Newlywed Life as Volunteers in Mexico: Growing in Faith, Love, and Service at St. Innocent Orphanage

My wife, Evangeline and I have lived in Mexico for a year now, serving as volunteers at St. Innocent Orphanage and Project Mexico. Living on the ranch as newlyweds has been a humbling experience, from navigating our new life together in such an involved community to learning to reset our priorities to put Christ and our marriage first. What a journey full of joy, leaps of faith, struggle, and trusting blindly it has been. And glory be to God, the journey continues!

Seeing our marriage and each other grow through our work is the most incredible experience. Evangeline has had challenging experiences in her work with the infants and toddlers at Casa Cuna San Felipe and has become a more grateful, patient, and loving person. I continue to learn and grow in my everyday interactions with the niños and thank God for this opportunity to give back to the place that has given me so much.

Growing up as an orphan, it can be difficult to grasp what a healthy and loving relationship between a husband and wife looks like. Our hope for our marriage is to be an example for the boys and those around us. As Evangeline continues in her work with the babies and I continue in mine with the boys, together we strive to minister to this community that is doing God’s work by opening our home to all who need it, praying for our marriage to be a blessing to those around us, and asking God to use this time in our lives to teach us the meaning of sacrificial love.

It is truly beautiful to pursue the challenge of carrying out God’s will alongside each other in our first months of marriage and to struggle with choosing to trust God again and again. We are so incredibly thankful to this ministry for bringing us together, giving us this special chapter of our lives, and helping us draw closer to our faith through striving to serve as Christ served. 

In Christ,

Alejandro and Evangeline Zendejas

Alejandro Zendejas is a former resident of St. Innocent Orphanage and has since graduated from Hellenic College in Brookline, MA. Alejandro and Evangeline have dedicated their first years of marriage to this ministry.

Stories of Hope with Melina of Casa Hogar

From the Desk of Stories of Hope with host, Julia Kasten

I’m happy to introduce Melina Martinez, who is a crucial part of the work that gets accomplished on Project Mexico’s 16-acre ranch in Baja California. She is part of leadership, and the second hand to Guillermo (Director of the Orphanage Programs). Melina helps Guillermo raise the boys, organizes the children’s doctor’s appointments, and makes sure that holidays are celebrated in full joy. From the Desk of Stories of Hope, I sat down with Melina to discuss how she is able to see the image of God in her everyday work.

Stories of Hope (SoH): What does the phrase, ¨The Image of God¨ mean to you?”

Melina: For me, the ¨Image of God¨ is every child and adult, every person that is at the ranch. Because God manifests through every life. So, for me, to think in the image of God is to think about my brother, or to think about whoever is in front of, or around me.

SoH: You’re working every day with difficult children and challenging situations. Is it hard to remember God, and life in Christ, when you’re worried about all the little things, like paperwork and mealtimes?

Melina: I use the phrase “Lord have mercy” a lot in my day. Or I use the person in front of me to say for example, “Lord have mercy on Julia.” I also go to church, but it is hard because my relationship with God doesn’t feel so good right now. Sometimes it’s easier to just not go to church, or very difficult to focus my thoughts. I know that these things [church and prayer] are the answer, and I am teaching this to the children, but sometimes it’s a struggle to do it myself.

SoH: How does working with the boys of Casa Hogar affect you?

Melina: I like to think that God is with all of us, through the good and bad moments. It is a great work in me, and I am grateful, primarily to God, that he brought me here and gave me an opportunity to work for this institution. I feel that returning to work here is a way to be able to show my gratitude and thanks to God, and be able to return a very little part of the many blessings that I have been given. Everyday can be a battle, but because I feel grateful, I am able to be happy in my work.

SoH: How do you approach caring for others?

Melina: I like to think, if you have love, give love, even if people say don’t. If you have compassion, give compassion to whoever you can. It’s not me, God put me in this place. God can move us to his path. Many times during work, the young kids will get angry, frustrated and difficult. We have to have compassion on them, and understand that it’s not them, but what they represent. So, I ask, how can I take care of God through the person that is right in front of me?

Our annual matching grant is in full swing. We are grateful to our generous grant sponsors for pledging $100,000 (at the time of this writing) and between now and December 31st, 2024 you can double your gift!

