DREA, NICOLE, JUSTIN, STEVE & NATE ASHBY PARTICIPANTS JULY 2011
TESTIMONIALS
JERRY AND JERIPRINCE Participants October 2011
Just wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful experience in service and in testimony building. We loved every moment!!! And it was fun to be with you and Megan, having connection with family was a bonus for me! It was interesting to watch you interact with the officials and leaders at the Festival and with Presidente Landa. I could feel your love for the Mexican people and your compassion for these brothers and sisters. Nice to go and see first hand what motivates you to keep going with this Humanitarian effort. The people are humble and beautiful. I am grateful for your passion to help. "What the world needs now, is love sweet love" and you are actually taking action on reaching out. Awesome to be a part of your vision but not just yours--I felt very strongly that you're not in this alone. I felt the Saviour near every day as we began with prayer and ended with song and prayer. When we call upon the Lord for his direction and blessing, it is amazing to feel his spirit directing what goes on. I'm thinking that's no news to you:) You've had the blessing of helping so many under His direction. May the Lord continue to bless your efforts!
KATHY EDWARDS Participant
The FFHE Trip my family took in April 2011 was an amazing adventure….life-changing, thought-provoking. There was not one member of my family who didn’t come away from this experience without having been affected in some positive way. Although we all worked hard to build the stoves for the people, and that is what we thought we were going on this expedition for, was to work hard and serve, what we actually gained from this trip was so much more. I don’t know if I can do justice to the experience. When we got to our first work-site, it was up in the remote mountains of Penal des Amoles. We fell in love with the area and the people. The women are amazing! They pretty much spend their entire day gathering wood to build a fire in order to cook to survive. Although these families had little by way of money or monetary things, their homes were immaculately kept and the women seemed happy. There was such a sense of love and unity and community life that we couldn’t help but be in awe of them. I remember walking up the mountain carrying some items with me, and my son asking if he could take them for me. I said, “No, if these women can do it day-in-and-day-out, I need to prove to myself that I can do it, too.” Although we didn’t speak Spanish, we were able to communicate with these people by way of service and the use of translators. And after we built the stoves for our families, we were always rewarded with smiles and faces filled with pure joy; there was an especial look of hope on their faces. I would say that we saw that look over and over during the week. The look of hope, joy and relief on the faces of the women whose homes we made stoves for. It made all the work worth it. Being LDS, I now understand it when missionaries talk about falling in love with the people where they serve. That is exactly what happened.
JASON HAFER Participant ... 6 MONTHS LATER
I participated in an expedition to Tequisquiapan Mexico in October of 2011. I had been involved with the Global Health Scholars program at the University of Utah and wanted to apply what I had learned in an International Humanitarian Project. In the program, we had learned about many of the problems and things to watch out for with international service groups and studied how to provide sustainable aide, while working with the people, and doing no harm because we were there. As I looked at potential organizations, I found many of them were doing things the wrong way and potentially creating some of the problems we had studied about. FFHE, however, appeared to be doing things right. Thus, I went with them on an expedition. To my great satisfaction, in Tequisquiapan I not only discovered that everything was working the way I had learned it should at the University, but that the experience was much more wonderful than I had ever imagined. I learned so much on the expedition and had so many heart-touching experiences that I know I am changed forever. I will never forget the people I met in Mexico, the friendships I made without even being able to speak Spanish, and the lessons I learned. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and as I am currently applying for Medical School, I consider it one of the most valuable experiences I had in preparation. For my application, I had to write about the expedition and the flood of feelings and meaningful memories it brought back made me feel like I had to say thanks to FFHE once more. Thanks for the experience of a lifetime!
VALERIE BUTLER FFHE BOARD MEMBER
Valerie Butler is a wife and mother of five children and the Director of Aspen Academy of Learning - a small private school in Payson, UT. Here she has been able to teach children the blessing of service as they have participated in three expeditions to Mexico with FFHE. Valerie has volunteered in many projects over the years including the Centennial Wagon Train, Santaquin City Youth Court and the Santaquin Park playground. She was named volunteer of the year by the Utah League of Cities and Towns in 1996. Valerie is passionate about learning, family, faith, fulfilling dreams and the students of Aspen Academy.
JUSTIN SKINNER Participant
In October of 2010 my two brothers, my father and I had the coolest experience of our life. For a whole week we got to forget about our self and our needs and were privileged to help others that were in need. I will never forget this experience; it was a wonderful opportunity to bond with the boys in my family, all with the same goal of serving others. Going on this expedition I thought that I was going to change other people’s life’s, however I soon found that I was changing the outlook on my life more than I would ever be able to change the life of others. I will always remember this experience with FFHE, and the amazing changes it made to my life.
