Message From Kendon
Veracruz, Mexico - A Humanitarian Paradise
Recently, I returned, along with 46 participants, from our first humanitarian trip to Veracruz, Mexico. This was a wonderful experience filled with hard work, hot and humid weather, new adventures, and wonderful humanitarian experiences. Thank you for your help and support.
I continue to be humbled by your generosity and support for Family to Family humanitarian expeditions.
- Thank you for your support for our participants
- To the kind past participant who donated money
- Thank you for your donated items
- For your quick response to a need for white shirts and ties. We were able to locate
86 white shirts and 218 ties (plus 4 suits) in a day and a half!
- Thank you to the two scouts who did eagle projects – newborn kits and first aid kits for schools
- Thank you to those who work closely with me
- To an amazing board of directors who rescue me so frequently it almost becomes routine
- Thank you for the opportunity to serve others
- For amazing people (See Lynda’s article) who prepare so well to have a memorable experience blessing the lives of others
[ Learn more about our June Expedition to Veracruz, Mexico ]
Project group in Veracruz
Health and Safety in Mexico
We are aware of the safety concerns being expressed regarding Mexico. This last trip in June to Veracruz proved to be a success with regards to the safety and health of all 47 participants. We are in continual contact with Government and Church authorities from Mexico. Our humanitarian destinations have been carefully selected with safety concerns as the top priority. [ Learn More ]
|
2009 Expedition Schedule
Veracruz, Mexico - July 14- 21
[ CHECK AVAILABILITY ]
Tecate, Mexico - August 11-18
[ CHECK AVAILABILITY ]
Mixing Cement in Veracruz
Next Expedition
Veracruz, Mexico - July 14-21
Expedition Focus
Open to everyone
Humanitarian Projects
Orphanage
Senior Citizen Center
Helping Community and Church Families
Feeding babies at the orphanage
Veracruz Background
Veracruz, the state that smiles- is not only a common phrase on signs everywhere, but a phrase we live each day as we leave the tourist scene, and go into the homes and organizations where the need is the greatest: smiles on the children of the orphanage as we play games with them, smiles on those who lovingly provide our daily lunch, smiles on the families as we pour in their cement floor, smiles on those same families as they provide us with some small token to express their gratitude…but most importantly, smiles on everyone as we all come together through service. Veracruz truly is the state that smiles.
Hanging out with the orphans
Tentative Fun activities
Whitewater Rafting
Veracruz Temple Excursion
Bonfire on the Beach
Shopping in Veracruz City
Accommodations
We will be staying at the Beachfront Villa Palmiras Hotel and Spa, 10 minutes away from Veracruz.
[ CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR JULY EXPEDITION TO VERACRUZ ]
Two Paid English Instructors Needed in Veracruz, Mexico
Hiram Berron, who works for FFHE in Veracruz Mexico, is in need of two people who would be interested in living in Veracruz for the months of July and August. You would receive room and board and $500-$1000/ month. You would help teach English to servers in restaurants. You would also be given the opportunity to learn Spanish while in Veracruz. For more information and to apply for these positions, please contact Hiram at: hiram.berron@yahoo.com.
[ VISIT THE FFHE FACEBOOK PAGE ]
|
Lynda and Ashley Martin
"This trip has really shown me that borders are just lines drawn on a silly little map"
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
|
|
|
|