A Letter from the Chairman, Dennis Awad

Dear Friends and Suporters,

Our new infant orphanage, Casa Cuna San Felipe was dedicated on June 28 with over 270 supporters and volunteers who gathered together at our 16-acre ranch in Northern Baja. Fifteen priests lead the gathered guests and homebuilding volunteers in singing hymns of glory. Everyone sensed that a once in a lifetime moment was about to happen. The cutting of the ribbon to enter this special place was done and a refuge for God’s children was born.

At Casa Cuna I watched as the volunteers carefully mounted pictures and icons 2 and 3 feet from the ground so our little ones could see the images when they walked into their little chapel that was made for them. Our homebuilding program welcomed over 600 volunteers from all over the world, including an Orthodox family from Thailand. These dedicated volunteers built 28 homes for those in need. I saw the volunteers as they worked tirelessly constructing a home for a family in the local community. The new inhabitants of these safe and secure homes wept in joy and gratitude when the keys to their new homes were turned over to them.

Our mission to provide hope was being fulfilled by these young adults, parents and senior citizen mentors as they toiled in the hot sun. Our ministry changes the lives of those that are in need while the love of working in community together draws us closer to God. As the chairman of the board of trustees, I see the image of God in his

people who work here at Project Mexico. I also recognize those who selflessly give of their time and talents to serve others. This remarkable ministry is made possible by your generous financial support and we are thankful that you are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

With Gratitude,

Dennis Awad, Chairman

Our annual matching grant is in full swing. We are grateful to our generous grant sponsors for pledging $100,000 (at the time of this writing) and between now and December 31st, 2024 you can double your gift!

God's Image Gives Life

Blessed Country

We all need to be reminded that God has blessed our country, therefore let us share our blessings with those in need. Hence the Orthodox community in the United States, from all jurisdictions, travel to Mexico to bring relief to families who are plagued by third-world conditions. This is no easy task, but we are up for the challenge.

During the 2024 Homebuilding season, we built 28 homes with over 600 missionaries. Humanity is created to rise above the tragedy of this world. In Psalm 82, which we chant every Holy Saturday, the Lord shouts out to us that we are gods therefore do not die as mere mortal men (Ps. 82:6-7). We are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26) and are different than all of creation. This difference allows us to preform inconceivable feats, overcoming the most dire of obstacles. This image of God in us is the reason for Project Mexico’s success and continues to fuel its progress throughout every moment.

For over a decade, my family and I lived in Mexico at the St. Innocent Orphanage caring for the boys day-to-day. Waking up at 5:00 am for morning prayers was draining but the larger challenge was to persevere as the children struggled through the trauma of being abandoned. The streets of Tijuana is no place to call home. Violence, prostitution, drug cartels and abuse are the sad reality of inner-city life. Thank God the Orphanage exists to provide a safe place where these boys can grow and experience the joys of life.

As the Executive Director, I now have the responsibility of leading Project Mexico so that all facets of this pan-Orthodox organization can be successful in the eyes of God. The life-giving inspiration that provides the energy to continue shines through the children’s example. Seeing God in the love, perseverance, hope, joy, and patience of these little ones is not only encouraging but transformational. God’s Image is undeniably present in the boys, and now in the little infant girls too, at the St. Innocent Orphanage and San Felipe Casa Cuna. Let us all see this image and, no matter the challenge, rise to do amazing things in Jesus Christ.

Our annual matching grant is in full swing. We are grateful to our generous grant sponsors for pledging $100,000 (at the time of this writing) and between now and December 31st, 2024 you can double your gift!

Indulge in Fresh, House-Made Fig Jam and Support a Great Cause

The Holiday Season is a Perfect Time for Jam!

Are you a fan of unique, high-quality, artisanal products? Look no further! We are excited to introduce *Padre’s Fig Jam*, a fresh, house-made delight crafted with love and care. Made exclusively from handpicked figs cultivated on our very own fig trees, this jam bursts with rich, natural flavor in every bite. Perfect for toast, cheese boards, or even as a sweet addition to your favorite recipes, this fig jam is a treat you don’t want to miss.