JASON SKINNER Participant
In October of 2010 I was able to take my three sons to Tequisquipan Mexico with FFHE. I felt like it was sort of a mini mission experience, well organized , meaningful service, and a chance to grow closer to my sons and give us a chance to service to those in need. All of the participants we were with had the same goals for the expedition. We came home with a new outlook for our lives and how we can serve others throughout our lives. I feel like the hard work together along with the time spent will keep us closer as a family and the memories and friendships we made on the trip will never be forgotten.
KEMP FAMILY Participants
Attending the Humanitarian Expedition to Mexico was truly a life changing experience for our family. We invested a good part of our summer in preparations as we worked on our Son CJ’s Eagle Project preparing humanitarian kits that we delivered to the people. It was great to step out of our comfort zone, visit new and amazing places and meet such grateful and humble people. We made some lifelong friendships with those we served and those we served with. We plan to participate in future expeditions and to continue the relationship we have made with the FFHE team. It was an experience that we will never forget as we fondly remember the people we met and the lives we touched. Thanks Kemp Family Oct 2010.
THE OSTLER FAMILY & FRIENDS
"Our family and friends traveled to Tequisquiapan, Mexico this year with FFHE. It was the best, hardest, most fulfilling, inspiring week we have had together. We chose FFHE because they encourage the whole family to go, not just older kids who can work. Our 8 year old inspired us all. He worked so hard. Kendon, (the founder and owner of FFHE) is a blessing to humanity and it was our privilege to serve the people of Mexico working side by side with him. We're already planning our return trip! " Ostler family
BECKY
REGISTERED NURSE
"A very real experience. True to FFHE's purpose families helping families, be they one member families or seven. We were all helping!! I learned a lot from the people we served. In fact I would say they taught and served me more then I did them. I plan to come again, one day soon!"
CASS
"The first expedition I went on as an 18 yr old, right out of high school and I fell in love! It was a life-changing experience for me, I loved the culture, the food, the language and the people. It led to making life-long friends, me going on a mission, and literally changed my life. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve my fellow man and the blessings that come from that in my life!"
Courtney Hohl
"Going on expeditions with Family to Family has drastically changed my outlook on life. Each expedition, in a different location in Mexico, has been different but equally rewarding. The October 2009 Veracruz trip was my third with the group and I am grateful for the experiences we had.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was not only what we were able to give through service but what the people we served gave us. Their example, humility, and love taught me more than I could have learned from any anthropology class. It taught me more than what it means to do something nice for someone else. The love of the Mexican people and also the love of the people in our group has taught me what the Savior teaches all of us: what it means to put God first in your life.
Besides learning so much from the other group members who come from different backgrounds and who have faced different life experiences, another one of my favorite parts of the trip was seeing how much the Mexican church members came together to serve each other. They are such hard workers and dedicated a lot of time serving their neighbors and friends. I love Family to Family for the relationships I have gained with the people as I have tried to serve them. They have shaped my life and changed me in ways I can't express. The only way to truly understand is to experience it yourself."
Sam Nyman
"Veracruz is such a beautiful place: the ocean only a couple miles away and colorful beautiful buildings lining its streets. But my favorite part of the whole trip was the people: meeting the families, talking to strangers, and making friends. They all taught me something, through the stories they told me of their struggles to get by, through their gratitude, or simply through their kindness. I specifically remember Saturday morning when a mother told me how she felt about God. She said, “He is like the sun, everywhere…you can’t avoid or hide from him.” This provided the realization that God is not just present in our little family in Provo, Utah. He really is everywhere. The trip overall was a great spiritual experience. I came back an improved, and more polished individual."
Breana Jones
"When July rolled around, most of my desires to go on the expedition had vanished. What could I offer? I had been to Veracruz on the June expedition already.
Everything in my life seemed to be falling apart, from serious health problems in my family to personal financial issues. I had nothing to give. My vision narrowed as darkness seemed to crowd around me. I was so close to backing out, but something kept me going. And then I arrived at Veracruz. Who knew putting in a concrete floor could make such a difference, not only for the family, but for me?
Having been born and raised in Mexico, poverty has constantly surrounded me. But never had I seen such extreme poverty as with the Velasquez family: six people sharing one bed in a house made of tin, wooden crates, used carpet and a stove in back, made out of tires. Their optimism, smiles, hugs, and charity in such grave circumstances of poverty were awe striking. As I spent more and more time with them, my personal burdens seemed lighter and my vision clearer. It was at their home that I learned a great lesson: When trials come our way, service is a means to shine light not only into the life of others, but into our own life because in doing so we draw closer to greatest light of all, our Savior. And this light of service is what continually expands horizons."
Lynda and Ashley Martin
"At the end of each day, Katie would have us pick a word that defined our experiences. My word for the entire week would be unity. We started out at the airport as a group of unsure teenagers, but at the end of the week, left as best friends. How else could you get 18 girls to share 2 showers? Spending seven days together working and serving the Lord showed us that we shared a love for God’s children and a common desire to help others.
