Mission Accomplished: Building Houses in Mexico

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Quinlan Rogers

Quinlan recounts his mission trip experience.

Quinlan Rogers, Reporter

This past mid-winter break I had the opportunity to go down to Tijuana, Mexico, to build houses for the poor. I went down with the local Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, for a week, with 140 people. I had no idea what to expect.

The first days of building were very arduous. We had to pour a concrete slab which, by far, took the toughest toll on the body. We had to mix all the concrete by shoveling rocks and adding water simultaneously. I had no previous experience building houses and it was a fast awakening. The whole group was split up into eight different teams, meaning we had to build eight separate houses for eight different families. My team of 18 people bonded immediately.

We then built all the walls, which felt rewarding because we could finally start seeing shape in the house. This was my favorite day by far because it was a TON of hammering. We then had to put on chicken wire around the house, tar paper, and stucco. We also had to build the roof which was specifically my favorite job.

Taking a step back and looking at everything we accomplished as a team was inspiring. It was something I will never forget.

A very heartwarming moment was when we gave the keys of the house to the family. It was amazing to see how blessed I am not just compared to the people in Tijuana, but in the world. Every single house was a shack and that was a shock. From my friendships to my faith, it was a strong learning experience

My team grew really close to the family who was receiving the house. As we were finishing up the last touches on the house, they would watch us and smile. They told us how grateful they are for the house and how much it will help them.

The largest thing I could take away from the trip was my connections with the people around me. It positively changed my life and my perspective of the world around me. I am also positive that the Mexican families we helped were changed for the better.

One word I would use to describe this Mexico trip would be indescribable. I cannot put into words how special and powerful Mexico was to my life and the families who received a home.