"Before I joined Mi Casa Foundation, I believed that God still worked miracles; during my year of service in Mexico, he proved it to me every day. This year opened my eyes and my heart to the wonders of God. The Mexican people I served taught me how to act like a person of faith, how to have hope in the most oppressive of situations and how powerful love truly is. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and I will never forget the seeds that God planted in me through this."

  - Emily Boal, Cochranton, Pennsylvania

"Through this volunteer experience my character has been transformed. The work environment provides an ideal setting for growing in the compassion of Christ, while the cultural environment teaches me a lot about my Christian faith. I have discovered a strong side of me that I never knew existed. I walk away from this experience not only with an enlightened perspective of my purpose in life, but with a foundation of faith that I know will give me what I need to achieve that purpose."

  - Jonathan Dooley, Boerne, Texas

"My time volunteering in Mexico was the most challenging and rewarding experience I have had. The caring and the chaos in the culture combine in such a beautiful way that it brings you to a newer and more simple way of viewing the world. You see everything through immense love. An experience like this teaches you to have a stronger faith, a deeper recognition and appreciation for human dignity, and most of all patience   - more patience than you thought it was possible to have."

  - Kristina Sample, Claremore, Oklahoma

"My time as a missionary has been a blessing in many ways. What I remember most are the compassionate people who are serving the Lord at the mission. Their selfless acts taught me how to serve. I will never forget the children nor the caring adults who made it possible for the children to have a better life. I feel that I have become a more compassionate and giving person, all due to the Lord's guidance."

  - Dora Lomelí, Modesto, California

"My year as a missionary showed me so many beautiful and mysterious ways that the Lord's plan is fulfilled. I tried very hard to be present for the boys, without realized that it was natural for them to be present to me. The gave me so much unconditional love in return. They showed me the love that they were capable of giving to a father, a grandfather or a friend. I now know that they took care of me more than I did them."

  - Arturo E. Lomelí, Modesto, California

“In this life, the Lord calls all of us to strive for our own sanctity. He desires that we constantly work on acquiring the virtues of faith, hope, love, patience, understanding, etc., but the most important of these is love. In my service as a missioner, I was able to see this virtue practiced daily through the staff and the children themselves. By the giving freely of my love towards His children, God return His love to me through them.”

  - Eric Ahern, Glendale, Arizona

"If I were to describe my personal experience of service I would say that it was an act of mercy. Not of my mercy toward others, but, rather, of God's mercy towards me. I was given the chance to kiss the feet of His Son, Jesus; to do this through serving His innocent children. I was given the faith to fulfill His will. I was given the grace to suffer in His holy name...and given the honor of being called."

  - Jason Saucier, Biloxi, Mississippi

"Looking back on my experience as a missionary, I realize how rich and meaningful it was. I often think about the children, the elderly , and the staff that wer so close to me and I feel connected to them through prayer as part of God's family. The challenges faced for one year humbled me and helped me to seek God in every person and every place, knowing that our humanity bounds us beyond any difference in reace or culture."

  - Thomas Clouqueur, Cachan, France

"Being a missionary was a life  -altering experience that I hope many others will enjoy in the future. There is nothing more satisfying than doing the Lord's work for such needy children. The more you give, the more you receive."

  - Sarah Kolacz, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

"When I think back on my time as a missionary, I am really proud to have supported despairing families and cared for children who would have otherwise fallen through the cracks. As a house  -parent, I took care of girls in kindergarten through sixth grade. It was a privilege to teach them about the world, God, and themselves and to encourage and empower them to try to live up to their full potential. I made steps towards my own full potential as well, by being pushed to grow in patience, flexibility and love."

  -Colleen Conway, Madison, Wisconsin

"Before I arrived at the mission, it was arranged that I would teach English in the secondary school, equivalent to the U.S. 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. I worried about teaching middle school students, and students who were coming from troubled home situations. What I found were students who were respectful, helpful, appreciative, and ready to flash a smile, engage you in a conversation, or share their music. The teaching staff was just as supportive and warm. From the one year of giving, I received a lifetime of special memories."

  - Shirley Jones, San Antonio, Texas

"God-spent time with kids. Share in the work. A mission is a place to come in contact with God. He has called His children together to share a part of life. To be able to share a part of that love and closeness is enlightening. Everyone has a God  -given talent to share, be it work, schooling, sports, or music, there is a need for all."

  - Daniel Ramirez, Butte, Montana

"For some children, a mission is their last hope. What a blessing for us to be a part of the excitement of helping children attain a better life through discipline, love, and education. It gives them an opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
The elderly 'Ancianos' who are alone or are abandoned are so appreciative of nutritious food, shelter, and clothing. Here, they feel a closeness to God. It is a beautiful place to spend their last years, in this loving, caring atmosphere."

  - Wilma Ramirez, Butte, Montana

"My year as a missionary was a great experience for me. The Mexican culture along with the warmth and love from the children and adults showed me God's presence at the mission. This life  -changing experience gave me a different outlook on what is important in life and the experience of trusting in God."

  - Rick Jones, San Antonio, Texas

"At the age of six, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse to help people. When I became a nurse, there were many different ways to help people. Not until I became a volunteer at the mission did the joy of giving really become apparent to me. I received much more than I gave. The Prayer of St. Francis, "for it is in giving that we receive," became very real to me."

  - Jane Perea, Denver, Colorado

"The experience is something that I will cherish forever. The children filled my year with joy and laughter. All they want is someone to love and care for them. Many just need an ear to hear them out and show them that they are God's children."

  - Leonard Villaseñor, San Antonio, Texas

"I would like to invite anyone who has the need to serve the Lord in a very special way to visit our homes here in Mexico. I have discovered a strength that I didn't know that I had."

  - Sylvia West, Corpus Christi, Texas

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