Esperanza (hope) is needed right now and is happening again. We’re headed down to Tijuana, Mexico to build houses again from Friday through Sunday, October 16-18 with UU Neighborhood Church of Pasadena. Two years ago, Kiran and I went with Nicole Henderson-MacLennan and her two daughters Gabriela and Maribel. Last year we went along with John and Sharon Hart and Maddie Van Beek, See our posts from those wonderful experiences here (2024) and here (2025)
I think Esperanza can potentially be a life-changing experience. UU Neighborhood Church of Pasadena participates in the program twice a year. Many of the volunteers from Neighborhood say that Esperanza totally changed what their children wanted to do with their lives and at the same time cemented their UU values of service and community. It has done that for my sister and her two sons. Youth have often started participating in the program when they were young and then keep going into their twenties and thirties, and eventually for their entire lives.
Everyone is welcome, including young adults in our congregation who can build community together while helping to build homes. You must be 14 years old or older.
If you’re interested in going in October or anytime in the future, please email dmre@uusm.org or contact me, Erik Paesel. My contact info is in the directory, or see me after the service
Sign ups close on Sunday, September 27.