Attending Sunday School with the Veracruz ward also helped me feel unified. These were teenagers from the other side of the world, who didn’t even speak the same language, but we had the same beliefs and standards. I also had a similar experience in the temple. While waiting, I was able to speak with a girl named Roxanne who was from another part of Mexico. Wow, we had so much in common! I kept having the thought, “she’s my sister in the gospel.” We all are. This trip has really shown me that borders are just lines drawn on a silly little map."
-Ashley Martin
"Simply stated, spending six days serving the people of Veracruz was the best experience I’ve ever had. Working under extreme temperatures and conditions, I was privileged to see joy in the faces of children, hope in the youth, and gratitude in the adults we served. The outpouring of love from those performing the service and those receiving was at times completely emotionally overwhelming, yet thrilling. I encourage anyone to make whatever sacrifices necessary to participate in future expeditions, as I will always be grateful for this tremendous experience."
-Lynda Martin
President Alejandro Ramos, Estaca Veracruz Villa Rica
"By means of this letter, I wish to express to you my gratitude for the labor of love and charitable service that the brothers and sisters have so graciously bestowed on the brothers and sisters of the Arista ward of the stake over which the Lord has allowed me to preside. The floors placed for the three benefiting families will be a blessing of health and of desire within the brothers and sisters that received this blessing to improve their circumstances. The white shirts have been a great help for the youth who will soon part for the mission field, and whose economic conditions do not allow them to have all necessary items before parting for the field. And no doubt, the toys and clothes will be a blessing to the sisters of the Relief Society and their little ones. Please express my gratitude to all the participants in this labor of love."
The Brown Family
"Even though we went to Mexico to help the people there, we feel like we came away having gained so much more than we gave. It was'nt an easy vacation by any means, but we learned about working hard and laughing together. When asked what her favorite part of the trip was, our 14-year-old daughter will say it was the day they moved bucket after bucket of sand down the stairs. She claims she still has the bruises to show for that day. We came to realize that we don’t need lots of “stuff” to be happy. We also came to realize that sometimes we need to slow down and enjoy the little things in life like holding a child, spending time together, helping one another, and laughing together.
We loved our trip with FFHE to Ensenada. We miss the children we got to know and wonder how the family we helped is doing. Now that we've rested up, we’re ready to go again."
Jamie Lawson, LDS Living Magazine
"I recently joined Family to Family Humanitarian Expeditions on a trip to Ensenada, Mexico, to experience first-hand how a trip filled with service rather than entertainment could impact someone. I believe I speak for all of us who participated when I say the experience was nothing less than life-changing, and one we will never forget.
While working to build new homes for two wonderful families in need, I learned that language is not a barrier. As we communicated with them heart to heart through smiles, hugs, and broken Spanish, we were all able to convey the love we had for one another. And while our goals in Ensenada were ultimately accomplished through construction projects that improved the living conditions of the families, I believe projects like these merely facilitate a greater cause that reaches far beyond the building of physical structures—we built bonds of friendship and love with the families we were serving, as well as with each other.
If you choose to go on an FFHE, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll have powerful experiences as you work side by side with people of another culture to accomplish a common goal. And while it’s true that the service you give will have a lasting impact on the lives of others, the life that changes most will probably be your own."
Bear
"I really enjoyed the trip to Mexico. I got the chance to meet and experience a different culture. The people that we were with were awesome. They all brought something special to the trip. It really opened my eyes to things that we take for granted and at the same time I noticed things in this country that we never realized we didn’t have. The people there, monetarily speaking, had so little but at the same time they were happier that most people here. If you walk down the street in America people don’t say “hi” unless they know you and even then, sometimes they don’t. There people seemed happier. They would smile as they walked down the street. Kids laughed and played more than kids here. I never would have realized just what the people in this country take for granted. I’ll always remember the people I met on the trip and I’ll never forget the places and things I saw while I was there."
Adam
"I've served others in many different ways over the past few years. However, the expedition to Zihuatanejo was unlike any other service project I had been involved in to date. I was used to preparing a donation or physical gift to send to others through the mail. This experience gave me the opportunity to serve face-to-face and see just how much our simple efforts can greatly benefit others. Seeing their happy faces and receiving their grateful hugs at the end of a building project was enough to make the whole week worth the while. I'll go back every year
CONTACT US
EMAIL: info@ffhe.org 4219 N. Canyon Rd.
Provo, UT 84604 FAX: 801.607.1137 TEL: 801.372.1087
Valerie Butler is a wife and mother of five children and the Director of Aspen Academy of Learning - a small private school in Payson, UT. Here she has been able to teach children the blessing of service as they have participated in three expeditions to Mexico with FFHE. Valerie has volunteered in many projects over the years including the Centennial Wagon Train, Santaquin City Youth Court and the Santaquin Park playground. She was named volunteer of the year by the Utah League of Cities and Towns in 1996. Valerie is passionate about learning, family, faith, fulfilling dreams and the students of Aspen Academy.
THE OSTLER FAMILY & FRIENDS