But that’s not all—when you purchase a jar of *Padre’s Fig Jam*, you’re not just indulging in a delicious product, you’re also making a difference. Every dollar from your purchase goes directly to benefit the children of **St. Innocent Orphanage**, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care, education, and support to orphaned children. Your purchase will help fund essential programs and resources, giving these children hope for a brighter future.

You can enjoy this delicious jam and contribute to a meaningful cause by shopping exclusively through our online store. It’s as easy as hitting the button below to place your order and have this house-made jam delivered right to your doorstep.

Don’t wait! **Shop now** and savor the taste of *Padre’s Fig Jam* while supporting children in need. Together, we can make a sweet impact—one jar at a time.

*Order before December 12th, 2024 to ensure Christmas gift arrival.

Working Forward by Alejandro Zendejas

Answering God's Call: Living the Orthodox Life at St. Innocent Orphanage and Inspiring Faith

I have been blessed with opportunities that have influenced me to continue on the path of the Orthodox Life. Since graduating from Hellenic College Holy Cross, I often felt that God was calling me to return to St. Innocent Orphanage and fulfill a purpose here. With two post-college moves and job-searching, I was able to ignore this feeling and continue life as normal. It was easy for me to avoid something I knew would be difficult and uncomfortable at times, even if I knew it was the right thing.

The act of putting God’s will before your own is not an easy feat. It took me a year to finally come to terms with that calling. Life in America was comfortable but life in Mexico is fulfilling. There is still a mystery in my purpose and I haven’t quite discovered the reason that

God called me to come back, but what I do know is that living and serving here keeps me accountable for continuing my journey in the Orthodox way. Striving to set an example and be a resource for the boys. My hope is that more of the boys will succeed in utilizing the opportunities given to them through St. Innocent’s in order to become men who are strong in their faith, firm in their beliefs, and secure in their future.

Learning to Laugh

God came to challenge us to keep growing no matter what our age. (Matt. 5:48) As we celebrate Pascha/Easter, we learn what it really means to follow Jesus. We realize that He suffered for us and through His resurrection our lives can be filled with life and hope. We are called to follow with hope. Here in Tijuana, we are surrounded by plenty of tragedy for this reason the Mexican government asked us to open “Casa Cuna San Felipe,” Casa Cuna is Spanish for Infant Orphanage.

In October of last year we received our first infant, little Felipe. We loved him. We held him. We fed him. He learned how to smile and laugh for the first time and was adopted by a loving Mexican family in January of this year. These infants and toddlers, who were abandoned, learn to do their Orthodox cross, kiss icons and sing to Jesus. Laughter emanates from the Casa Cuna. These joyous little ones know that Jesus loves them because now they have a home.

Currently, we care for 27 boys, one infant and four toddlers. St. Paul encourages us to live a life of purpose, patience, perseverance, and faith. (2 Tim. 3:10-15) As missionaries of the Good News we strive to live the Gospel by upholding the life of Christ through compassion and love. This endeavor is easier said than done when you have an infant crying, two toddlers fighting and three teenagers making fun of you.

The Orthodox team here in Tijuana is not perfect but it is our goal to learn from the lessons of the ministry so to grow closer to Jesus. The Church community of St. Innocent Orphanage allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We also have access to the Sacramental Life. In tears we confess our sins. With hope we lift up our voices to praise God. And in gratefulness, we receive Holy Communion, the Eucharist, the flesh and blood of God. We are becoming one with Jesus through caring for His little ones.

• Repurposed a dormitory to house five female long-term missionaries

• Installed two new icons in the Orphanage Chapel

• Purchased land to build a new church outside of the Orphanage for the people of Tijuana

• Remodeled the intern dorm so we could begin caring for six infants

• Completed 60% of the infant orphanage which will house up to 15 children from newborns to toddlers

Like the mustard tree, Project Mexico has become a place where children can find refuge, where young adults can discover God’s purpose for them, and where Mexican families can receive help in order to rise out of homelessness. Jesus Christ was sent by His Father and hung on the tree for us. That tree is the cross and is the vehicle that brings life. Now, at the St. Innocent Orphanage & Project Mexico, the tree is growing and we all are becoming more like Jesus. Therefore, let us celebrate Pascha/Easter, rise to the occasion and learn to always put our hope in God.

