Two families from UUSM visited Tijuana, Mexico over a recent weekend to build houses with Esperanza International. The excursion was organized and coordinated by Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena. Kiran and Erik Paesel, along with NIcole, Gabriela, and Maribel Henderson-MacLennan, went on the trip.
All three youth are part of the CYRE Youth at UUSM. They all did Middle School OWL and COA in the past couple of years. Gabby is 14 and Maribel is 17. Kiran is 15 years old and a sophomore at Culver City High School. Kiran said of the experience —
“It was a simple way to do something good no matter who you are. It’s an amazing experience that everyone should try once in their lifetime, because of the bonds you build with new people, the good you bring into the world, and the simple fun and wonder of visiting our sister country, Mexico. It’s really awesome.”
We left on a Friday and drove down through the border. Saturday we met the family whose house we were helping build. We worked all day Saturday, mixing and pouring cement, forming a bucket brigade. Sunday we returned to the construction site for a half day of work before driving home.
It was truly a rewarding, spiritual, and inspiring weekend. It was an incredible weekend of building connections. All are ready to return to help again “as soon as possible!” The next Esperanza trip is October 24-26, 2025. Please contact Erik Paesel if you’re interested in going.
