all had a meal together. They had a chance to serve us!

This was an amazing time for everyone involved. It is truly amazing how a group of people from Orange County and a group of people from Tijuana are separately living the stories of their lives, and for a very short period of time those stories connect and through that connection lives are changed forever!

Nathan Fussell
2005 Director of Youth Ministries