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Families in Mexico Receive New Houses From
Los Alamos, NM
 As spring comes to an end and graduating seniors move on to the next stage of their lives, they may reflect on their time spent in Los Alamos. Three of those graduating seniors will not only reflect on their time spent here, but their time spent elsewhere in the name of Los Alamos. Earlier this spring, the United Church of Los Alamos sent a team of builders to Juarez, Mexico to build homes for those less fortunate.
Three homes were built for families that have an average income of $50-$100 a week for a family size that ranges from four to six.
 Laura Erickson, trip coordinator for UNCHLA revels in the many aspects of good seen in every trip, every year. “It is wonderful to visit the families from previous years. We worked in the same neighborhood in April, 2007, so we were able to see those houses. Two of them had built additions onto the house we built. Several yards were nicely landscaped with trees, and mulched with crushed pecan shells. At one house they had build a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the yard,” says Erickson.
Several members of the team also returned to a previous build site with several campers from the 2005 and 2006 build year. “One senior, Emma Myers, had built a strong friendship with a little girl from her freshman year, Ana Laura. Her family's house has an addition on the front which they use as a little store, and the peach tree we gave them has thrived and shades the front yard. Emma was so excited to see Ana Laura when she got home from school,” says Erickson.
The 2008 year found yet another special experience for the build team. Antonio Hernandez, who was a home recipient in 2007, joined the team as their interpreter. Hernandez, and eight year old son Jony, spent the week with the builders and helped as the Los Alamos contingent talked with the new families and visited the families from last year.
Albert Elder, the Chair for the fundraising that took place prior to the trip was impressed by the energy of the young adults and how hard they worked each day. “I am moved by the level of commitment that they bring to the build sites. They complete the assigned tasks everyday no matter how much heat, wind, or rain we have,” says Elder.
 While away from Los Alamos, each member of the team is “adopted,” by someone from the church that prays for the builder while away. The pair also receives a journal which focuses their thoughts for the day in a particular area. “Agents of Change,” was the theme selected highlighting topics from politics, religion and culture and featuring famous names such as; Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Gandhi and the loveable Mister Rogers.
The youth as well as their adult counterparts read about gratitude, sacrifice, courage, and patience asking questions like, “How has this week helped you appreciate what you have in Los Alamos?” The members were able to look inside themselves after spending a week away from cell phones, the internet and television.
 The week is long and the work is tough, but for Tanner Johnson, the work is also meaningful and rewarding fun. “The fact that we gave the families a totally new and improved home that will greatly help them out is great. The houses we build greatly improve the families' lives, and that is the most meaningful part,” says Johnson.
Johnson also made some lasting friendships along the way, which he will miss. “We've had some great memories in Mexico,” says Johnson, “I will really miss the times with friends the most.”
The trip is also relationship building at it’s finest. “It's so much fun watching the impromptu soccer game and ring-around-the-rosie at the community dinner. We invite the families and the whole neighborhood to a hot dog cookout,” says Erickson.
When it was time for the dedication ceremony, a highlight of many that includes prayer and a formal handing over of  the keys, something special took place in 2008, according to Erickson. “This year, each husband indicated that the wife should be given the keys!”
The team returns to Los Alamos sharing the many stories and pictures gathered along the way. A special service, led by Youth pastor Keith Lewis, was created to allow the members of the congregation to share their appreciation for work done by a few, in the name of many.
The Mexico Mission trip is an annual event and church members and non church members are invited to attend. If you would like more information on the trip or how to make a donation, contact the church office at 505-662-2971.
Terry Langham
Member
The United Church
Los Alamos, NM
 
 
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