The Long-Term Volunteers We’ve Touched

“I thought I was going to help others to understand God’s love and to help them come closer to Him during the time I was in Mexico, but my experience at the mission made me realize that it was the complete opposite; it was actually those who I served that brought me closer than I ever thought I would be to God.  Every person I met had an impact on me that I will never forget. I know this was just the beginning because I realized through my experience that the closer I get to God the more I look for Him.”
-Maribel Burdick, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“I don’t think that a day has gone by in which I haven’t thought about my year volunteering in Mexico and how those little girls have touched my life. It was a challenging year, and I admit it was difficult at times, but it was also so fulfilling and rewarding – it’s hard not to feel warm and fuzzy when getting a big hug from a little girl who smiles and says “te quiero.” For me, the whole year was definitely a learning experience – learning about myself, learning to overcome challenges, and especially learning what it really means to have faith and trust in God.”
-Laura Ward, Greeley, Pennsylvania

“It took another language, another culture, and the abandonment of my own self to the children at the mission to merely graze the surface of the wonderful graces of servitude.  In a year, I learned more about my faith, my marriage, and the needs of God’s children than I previously thought possible.  Through this experience, I have been changed into a better husband, teacher, and friend.  I will be forever grateful to the Mi Casa and the work they are doing for the poor and abandoned youth and elderly of Mexico.”
-TJ Burdick, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Becoming a yearlong missioner was an answer to God’s call to step out of my comfort zone, trust Him, and give of myself in ways I didn’t think were possible.  It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but worth every moment.  I learned what it means to live my faith and what it means love… to give until it hurts and then keep going.  25 little girls are now a part of my life forever, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
-Deanna Jones, Memphis, Tennessee

“It was the hardest year I’ve ever been through, but in the end it was family. If you’ve ever even thought you might like to do something like this, DO IT. You will have your heart and soul transformed forever by the people and children of Mexico.”
- Mary Pint, Las Cruces, New Mexico

“Our year as missioners passed by so very quickly…yet a lifetime of memories were made. The Mi Casa family allowed me to live out my dream of helping others whose need is so very great. And in doing so, I spent the most rewarding year of my life, learning and growing far out of proportion to what I was able to give.”
– John Willcox, Denver, Colorado

“I think it’s a relatively obvious statement when I say that Mexico changed me completely, but it’s true. I have never looked at the world in the way I look at it now. Spending a year as a mother, a teacher, a friend – all these things changed who I am and how I view the world today. My time in Mexico helped me become more compassionate, more empathetic, more involved in a different culture and a different way of life. I hope to carry the things that I learned this year with me always, and to never forget those people and children who changed my life completely.”
- Jessica Ranweiler, Warminster, Pennsylvania

“As a missioner, I left my home and shuffled off to Mexico to serve God’s children. However, serving God is not always easy. It takes perseverance and an open heart. Through perseverance, I never gave up on my kids. And with an open heart, I was able to look beyond things I didn’t understand. This year was very challenging, but also extremely rewarding. My experiences as a missioner have transformed me into the person I am today: a person who continues to answer God’s call to serve his people, one smile at a time.”
– Holly Davis, Three Rivers, Massachusetts

“Before I joined Mi Casa, 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

“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