Members and friends of the United Church of Los Alamos and the Unitarian Universalist Church built three houses during spring break for needy families in Mexico. Photo by Keith LewisUCLA News:
Randy and Laura Erickson have been on trips to build homes in Mexico during spring break for decades. The 33rd annual trip took place at the end of March with 75 campers headed to build three homes for those less fortunate.
Since 1986, volunteers have built the equivalent of 149 homes.
“The Mexico 2018 trip went very well,” Laura said. “We had good people, great weather, no health issues or vehicle problems. The team built two singles and a double in four working days, in order to break camp and be home for Easter.”
This Sunday the members and friends of the United Church of Los Alamos and the Unitarian Universalist Church, will host a church service dedicated to the work of the trip. The spring break travelers will share their experiences of what took place, as the team of 75 built three homes for three families in four days. Los Alamos High School junior Jack Whitacre was invited by a friend and decided to give the life changing opportunity for himself and others a try.
“The whole experience was great, the people were great and friendly and the work was rewarding,” Whitacre said. “The families we built homes for all seemed extremely grateful and happy that we could do this for them.”
Often, the families not only assist on the builds, but occasionally feed their volunteers on one day of the project. A fond memory for this year was when one of the future home owners made the workers home-made manta ray stew with fresh corn tortillas. According to campers, it was delicious.
United Church Youth Pastor Keith Lewis said he enjoys spending time with the youth on the trip, helping them grow, in a hands-on way creating beautiful memories.
“The work team was large and diverse … old hands and newbies, all hard workers,” Lewis said. “The new workers never complained, just jumped in feet first, to work hard to complete our work in four days.”
A 9:30 a.m. service Sunday will allow campers to share their experience, which will be followed by a slideshow of the week-long adventure. The church is at 2525 Canyon Road and more information is available by calling 505.662.2971.
“The last I have to say,” Whitacre said, “is I recommend people go, it is just a fantastic experience!”
