As this entry is posted I will be in Mexico building houses with a group called Esperanza. Ezperanza is the Spanish word for hope and the group is a non-profit group that is similar to Habitat for Humanity. The goal of Esperanza is building community, houses are just a by product. They go into the barrios of Tijuana and teach people how to save money, buy land, and make all of the concrete bricks for a small house. The members of the group then have to make all of the bricks for their house and also work on their neighbors houses building “sweat equity” before a group like my church group will come down and help them pour a concrete foundation, floor or ceiling. Esperanza does not actually build a great number of houses in a year, but going back to someone’s house that you helped build makes every house special.

I came the first time probably more out of some vague sense of guilt or obligation, but I have gone back 11 times because of the people I have met… oh yes… and the food. Don’t forget the food.

For more information check out Episode 11 - Houses in Mexico of the Amateur Traveler