Global Village – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
April 20 -28, 2019
Twenty volunteers from Teton Counties in Wyoming and Idaho, traveled to Mexico to assist in constructing a pair of homes for families in need. A new relationship between the Global Village arm of Teton Habitat for Humanity and Habitat Mexico paved the way for our construction efforts. The need was profound, the result substantial and the experience unparalleled.
This trip was highly organized, well communicated and flawlessly executed. The leadership of Augusta Friendsmith, Carsten Stuhr and their counterparts in Mexico was instrumental in the seamless operation from start to finish. Well in advance of our trip several fund raising opportunities allowed the volunteer participants the chance to minimize and even eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.
Accommodations were clean, comfortable and conveniently located on the beach. Though our work days were hot and physical there was ample time to rest, relax and explore our new surroundings in Puerto Escondido. The homes under construction provided our two small groups plenty of productive work and a newly acquired measure of masonry skills. Enough cannot be said of the caliber and character of this hardy, happy and hardworking volunteer group. I may have traveled to Mexico with 19 strangers but came home with 19 friends. This experience was perhaps the most personally fulfilling week of my life and I eagerly look forward to the opportunity to do it again.
Written by: Matt Hare
I was told my international experience with Habitat would be life changing and it was. I was so fortunate to travel with such an incredible team from Teton Habitat. Then to meet the fabulous team in Mexico and work side by side with them, I can’t express how rewarding it was to see what can be accomplished in such a short period of time. The Mexico Habitat families were so open and appreciative of our team’s work. Even though there weren’t always words to communicate because of language; gestures, smiles and hugs spoke volumes. When our work week was done, the closing ceremony in the afternoon brought all the families and friends together to mingle with more hugs, tears, and not necessarily good-byes, but until we meet again. I thank Teton Habitat and Habitat Mexico for this opportunity and can’t wait till next year. I also celebrated a milestone birthday which will always be a highlight of my experience.
Written by: Jackie Riley
Building strength, stability, and self-reliance! Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area (Teton Habitat) elizabeth@tetonhabitat.org | 307-734-0828 850 W. Broadway | P.O.Box 4194 Jackson Hole, WY 83001 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tetonhabitat/ ReStore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tetonhabitatrestore/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teton_habitat/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TetonHabitat