Christmas at St Innocent Orphanage

A joyous celebration of Christmas at St Innocent Orphanage

The Spirit of Christ is alive at St Innocent Orphanage during Christmas

Christmas at Project Mexico & St Innocent Orphanage 2022 (Hi-Def, 4k) In this heartwarming video and photo collage, the staff and children of Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage in Baja Mexico celebrate Christmas and all its blessings at the only 100% donor-supported Orthodox Orphanage in North America. Because of the efforts of our generous donors, we were able to surpass our $200,000 Annual Matching Grant goal of 2022. This will ensure that the children of St Innocent Orphanage are provided with the best care, education and support they need to be successful.

Anticipating the Holy Spirit by Nathan Liu

Blessed Pentecost

Blessed Pentecost! It was a joy to celebrate the feast with a pavilion full of volunteers, boys, and staff. One of my favorite parts of Pentecost is our return to saying the “O Heavenly King” prayer. I love the melody that we chant here at the ranch:

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls, O Good One.

Project Mexico interns recently asked Father Nicholas Andruchow why we omit “O Heavenly King” from Pascha to Pentecost. He taught us that the omission allows us to walk with the apostles. Just as the Church asks us to participate in the events of Christ’s Passion during Holy Week, she invites us to join the disciples in anticipating the Holy Spirit during this period. From Christ’s Ascension to the coming of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were filled with nervous excitement, not quite knowing what to expect.

I experienced a similar anticipation when preparing to come to Project Mexico. From the time I was accepted as an intern until my arrival, I experienced a sort of nervous excitement. I tried to prepare as much as possible by listening to the “Stories of Hope” podcast and calling my intern friends. They told me I was in for a wonderful and challenging summer.

Arriving at Project Mexico was truly an experience of meeting the Holy Spirit. Like the apostles on the day of Pentecost, I found myself filled with joy. There are so many people here who carry the Spirit in their hearts, especially the niños and the families for whom we build. They inspire me to turn toward our Heavenly King and to implore Him to abide in me.

Have you experienced that anticipation of preparing to come down to Project Mexico? Have you been filled with that nervousness of not knowing what to expect in the homebuilding? Or that excitement of looking forward to encountering Christ in the orphanage? Come down and join us in meeting the Holy Spirit here in Mexico.

There are still spots for this summer!

Growing Up at St Innocent by Pabayo

The time I spent in other orphanages before the ranch felt like an eternity. The abuse I endured at the other orphanage had become too much for me to take. The day I arrived at St Innocent Orphanage I was a confused six-year-old sitting in a car and just trying to figure out where I was and where I was going.

My childhood at St Innocent Orphanage was fun. I played marbles and tops and sometimes Pokémon. I went to school and to church. I drew and painted and grew to love playing soccer with my brothers. I have so many good memories. The ranch became my home. It is my family. The place I feel most comfortable in this world.

When I arrived, I was rude, didn’t listen and I would bother the younger boys. But the ranch gave me what I needed to be the man I am today through education and time. By education, I don’t just mean school, although it was an important part, I also learned discipline, guidance, direction and faith. It took time and patience and the space to grow and mature.

The church had a big role in my growth. Even though for a while I went just because I had to, the spiritual life made me stronger. I feel the presence of God in my life. Christ says to come to Him and to get to know Him. I feel that. His presence fills me with peace. Knowing God gives me purpose and church is no longer an obligation. My faith is something that I have chosen. This became clear to me in high school, when my classmates would challenge me for having faith, sometimes making fun, but I never doubted. My base is too strong. I know the Truth.

I am studying Psychology at the University. I enjoy my classes even though the assignments can seem unending. I’ve changed so much since I first arrived. The uncertain little boy, unsure of where he is or where he is going is gone. I have goals. I want to make a life for myself. My goals may seem ordinary but the simple things in life are what is most important to me like finishing my degree, having a career, and my own family. Maybe one day I will have loftier goals, but honestly, these simple goals seem like a privilege. Having an education, a career and a family is a luxury for so many people and I am blessed that these goals are within my reach.

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