Finding Strength Through Faith: A Summer Internship Experience with Project Mexico

Discover how a summer internship with Project Mexico taught lessons of humility, perseverance, and faith.

By Jasmine Hunter
Project Mexico Intern 2025

It was my last build week of the summer, and I was convinced that I was going to mix the whole concrete pad we build the house on with whatever strength I had left in my body. It was an ambitious goal, as up until that point, I’d spent most of my concrete days shoveling sand and carrying buckets. Over-confident and amped up on the sugar of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I grabbed a hoe.

An hour or two in, I was mixing in disbelief. I knew in my heart that it was not by my own strength that my muscles continued to pull beyond any capacity I’d known. God was surely there with me, giving me the strength to continue on. I was grateful for about half the pad, but as we neared completion, my thoughts turned towards how proud I’d be when sharing my accomplishments with my friends. 

God, in His loving kindness, didn’t leave me in my prideful temptation. A blister started to form on my left hand. I initially ignored it, but three-quarters of the way through the pad, it burned with a fury. In frustration and disappointment, I passed on the hoe and left to go nurse my wound. Reflecting later on, I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was as if God were telling me, “Remain humble. You think you are indestructible? I took you out with a mere blister!”

My last concrete day is an allegory for my whole experience as a Project Mexico intern this past summer. Coming down to serve in a different country with no experience in construction, I expected to struggle. There were several times when I felt that I’d pushed myself beyond my limits, and yet I held on to the mustard seed of faith that had brought me there. In every moment, I strove to give whatever minuscule strength or effort I could provide, trusting that God would provide the rest, and that through his strength, I could accomplish seemingly impossible things.

God's Image Gives Life by Father Nicholas Andruchow

Don’t we all wish that Christ will speak to us and say, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”? (Luke 23:43)

Project Mexico is a taste of Paradise, even though it started from humble beginnings.  In 1987, the founders, Greg and Margaret Yova, had few resources, limited experience working with orphans, and virtually no track record of running a multifaceted international Orthodox ministry.  But with ample faith and little resources, they accomplished so much.  Not having enough money to pay the mortgage, salaries or buy groceries made the ministry’s foundation precarious.  And these two young adults laid the foundation for the largest young adult short-term mission organization in the world.  From a little seed so much has grown.

I remember when I first arrived at Project Mexico in 1995.  I had no intention of committing my life to Christ in third-world conditions, but Jesus had other plans.  As a layman, I visited for two weeks, and it turned into three years.  After leaving in 1999, attending seminary and running a small church in Arizona for ten years, I returned to Mexico in 2011 with three children and a wife.  My bishop blessed me to leave parish life for two years with the intent to return to America.  Those two years have turned into 15 years of serving the Church via Project Mexico.  Both tours grew from a spark of dedication and were transformed into a tenure of service. God converted a humble leap of faith into close to two decades of laborers.  Jesus’ power changes the smallest effort into abundant success.

Recently, one of the boys commented that the St. Innocent Orphanage is a type of paradise.  He arrived only eight years old and had barely survived the terrors of Tijuana.  He ran away from home because of all the abuse and tried to avoid the Mexican government, knowing how unhealthy the state boys’ shelters are.  Eventually, the authorities found him and his brother homeless on the streets.  He always had faith that there was going to be something better, which is why he fled his horrible family life.  He found something so much better, the St. Innocent Orphanage.  Both he and his brother are safe, receiving a good education and feel the love of Jesus every day.  Their little faith has been turned into a life of Paradise.

Thousands of young adults from all Orthodox jurisdictions in America have come to Mexico to make a difference and build homes.  They believe in Jesus Christ and that has given them the courage to serve in stressful third-world conditions.  Their youthful faith has converted this missionary ministry into an ambitious labor that runs the only Orthodox Orphanage in the hemisphere.  Possibly these young volunteers are not seminary trained, nor are they international entrepreneurs or graduates of master's programs in anthropology, but they have faith.  Faith that is little, young and might seem minuscule has moved mountains.  Paradise has been planted.  Come and see this piece of paradise for yourself just south of the border in Tijuana.

Take the next step in faith. Contribute to our Matching Grant Campaign and transform lives with a doubled gift.

Padre’s Fig Jam: A Taste of Love and Purpose

There’s something special about a product made by hand, grown with care, and rooted in love and faith. Padre’s Fig Jam isn’t just a delicious spread—it’s a taste of hope and compassion that reaches far beyond the kitchen table.

Harvested from sun-ripened figs grown on the grounds of St. Innocent Orphanage in Rosarito, Mexico, this small-batch jam is crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients. Every jar reflects the care of our community and the beauty of God’s creation. But what truly makes Padre’s Fig Jam unique is its purpose.

All proceeds directly support Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage, helping us continue our mission of building homes for families in need and providing care for orphaned children. Each purchase helps us house, feed, and educate children while empowering volunteers to serve Christ through love and service.

Whether you spread it on warm bread, drizzle it over cheese, or gift it to a loved one, Padre’s Fig Jam brings sweetness with meaning. It’s more than a jar of jam—it’s a way to be part of something lasting, something that transforms lives.

Your support helps us grow not just fruit, but faith, hope, and opportunity.

Shop Padre’s Fig Jam today and savor the difference your generosity makes. Together, we can continue to build homes, nurture children, and spread love—one spoonful at a time.