Maria finished her prayer with the group of women and whispered, “Amen.” They opened their eyes and gave small smiles as they said their goodbyes. “Thank you for coming,” Maria called out. “See you next week!” Maria Jimenez, one of the moms in the Strong Families Program in Cancun, has been inviting women in her… Read more
“What do you need done today?” The team of moms awaited an answer, cleaning supplies and energy in hand. “Well, I haven’t moved my refrigerator in a long time. . . the space probably needs cleaned,” came the response. No further discussion was necessary, the women just got to work. Back2Back staff Lili and Rosario… Read more
The room was quiet with the exception of the clicking of keyboard keys. Ricardo, a newly hired teacher at the Community Center in Tres Reyes, walked behind the three students as they worked on their computers. The teens were focused and working hard, and this made Ricardo smile. Recently, Iram, Angel, and Rubi, three teens… Read more
Darlene Ruiz, Back2Back Cancun staff, looked around the circle of families holding hands. Their heads were bowed as another staff member, Matt Cooper, spoke a soft prayer over the group and location. She smiled, anticipating the growth to come in this new space, and they all collectively whispered, “Amen.” A home in Cancun has recently… Read more
Jèsus handed his drawing to Ximena Zarate, Back2Back Cancun Staff, as he walked out of the room. She looked down at the page and saw Diego* written at the top. “Jèsus?” she called after him. He turned around and looked directly at her, “I want to be called Diego.” She made a mental note and smiled at him…. Read more
This month’s guest writer is Kelly Mangin. The Mangin family has been traveling with Back2Back to Cancun since 2011. Kelly and her husband Kevin, along with their three children, have been sponsoring Sofi and Chave since 2012 and visit Cancun yearly. Before we got the call, I remember asking God for a miracle. In all the days, months,… Read more
“You can drop me off here!” Stanley* looked at Lauren Neal, Lighthouse Children’s Home staff, with a huge smile. Lauren watched him walk to the house just ahead, ensuring his safe arrival. Stanley’s confidence and excitement at arriving to his new foster home allows Lauren and the Back2Back staff to feel assurance this is the… Read more
A large pitcher of watermelon water sits on the table. The heat of the day lingers in the space of the open-air restaurant, and three men sit watching an American home renovation show subtitled in Spanish. A lime green wall is the backdrop for the kitchen where Luz and her two sisters, Diana and Lily,… Read more
Long, white tables were set up in rows. The light from the Cancun sun filled the room. Mothers and fathers, and the occasional young child, filed in and found a seat at the table. A calculator, notebook, and writing utensil waited at each spot. These tools were provided to encourage the tracking of monthly income… Read more