Why Was AZM2M Created?
For the past decade, our group has worked with a non-denominational group out of Oregon called "Mission to Mexico" to travel to a rural farming village in Baja, Mexico. We typically met the fellow volunteers at the border and caravanned down together towards our destination. As the years went on and volunteers' schedules became more complex, it was increasingly difficult to coordinate with the Oregon volunteers in order to participate in the "Mission to Mexico" mission trip. With our desire to provide Christ-like service still kindling, we decided to start our own organization and named it "Arizona Mission to Mexico". AZM2M has served as a source of growth and love in our lives over the past several years and we want to share this wonderful service opportunity with others.
Where Will We Be Staying?
In 2014 we took a group of 120 people down to Francisco Murgia, Baja, Mexico and together we built two beautiful homes. The group consisted mostly of families with children ranging from 6-21. We camped on the grounds outside of the small El Faro Orphanage. All food was brought in by our organization and a 500 gallon water tank on the grounds was made accessible to us, where fresh filtered water was delivered as needed. Also, with the recent help of some of our amazing volunteers we have installed showers at the camp grounds which allows our volunteers to feel refreshed after a full day of service.
What Should I Expect When Volunteering?
Volunteers wake at sunrise and get to work until sunset. After your day of service we gather around a campfire and participate in fun activities. It is hard work, but so rewarding. The homes we build are about 1,000sf. and are accompanied by a bano (which is an outdoor restroom). The homes have electricity, but no running water. These homes are completed within six days. At the end of the week, we dedicate these homes to the families and they are able to see and walk through them for the first time. As you can imagine it is always an emotional moment. Most people have been living in homes made of wood pallets, scraps, tarps and old blankets, yet they are always so happy and humble. The night before we leave we have a "Fiesta" and invite the orphans, locals and the new home owners to participate in the food, fun & festivities. There is always time to play with the local children and to be a ray of light to those around you.
